All posts by Dave Lindsay
Below are all of Dave Lindsay's postings, with the most recent are at the bottom of the page.
d gentles: Do an automatic retune or manually scan UHF channel 29.
This service is only available from Crystal Palace transmitter and is also not available to all viewers of that transmitter owing to its lower power and the way in which it doesn't broadcast uniformly in all directions. Knowledge of your location would allow some idea of the likelihood that you may be able to pick it up.
| link to this comment |
Very annoyed : You can, of course, watch the programmes in full on ITV3.
The reason for ITV3+1 only being part time on Freeview has already been covered above.
| link to this comment |
Martin Batchelor: Use two aerials and a diplexer which "splits" at C38. Be aware, though, that C37 will be attenuated a bit, this being the channel of the forthcoming COM8 from Rowridge. Television Aerial Boosters / Amplifiers, Splitters, Diplexers & Triplexers
| link to this comment |
Martin Batchelor: If you are using a wideband aerial to receive Group A channels (which COM7 does, and COM8 will, use exclusively) then a log periodic or Group A yagi is best: Rowridge Transmitter A yagi "wideband" is such a great compromise that the gain on Group A channels will be nothing like the single gain figure quoted by the manufacturer. The polar plot effectively indicates the level of power emitted in each direction. It is nowhere near as simple as drawing a circle which shows which areas the signal is available in. Consider your location: Here is a plot of the terrain between you and the transmitter:
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location Those 19 miles from the Mendip transmitting station will have excellent reception where it can be seen. Indeed, line-of-sight (or "closeness" to) is the most important factor as high power transmitters can be received many tens of miles away in locations where there is nothing in the way. At your location, other than trees and nearby buildings that could hamper, there is higher ground which might provide difficulty. At 5.5 miles out there is Bratton Hill and, looking at the contours, nearby are other high parts, some of which are tree-covered. At 1 mile out there is slightly higher ground at Horsington, which has objects on it (buildings and trees). The power of Mendip's COM7, according to Digital UK, is 72.35kW. The signal is 2dB down in your direction which means you have an effective radiated power of 45.65kW in your direction. We have no idea whether the main six multiplexes are attenuated in the same way as the powers that be won't release the radiation patterns for them. The radiation pattern for Mendip's COM8 doesn't look good for you, particularly if you're struggling with COM7. There is a -12dB notch in your direction which, assuming a full ERP of 72.35kW gives you 4.56kW, assuming no signal bending (which could help you or alternatively give you varying reception). As for reception of COM7 from Rowridge are you sure it's from Rowridge? For these channels Rowridge and Wenvoe is (will be) co-channel and you said you can receive from Wenvoe. A terrain plot for Rowridge shows that Cranborne Chase is in your way:
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location Your path to Wenvoe is blocked from about 3 miles out:
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location According to Digital UK, COM7 from Wenvoe is as 46.99kW as against 100kW for PSBs and 50kW for COMs. From Rowridge it is 24.41kW versus 200kW for PSBs and 50kW for COMs (horizontally). The bearing of Mendip is 331deg and that to Wenvoe is 311deg. If the COM7 on C31 is actually coming from Wenvoe then you "might" get away with turning your aerial a little anti-clockwise so as to pick up COM7 (and COM8) from Wenvoe and the other channels from Mendip. Neither Rowridge nor Wenvoe look as if they may provide stable reception all year round, so be ready for the picture to break up or disappear completely. Additionally, one could interfere with the other (for COM7 and COM8).
| link to this comment |
sherise: Nope, not likely. The plan was drawn up for 30 full service transmitters only, and this didn't include Sudbury, Dover or Heathfield, to name but a few.
| link to this comment |
Harry Gorman: The short answer is Freesat (if you want them on a free-to-air platform). To get them on terrestrial (Freeview) you will need to receive from Caradon Hill, and judging by the terrain in the way I'm not sure that will provide stable reception:
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location See if any of your neighbours have aerials pointing to Caradon Hill, as they will probably have them in order to get all the Freeview channels. Maybe ask if they have reliable reception or whether it changes depending on the weather and time of year.
| link to this comment |
'Cepta: That's probably because they are non-geographic premium numbers.
The geographic main switchboard number for Ideal World (of which Create & Craft is a part) is 01733 316200, as published by SAYNOTO0870.COM. They will apparently not put calls through to customer services, but I imagine that this is so as to ensure receipt of the Service Charge on the premium number, a charge which is now illegal under the Consumer Contracts Regulations.
| link to this comment |
SteveK: The point is that the new HD channels are on a quasi-national basis, just as pre-switchover Freeview was. Indeed, they are effectively in "pre-switchover" mode.
Not everyone can receive all standard definition Freeview channels because they aren't carried from all transmitters. For example, those using the Haywards Heath relay only get the PSB channels. By the same token not everyone can receive the new HD channels.
It is about serving as many people as possible at least possible cost. Plus, international clearance is required.
As you may know, the only place you will receive the new channels from, if at all, is Crystal Palace. If Crystal Palace is "not an option" for you because there's a tree or building in the way then you will have to look to satellite TV for these services. If you regard Crystal Palace as "not an option" because it doesn't provide your desired regional programming, but it is otherwise receiveable (and the new lower-powered HD mux is receivable) then you could go down the route of having a second aerial installed and the feed combined with your Heathfield aerial in order to receive South East regional programming and COM7 and COM8 HD muxes.
| link to this comment |
andrew king: The short and likely answer is "yes", but you "might" need a replacement aerial to receive COM7 (and COM8 when it comes on air). All transmitters broadcast the HD multiplex PSB3 which carries HD variants of BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, CBBC, ITV and Channel 4. HD variants of BBC Four, BBC News, Channel 4+1, 4seven, Al Jazeera and others are carried on COM7 which is a quasi-national multiplex. To receive COM7 from Mendip you "might" require a wideband aerial because the frequency used is outside that which an aerial fitted in the days of analogue works best at (what's known as "out of group" - if it's a Group C/D aerial). I emphasise "might" - cross that bridge when you get to it. At 18 miles from the transmitter you appear to have clear line-of-sight, assuming no obstructions on the ground. Without question, if you do replace your aerial I would go with a log periodic: Aerials, TV Aerial and Digital Aerial
| link to this comment |
Wednesday 24 September 2014 6:26PM
Jean: Is this what you're after?
Detailed?comparison Freesat/Sky | ukfree.tv - 12 years of independent, free digital TV advice