All posts by Dave Lindsay
Below are all of Dave Lindsay's postings, with the most recent are at the bottom of the page.
Gerry Flanagan: I agree with Charles here. As I said in my posting to you about Virginia: you have to go with what you can get.
I have read that the Kilkeel relay can be received along the east coast.
The coverage maps on this site (I assume) assume an omnidirectional radiation pattern due to the fact that the powers that be won't release the actual ones.
The BBC Wales map shows all transmitters in Wales:
BBC Wales | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
A map of the full service transmitters (which broadcast PSBs and COMs) is here:
Full service Freeview transmitters | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
I draw your attention to this because the full service transmitters are the higher-power ones:
Full service Freeview transmitters | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
Looking at the map, the main ones are:
Llandona
Blaenplwyf
Preseli
Arfon (2kW PSB-only relay)
UK transmitters, including channels and powers:
Ofcom | Digital Switchover Transmitter Details
(Not sure how up-to-date this is.).
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anne: Engineering work at Tacolneston which may mean weak signal and therefore interrupted viewing for some.
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frank ward: Predictors can never be entirely accurate. They certainly don't say what you "should" be able to receive.
The fact that you live on a slope could be an issue as it could mean that what can and cannot be received varies by property. And of course, being in a bungalow you are lower to the ground (I assume this to be the case having looked at Streetview). Looking at where others are receiving from may be a useful start.
By my reckoning, there are a number of aerials on Preseli which is in the direction that the land goes upwards.
Some aerials appear to be pointing at Huntshaw Cross (154 degrees, horizontally polarised). However this is across the Severn and therefore doesn't broadcast Welsh regional programming.
Then there are a few vertically polarised aerials pointing east which could be on Ferryside (83 degrees) or perhaps Kilvey Hill (104 degrees). The thing with Ferryside is that it is 15 miles away and is only a few watts, so anything less than line-of-sight won't work. Plus Greenhill is co-channel on 21 (BBC) and 24 (HD) which probably explains why Ferryside is at 25W for these whereas 30 (ITV1, C4 etc) is 5W.
Where does your aerial or aerials point?
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Margaret Quayle: Some of the transmitters in Wales had changes to some of their frequencies (UHF channels) in the early hours of Wednesday morning. This included PSB2 mux (ITV1, S4C, C4 etc) at Moel y Parc which is probably the Welsh transmitter you are using.
You may have to carry out a full retune, or you may be able to manually tune to the new channel number. Which it is depends on whether the design of your set allows.
First off, if there is manual tuning, try a tune to UHF channel 39 which is the new channel number. If this restores the missing channels, then you don't need to do anything else.
Or failing that, running the automatic tuning shouldn't affect settings such as brightness and contrast - it is generally a factory reset that does that.
What settings is it that you are concerned about being deleted?
If you are concerned that BBC One and Two Wales and ITV1 Wales will not end up in positions 1, 2 and 3, then there may be a workaround if the set chooses to put North West/Granada in those positions.
If you run the automatic tuning scan and unplug the aerial when it gets to 55% (or past C45 if it gives channel numbers whilst scanning) you will ensure that it doesn't pick up any signals from Winter Hill (North West/Granada) as these are picked up after that point. You will, however, have had the aerial in for scanning of Moel y Parc and this should have put its BBC and ITV in positions 1, 2 and 3.
Once you have done this, if your set has manual tuning, then the next bit is much easier. Add (via manual tune) the following:
- BBC North West from Winter Hill by tuning to channel 62
- ITV Granada from Winter Hill by tuning to channel 59
Now for the Commercial (COM) channels. See here for which services these are and for which multiplex (signal, e.g. COM5) they are carried on:
DTG :: DTT Services by Multiplex
I suggest that you focus in on the first service from each multiplex, i.e. ITV3 (COM4), Pick TV (COM5) and Film4 (COM6).
For COM4/SDN (ITV3 etc), manually tune to channel 58 for Winter Hill.
For COM5/ArqA (Pick TV etc), manually tune to channel 52 from Moel y Parc.
For COM6/ArqB (Film4 etc), manually tune to channel 55 from Winter Hill or channel 48 from Moel y Parc.
(The next two paragraphs are for information and so if you don't follow them, then don't worry.)
When providing the channel number for tuning in the COMs, I assume that your aerials are combined using a device called a diplexer which means that from your Moel y Parc aerial you receive channel 50 and below and that from your Winter Hill aerial you receive channel 52 and above. This means that anything from Winter Hill on C51 or below is unavailable and anything from Moel y Parc from C51 and above is unavailable.
Fortunately, what is unavailable from one transmitter is available from the other and for that reason, COM4 from Moel y Parc which is on C51 will probably be unavailable. Likewise, COM5 from Winter Hill although on C61 now (which is likely to be available to you), it will move to C49 in April which is why I didn't mention it.
If there is no manual tuning, then having run the scan through and unplugged at 55%, then select the tuning function along the lines of add new channels/services and have the aerial plugged in for all of that. It is important that you select the option to add new channels rather than the first time install as the objective is to pick up what wasn't picked up before.
