Full Freeview on the Sutton Coldfield (Birmingham, England) transmitter
 | Google Streetview |  | Google map |  | Bing map |  | Google Earth |  | 52.600,-1.835 or 52°36'1"N 1°50'5"W |  | B75 5JJ |
The symbol shows the location of the Sutton Coldfield (Birmingham, England) transmitter which serves 1,870,000 homes. The bright green areas shown where the signal from this transmitter is strong, dark green areas are poorer signals. Those parts shown in yellow may have interference on the same frequency from other masts.
Are there any planned engineering works or unexpected transmitter faults on the Sutton Coldfield (Birmingham, England) mast?
Sutton Coldfield transmitter - Sutton Coldfield transmitter: Possible effect on TV reception week commencing 04/11/2024 Pixelation or flickering on some or all channels 
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Digital television services are broadcast on a multiplexes (or Mux) where many stations occupy a single broadcast frequency, as shown below.
64QAM 8K 3/4 27.1Mb/s DVB-T MPEG2
DTG-12 QSPK 8K 3/4 8.0Mb/s DVB-T MPEG2
H/V: aerial position (horizontal or vertical)
Which Freeview channels does the Sutton Coldfield transmitter broadcast?
If you have any kind of Freeview fault, follow this Freeview reset procedure first.Digital television services are broadcast on a multiplexes (or Mux) where many stations occupy a single broadcast frequency, as shown below.
64QAM 8K 3/4 27.1Mb/s DVB-T MPEG2
DTG-12 QSPK 8K 3/4 8.0Mb/s DVB-T MPEG2
H/V: aerial position (horizontal or vertical)
Which BBC and ITV regional news can I watch from the Sutton Coldfield transmitter?
BBC Midlands Today 2.9m homes 10.9%
from Birmingham B1 1RF, 15km south-southwest (200°)
to BBC West Midlands region - 66 masts.
ITV Central News 2.9m homes 10.9%
from Birmingham B1 2JT, 15km south-southwest (201°)
to ITV Central (West) region - 65 masts.
All of lunch, weekend and 80% evening news is shared with Central (East)
Are there any self-help relays?
| Burton (shobnall) | Transposer | 1 km W Burton-on-Trent | 60 homes |
| Coalville | Transposer | 18 km NW Leicester | 600 homes |
| Solihull | Transposer | Land Rover building | 400 homes |
How will the Sutton Coldfield (Birmingham, England) transmission frequencies change over time?
| 1950s-80s | 1984-97 | 1997-98 | 1998-2011 | 2011-13 | 7 Mar 2018 | ||||
| VHF | B E T | B E T | B E T | B E K T | W T | ||||
| C4 | BBCtvwaves | ||||||||
| C33 | com7 | ||||||||
| C35 | com8 | ||||||||
| C36 | LOCAL2 | ||||||||
| C39 | +ArqB | ArqB | |||||||
| C40 | BBC2waves | BBC2waves | BBC2waves | +BBCB | BBCB | ||||
| C42 | SDN | SDN | |||||||
| C43 | ITVwaves | ITVwaves | ITVwaves | BBCA | BBCA | ||||
| C45 | ArqA | ArqA | |||||||
| C46 | BBC1waves | BBC1waves | BBC1waves | D3+4 | D3+4 | ||||
| C48 | _local | ||||||||
| C50tv_off | C4waves | C4waves | C4waves | ||||||
| C51tv_off | LB | ||||||||
| C55tv_off | com7tv_off | ||||||||
| C56tv_off | COM8tv_off |
tv_off Being removed from Freeview (for 5G use) after November 2020 / June 2022 - more
Table shows multiplexes names see this article;
green background for transmission frequencies
Notes: + and - denote 166kHz offset; aerial group are shown as A B C/D E K W T
waves denotes analogue; digital switchover was 7 Sep 11 and 21 Sep 11.
How do the old analogue and currrent digital signal levels compare?
| Analogue 1-4 | 1000kW | |
| SDN, ARQA, ARQB, BBCA, D3+4, BBCB | (-7dB) 200kW | |
| com7 | (-10.5dB) 89.2kW | |
| com8 | (-10.7dB) 86kW | |
| LB | (-20dB) 10kW | |
| Mux 1*, Mux 2*, Mux A*, Mux B*, Mux C*, Mux D* | (-21dB) 8kW |
Which companies have run the Channel 3 services in the Sutton Coldfield transmitter area
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Saturday, 2 October 2021
C
Chris.SE4:08 PM
Hi jack:
Thanks for all the additional information, it's very informative, and just what was needed.
Looking at those strength (&Q) figures for the aerial direct to the TV, overall, I was a bit surprised. Just a couple of initial comments - not especially surprising, COM7 C55 is lower power than the main multiplexes as mentioned in my previous post, the Local multiplex is also (much) lower power but because of the more resilient transmission mode it's coverage is better than you might expect but it is usually beamed. in this case to the SW and you are a bit off-beam so again the signal will be somewhat weaker.
