All posts by Dave Lindsay
Below are all of Dave Lindsay's postings, with the most recent are at the bottom of the page.
barry beales: No, King's Lynn relays only the three Public Service Broadcaster multiplexes (groups of programme channels).
You can receive from Belmont which does carry these services.
Before switchover King's Lynn only broadcast BBC1 and ITV1 analogue so as to allow viewers in the area to get the correct regional programming. An aerial was needed for Belmont to get BBC2 and C4.
Now King's Lynn broadcast these channels (because digital signals carry multiple programme channels, i.e. BBC1 comers along with BBC2 etc), but not the commcercial channels.
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Barry: Ofcom has published analogue and pre-switchover digital channels here:
Television Transmitter Frequencies
Assuming that you're aerial is on Hannington, then you need to tune to Ch35. Use the table here to convert UHF channel numbers to MHz.
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KMJ,Derby: How could this be made to work in practice?
Back in the days of four channel analogue, those in the King's Lynn area could have a Belmont aerial and King's Lynn aerial. They could be diplexed together, say 21 to 35 and 37 to 69 respectively. This would allow BBC2 and C4 from Belmont to be watched and BBC1 and Anglia from King's Lynn to be viewed.
Channel 5 analogue from Belmont was on Ch56 which meant that people with this setup could not receive it, for the same reason as they won't be able to get Arq A and Arq B (Ch53 and Ch60) because they are on channels above those of King's Lynn. The same was true of all but one digital multiplex prior to switchover.
So what would the professional solution be?
Is the answer to install a second aerial on Belmont for its services that are above those of King's Lynn? Could this be diplexed with the current King's Lynn aerial where the split is something like 21 to 50 (KL aerial) and 52 to 69 (second Belmont aerial)?
Of course, the reason for two Belmont aerials is because SDN is on Ch30 whereas the other two COMs are on 53 and 60.
Why is this? Why aren't they all in the same group?
From what I can see, the likely answer is because Ch31 to Ch35 (those at the top end of Group A) have been cleared so as to sell them off for the exclusive use of a new licencee or licencees. Had these channels still been available, then I guess that Belmont wouldn't be using two channels that are out of its analogue (exc Channel 5) group.
Surely a bit of forward planning would mean that new services could be fitted in, but by utilising different channels in different areas, just as all other services do.
The fact that this has not happened means that people like Barry now suffer unnecessary inconvenience and expense.
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hani: The current Freeview signal is much weaker than it will be when switchover occurs in April. Thus, at present it doesn't reach as many places as the current analogue does.
The aim is that the coverage area of the digital signal will (come switchover) match that of the current analogue.
If you have a new aerial fitted now, in order to get this low-power digital, then (it is likely) a bigger aerial will be needed now, with a not so big aerial being needed after switchover. (I am speaking in very general terms here; I hope that this conveys the situation now and how it will change in April.
As such, with switchover three months away, I suggest that you leave your aerial as it is now because your current installation might be sufficient after switchover. That means that had you spent your money now it would only be of benefit for the coming three months. (I appreciate that once you've spent the money and changed your aerial, there is no way to see if the current aerial would work after switchover!).
If you still have issues after switchover, then look at having your aerial system looked at.
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Harry: If the specification for the TV says that the tuner can receive DVB-T2 then it is HD. DVB-T is what standard definition are.
Alternatively, if you post the make and model number, we can see if the specifications can be found in order to give an answer to your question.
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Sara: It is the case that around 8% of the population that can get Freeview, cannot get all the channels.
If you are in Truro and aerial is directed to the transmitter in the town, then you won't get the commercial channels because the Truro transmitter only relays BBC, ITV1, ITV2, C4, E4, More4, C5, four HD channels and a few others.
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Harry: Information on this model is here:
LG 32LG3000 Television - 32" HD Ready LCD TV - LG Electronics UK
It says that it is "HD Ready" which means that it can show HD pictures but does not have the means to receive them on Freeview. So in order to receive HD services on Freeview, you will need a separate receiver.
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Andy Seaward: Yes, you will get a digital signal come switchover in March, but you will only get the Public Service Broadcaster groups of channels which are BBC, ITV1, ITV2, C4, E4, More4, C5, the four HD services and a few others.
In order to get more channels you will have to look at another platform. The non-subscription satellite service Freesat is a probable candidate.
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Sunday 1 January 2012 1:14PM
David Millward: The likely answer is on. See here for an explanation:
Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
You might be able to receive from Winter Hill directly.
Alternatively, if Winter Hill is not an option, you might (depending on your exact location) be able to receive the commercial channels from another main station such as Sutton Coldfield. As Sutton Coldfield broadcasts Central regional programming, you might wish to continue watching Granada, in which case you could retain your aerial on Over Biddulph and combine it with a second aerial on Sutton Coldfield for the commercial channels.