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All posts by Dave Lindsay

Below are all of Dave Lindsay's postings, with the most recent are at the bottom of the page.

Diagnostics - old version
Wednesday 4 April 2012 8:00PM

Daphne: Please can you give your location (preferably post code) as what can be picked up varies.

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aron: High Wycombe is now on full strength for BBC. Indeed, BBC standard definition digital services are the only digital ones it carries now.

On 18th Wycombe will carry the other Public Service multiplexes which include ITV1, ITV2, Channel 4, E4, More 4, Channel 5, HD services and a few others. It will not be a full Freeview transmitter.

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Cliff O'Garro: What's the make and model of your receiver? If you are only picking up these, then I wonder if it won't work after switchover.

Could you receive other channels before?

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Matt: Only BBC standard definition channels go on full power today. The rest, including HD, will follow in two weeks' time.

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Stephen: ONdigital boxes will not work after switchover because they do not comply fully with the DVB-T standard as they do not work in 8k mode which is what is used after switchover.

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Alex: Before switchover digital services are on lower power than after switchover. BBC standard definition services are now on full power and in two weeks time the rest will follow.

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Corin: This is correct. Wales transmission are 2kW horizontal. Granada's are 560W vertical.

As the photographs of the mast shows, each Wales transmissions are directed towards Wales and similarly Granada's are in the opposite direction:

mb21 - The Transmission Gallery

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aron: I would count yourself lucky that you can receive directly from Crystal Palace, even if it is at roof level only. Those in the valley that can only receive from High Wycombe transmitter aren't so lucky as they only get limited channels.

If you are in an area where you get a good signal from High Wycombe transmitter, such that a set-top aerial will work, but not where it will pick up Crystal Palace, then you could consider having limited channels on your second set.

For High Wycombe your set-top aerial should be set vertically.

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Roger: Being in such close proximity to the transmitter it is probably the level of signal which is overwhelming your receiver. At the moment only one multiplex has gone on high power (although at a few miles even the "low" ones are pretty high). In two weeks time when the rest follow, the problem could get worse.

See Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice

Get yourself an attenuator for a few pounds off eBay, although with the bank holidays you may be waiting a week for it.

In the mean time, to reduce the level of signals going into your TV, as a temporary fix you could try:

- a set-top aerial.

- if the aerial connector is one that screws together, unscrew the outer part so there is just the inner pin protruding. Then insert that pin into the socket on your TV.

- try just an aerial lead (not connected to the aerial). You may have to move it about to best effect and fasten it on the wall.

- a wire coathanger in the inner part of the aerial socket may do the trick.

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Gillie: The Commercial channels (which include ITV3) increased in strength from Mendip on 28th March. Have you tried a full retune since then?

If that still doesn't work, then if you can manually tune, do so to channel 48. Indeed, you could even try doing it before you retune.

Alternatively, take the downstairs TV upstairs (if you can) and tune in and bring it back down.

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