In general the predicted reception should be excellent especially 12km from the transmitter. Your mention of trees is key to the issue here, especially if they are on the line-of-sight, and they can present significant problems. Most deciduous trees can have a different impact through the year dependent on the amount of leaf (wet weather can also add to the complexities), evergreens are more likely to give more similar effects throughout the year.
Apart from attenuating the signal (can be frequency dependant), the amount of which can depend on the proximity and tree size, as well as leaf cover, they can also cause reflections. In the analogue days this was usually apparent as picture ghosting.
DTV is much more resilient and can cope well with most of these reflections but beyond a certain point (not easily predictable and it can vary from set/brand to set) the set will see it as interference with a potential impact on quality of the wanted channels. Again, dependent on position, they can reflect signals from transmitters in other directions which can then be picked up by your aerial which wouldn't otherwise be the case.
Depending on leaf cover, signal diffraction is also another factor and this can be frequency dependant, so different channels could be affected differently.
This wouldn't be the first time someone has had issues (particularly with C55) in such circumstances with deciduous trees on the line-of-sight. The lower frequencies tend to propagate better anyway.
Because the figures were not as good as I was anticipating, I thought I'd have a look on streetview. You have a lot of large trees in your locale :o If any are on your line-of-sight, no wonder it's a problem. If any are yours and you can get them trimmed/topped it would be a good idea. If they are on public property, you might be able to hassle the local authority to get them trimmed especially if they are very close to your property and reducing any light through windows as well as being close enough to potentially damage your property - remember roots below ground are proportionate to the growth above ground!
Noting the figures on C48 suggests your set is coping well will quite low reported Q figures, is it an LG by any chance, I know a lot of LGs cope well with figures down to around 10% or so, but other brands could equally do so, one doesn't encounter these situations very often. Overall, the figures suggest the amp/distribution isn't having any adverse effect as afr as too much signal goes BUT if when you use it the Q goes below 100% when it's 100% without, then it might be worth looking at using a (variable) attenuator on the output (NOT input).
The remaining mystery is this C26 signal. Just to check, do you have any older devices with analogue RF outputs such as video recorders, game consoles, old sky boxes etc.? If so, check the channel they are tuned to and ideally tune them to above C60 is you still use them, otherwise turn the RF off.
Otherwise where exactly on your Programme Tuning and Settings menu are you seeing "no channels"? Are you sure there's nothing in the 800s (often where sets put duplicate/extra signals from other transmitters). With a Q 50-90 I would have expected some resolution of any DTV signals. It won't be anything used by "engineering".
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Saturday, 9 October 2021
J
jack9:31 AM
Hi Chris -
Thanks for the detailed reply.
Unfortunately I have years of experience recognising the issues with trees - this problem isn't
the trees.
Oddly enough during all that wind and rain it all stabilised at 54%
(I havn't replied as I wanted to see the outcome first) - so far it seems solid still (sat - 9th)
We'll see how it goes - also noting the previous message (thanks poster)
as for 26 - there's nothing I can think of locally - could it be pickup from someone nearby maybe?
I'll check the 800's - I have them programmed out so I'll re-enable them and see if anything is
picked up.
jack
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Monday, 25 October 2021
J
jack4:16 PM
No good at all- it does stabilise in the mornings but appart from that its pretty useless.
It seems I'm not the only one around here with the problem either.
Last nigh it was dropping from zero to 35% (amplified)
I can only assume its the low power transmitted or some sort of interference
from something nearby .
Why it should suddenly start doing this I can't otherwise think.
It's a shame because BBC-4 seems to be the only channel with half decent documentaries
Basicly we've lost half the HD channels from a paltry handful in the first place.
Not a very good advert for freeview.
Why aren't there more HD channels now anyway. Does anyone know? There cant be anyone
left with an SD TV set surely?
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Thursday, 28 October 2021
C
Chris.SE2:37 AM
jack:
Hi jack.
I'm sceptical that it's any transmitter issue, I would have expected lots more posts all over the place if that were the case.
Interference is certainly something that shouldn't be dismissed, there's several possibilities to check.
First, I mentioned HDMI a while back, I assume you've made sure any leads are well away from aerial or flyleads.
You mentioned you aren't the only one with the problem. Also there's this mysterious C26 signal with 100%Q but no channels, did you check in the 800's for anything?
Has anyone else got a C26 signal?
The other possibilities to consider are CB Radio interference, Radio Amateur's equipment can sometimes cause an issue, Pirate Radio stations are another to check.
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Thursday, 4 November 2021
J
jack12:02 AM
Thanks chris -
Yes I've moved everything and the cables are far away as possible from each other.
I've even tried changing the HDMI cables but since I get the same on both boxes
(They arent together) I dont see that can be the issue.
I dont know if the neighbours would know how to check for that C26 signal but I can ask.
(Theyre not too friendly round here sadly) It's still there and rock solid whatever it is.
One chap did say there was a CB or radio aerial sticking up 12 foot higher than
his house fairly near-by maybe thats worth looking at somehow. I will look for it. (But they
dont transmit TV do they?)
