All posts by Dave Lindsay
Below are all of Dave Lindsay's postings, with the most recent are at the bottom of the page.
J Baxter: Please provide your location (preferrably in the form of post code) and we should be able to assist with the channel you need to manually tune to. Also, the direction your aerial may be useful, particularly if there are a number of possibilities.
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Joseph K: Examination of the images of your appartment block taken by Google Streetview clearly show what could well be the communal aerial and it is directed at Emley Moor:
bd1 5bl - Google Maps
You shouldn't need a booster with *any* communal aerial system (unless perhaps you're feeding more than one set from a single aerial outlet) because the system should be supplying the signals at the correct level (as communal systems contain amplifiers/boosters). If it's not, then that is a matter which needs addressing by whoever is is responsible for the system.
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todd: Having tuned the set in that you're using when setting up your aerial, check that it is tuned to Belmont for all its channels and not another station such as Waltham which would appear to be very strong in Great Gonerby.
For each of the following, check the signal strength screen and ensure that it is tuned to Belmont:
BBC One = C22
ITV1 = C25
BBC One HD = C28
ITV3 = C30
Pick TV = C53
Yesterday = C60
You should not have Waltham whose channels are:
BBC One = C61
ITV1 = C54
BBC One HD = C58
ITV3 = C29
Pick TV = C56
Yesterday = C57
Try pointing the aerial in the direction of Belmont from a first floor window.
Maybe the roof tiles are affecting the signal too much. I read on here comments about some modern tiles having greater metallic content which inhibits signals.
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Harri Ackone: No, the Commercial broadcasters don't wish to be bothered with 1000 or so small relays like Luccombe. See here for an explanation:
Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
I tried the post code for Shanklin Theatre and it suggests that Rowridge will be best:
Postcode Checker - Trade View
If your Luccombe aerial is a Group one, then you will need a different aerial. A Group A aerial is probably the best for you for Rowridge which is a Group A transmitter. The gain of wideband Yagi aerials is lower at Group A frequencies.
If you're looking at DIYing, then I recommend that you look at ATV Sheffield's site. They have an encyclopedia of aerial knowledge and they make their products available mail order:
Rowridge Transmitter
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Rob Hayward: The channels listed under "Rowridge transmitter Freeview broadcasts" are correct now, up until the end of 17th April.
Those shown under "Transmission frequencies" for "After Wednesday 21st March 2012" are in fact those that will be used from 18th April onwards (with the exception of 30, 31, 36 and 37).
The significance of 21st March was that was when the second stage of switchover occured. In many cases there are now further changes. However, in the case of Rowridge, the Commercial multiplexes stay on their pre-switchover channels until 18th April.
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Rob Hayward: The penultimate sentence of the last paragraph should say "In many cases there are *no* further changes."
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james: It is the decision of the Commercial operators not to broadcast from Girvan and 1000 or so other small relays because (evidently) they do not consider the outlay to provide a worthwhile return.
They cover 90% of the population from 80 transmitters and to broadcast from the relays would roughly double their transmission costs for an additional coverage of 8.5% of the population. For a more in depth explanation, see here:
Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
The projected coverage of Divis by this website suggests that it will be receiveable in your general area. As Northern Ireland does not switch over to digital until October, you may have to wait until then (if you can get it then).
The Girvan transmitter uses Group C/D channels (top third of the band of frequencies used for TV) and Divis will use Group A ones, so you should be able to diplex (combine) the two aerials into one downlead to provide you with Scottish regional programming and the Commercial multiplexes from Divis.
Your location, preferably in the form of a post code, will allow your likelihood of reception of the Commercial services from transmitters. Or you can go to Digital UK, input your post code and tick the box to say you're in the trade:
Digital UK - Postcode checker
The only thing to be aware of is that other regions such as Northern Ireland might not be shown. I've noticed that even though it appears that a transmitter will serve a particular area, it isn't always shown because it is a different region (although often they are).
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james: For all lots of information about aerials, see ATV Sheffield's site www.aerialsandtv.com
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James: It's worth reading ATV's site about aerials. In particular, wideband Yagi aerials have less gain at Group A frequencies:
Gain (curves), Again
Probably best to use a Group A aerial for Divis.
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Sunday 1 April 2012 2:27PM
Andy: The broadcasters that rely on revenue from advertising are likely to base their decisions on what they consider to be maximising those revenue streams.
Evidently, one assumes, showing ITV1 an hour later (in Freeview Lite areas) is seen a better earner than ITV3.