I have noticed its fairly stable at 60-61% in the mornings around 10 am - then by the afternoon when
I check again its bouncing down well into the mid 25% and up to about 52% signal and zero Q later and in the evenings.
Its got worse if anything these last couple of weeks regardless of weather - except when
the rain and wind is very bad I do see some improvement for some reason. That seems odd
on its own.
Essentially all the channels are useless on just that one frequency. Even the other low
power channels are clean without any breakups.
I think I'll just have to put up with it. Why it should suddenly start happening is no doubt
part of the puzzle but I'm at a loss for ideas now.
So thanks for your kind input Chris - it looks like no HD movies this christmas.
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Saturday, 6 November 2021
C
Chris.SE3:31 PM
jack:
Hi jack. the fact that you have periods where things are stable, and then times when the signal is "bouncing around" does suggest the possibility of some sort of interference. There could be the possibility of engineering work not currently listed, giving weaker reception at times, but only time will tell on that one.
So looking at the potential interference issues.
Whatever is giving this strange C26 signal if you don't have any channels in the 800's on it, could have other interfering frequencies affecting COM7.
Obviously it could be external, but one needs to eliminate anything internal.
You've looked at the HDMI issue, so trying to eliminate other possibilities is next.
Your pre-amp may have developed a fault and/or become unstable for some reason (or there could be external sources upsetting it).
That model has a VHF input. From what you've posted, there's nothing to suggest you are using it and nothing is connected to it. It's probably not bandwidth limited at lower frequencies as it'll probably have a simple low pass filter, in a similar way to the UHF input having a simple high pass filter.
To check that VHF input isn't getting some external signal causing a problem, a simple check might be to insert a short circuited plug into it and see if it has any effect.
You did post figures where the signals were stable when the aerial went direct to the TV (remember to power down the amp as well if you check again), so that could be another check.
It may be that the amp is exacerbating an issue from some external signal, so this is where an accurate comparison of neighbours' signals would help - do they just have reception problems that are there all the time or do they follow the same pattern as yours?
As far as external sources go, it seems to be something that only operates in the afternoon/evening?
Is there anything local that may use machinary or "discharge" lighting - sodium, metal halide, fluorescent (including compact fluorescent), but also some LED lighting can be troublesome.
CB/Amateur radio interference could be a possibility. They don't transmit in TV frequencies but faulty equipment or problems with antenna connections can produce harmonics or other spurious frequencies that could interfere, and/or especially if those signals are very strong (high power) and close by.
This is a possibility if other other possibilities have been eliminated (we'll come back to that one if it remains a possibility - there are ways of getting it investigated in local enquiries don't work).
One other suggestion, do you have a decent Broadband connection? You could stream stuff/films?
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Saturday, 15 January 2022
J
jack3:49 PM
Hi
Just an update
I thought I'd mention I had occasion to re-tune last night and noticed
that mysterious C26 entry has vanished. I did discover it IS freeview format and West Midlands
region sourced. The signal was the SD picture type but no channels were listed.
Very odd.
COM7 is still all over the place. Nothing suggested or I've tried makes it reliable.
I'm seeing signals of 80-83% on all others now (amplified) except the local one
COM7 is still bouncing 63-68 power and random total dropouts on all
the receivers. Removing the amp or shorting the VHS doesnt fix it but thanks
for the straw to clutch Chris.
PS
I will stream TV/movies the same day I get my brain replaced by a cabbage.
Nobody seems to think or care about long term consequences. Sad really.
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Sunday, 16 January 2022
C
Chris.SE3:23 AM
jack:
Hi jack. Thanks for the update. Now that's interesting about C26. There's those unfortunate "tropo" weather conditions around again with the high pressure (although it's predicted to be mostly clear Sunday a.m. but returning Sunday p.m.) so I'm suspecting C26 has been "wiped-out" by interference from another transmitter signal on C26. When the normally received signal and interfering signal get to a certain point, they appear to be just noise to the set - ie. no signal.
I still suspect that your previously received C26 was PSB1 from the Wrekin, especially if you eventually identified it as Freeview West Midlands.
COM7 is pretty much always the most vulnerable mux being lower power and an SFN when you aren't ideally sited. Your trees wont' be helping.
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Monday, 17 January 2022
P
Paul Heywood3:46 PM
No freeview reception on any channels currently 1530hrs today. Was missing quite a few channels this morning but main ones still broadcasting, nothing now though.
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Tuesday, 18 January 2022
C
Chris.SE1:54 AM
Paul Heywood:
Your intermittent and current loss is most likely due to current weather conditions. Unfortunately temperature inversion/tropospheric ducting is accompanying the high pressure weather system causing signals from distant transmitters in Europe or the UK to affect reception of wanted signals. COM7 can be more vulnerable than some multiplexes due to operating as an SFN and at lower power than most of the other multiplexes, but it is very much depends on location. Freeview and the BBC have current warning about potential intermittent disruption to reception.
Do NOT retune, when correctly tuned, all this is likely to do is clear your current tuning if no signal is found at that time.
To compound matters there is Planned Engineering currently listed for Sutton Coldfield which may affect signals.
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