You may have to dig through the 800s to find BBC One and Two from Winter Hill and ITV1 Granada, possibly swapping them for positions 800, 801 and 802 if the set allows.
You should be able to check which transmitter you are tuned to by viewing the signal strength screen:
For BBC One and Two it will say C45 for Moel y Parc and C62 for Winter Hill. For ITV1 Wales, S4C it will say C39 (from Moel y Parc) and for ITV1 Granada from Winter Hill it will say C59.
The others are:
COM4 Moel y Parc=C51 | Winter Hill=C58
COM5 Moel y Parc=C52 | Winter Hill=C61 (changes to C49 in April)
COM6 Moel y Parc=C48 | Winter Hill=C55
One final warning, and this is only if you have a diplexer as suggested above, then come April BBC One/Two from Winter Hill will move to C50 and this will therefore make it unavailable, or at least unreliable because it will be your Moel y Parc aerial that will be being used on this channel.
The only way around this, and it isn't forced to be a possibility, is if you can receive North West from Storeton transmitter instead of Winter Hill. This will require another aerial and another diplexer unfortunately.
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Patrick: Yes, there have been some channel changes. See:
You may have retune your Freeview equipment today in West and Southwest Wales | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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Declan McGrath: These are carried on COM6 multiplex which is on channel 40 from Llandona.
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Alex: There are two possibilities I can think of (not an expert):
1. The base station you point your aerial at was turned off for a period.
2. The network decided to switch your connection to another base station.
As I say, I'm not an expert, so don't know how likely 2 is, but it would seem the only other explanation.
I take it that there was no obstruction such as a vehicle being parked in the way.
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kevin rose: Perhaps have Crystal Palace tuned in (probably in the 800s) as a back-up.
It is only 11 degrees off the bearing for Bluebell Hill.
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michael: I imagine that your RT aerial pointing in the general direction of Derry is directed at Holywell Hill, Co Donegal. Ensure that your receiver is tuned to it and not another RT transmitter; bring up the signal strength screen and ensure that it is tuned to UHF channel 30.
Limavady doesn't broadcast RT. This is because it was considered that across its service area there is sufficient overspill from the Republic's transmitters.
Whereabouts are you?
If Moville and Limavady are on roughly the same bearing, then you may get away with a single aerial directed somewhere between the two.
BTW, Moville broadcasts on C45, so if that is what you are tuned to, then that's where it's coming from.
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Helen: Are you saying that your main TV is picking up ITV1, C4 etc and that it is strong?
If there is a variable control on your distribution amplifier, then try turning it down so that the signal level indicated on the main TV isn't as high. Then try tuning in the others.
If the other TVs have manual tuning, then use it instead of running through the full tuning scan. If your aerial is directed to Mendip (horizontal, elements flat), then tune to C54. If your aerial is directed to Bath (vertical, elements up/down), then tune to C28.
The tuned TV will probably tell you whether it is tuned to 54 or 28 on the signal strength screen. This, of course, doesn't necessarily mean that it is tuned to correctly (which is to the transmitter to which the aerial faces). Should this be the case, then this requires correction.
For Bath where Mendip is being picked up, then unplug the aerial when the scan gets to 30%. For Mendip where Bath is being picked up, start the scan with the aerial unplugged and plug in at 50%.
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Michael Martin: Logical channel number (LCN) number 8 is used by Channel 4 from transmitters in Wales as it is displaced from LCN 4 by S4C.
Evidently after scanning all available signals, the two devices come to a different conclusion, possibly having made a different "decision".
Some older devices simply go with the first signals they find. Others go with the strongest. Whether either employ the former method is perhaps doubtful, but the point is that this is an example of why the results might differ.
The problem of receivers tuning in signals from other transmitters (i.e. any but which the aerial was installed to receive) was present in the days of analogue.
This is only a potential issue when the automatic tuning process is carried out. This may be when run by the user or due to the device running it automatically when unattended. It may be possible to disable the latter through the menu, although not all devices allow, a sure short-sightment in the design.
Running the automatic tuning scan with the aerial unplugged up until 55% should miss out scanning of Moel y Parc's PSB channels. The COMs are lower power and may therefore not be picked up.
You should be able to identify which transmitter you are watching by viewing the UHF channel number on the signal strength screen.
As you have clear line-of-sight to Winter Hill you clearly have a strong signal. You may be able to install an attenuator inline with the aerial lead to reduce the level of all signals. This may reduce the unwanted Moel y Parc signals sufficiently that they are not picked up (or certainly not placed in the main LCN positions) during the scan.
An example attenuator is (other suppliers and models are available):
TV Aerial Attenuator Variable 0-20Db Freeview Digital | eBay
Obviously if you have an amplifier then this should be reduced or even removed before you start attenuating. This is because an attenuator reduces the signal strength whereas an amplifier acts to increase it.
With digital reception the objective is not to get the strength as high as possible. There is a lower threshold over which the picture resolves perfectly (assuming good quality, i.e. digits not corrupted). There is an upper threshold over which the receiver becomes overwhelmed and quality goes. So reducing the signal strength won't make the picture worse, providing that it doesn't go below the lower threshold.
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John: I should imagine that your TV has tuned to Moel y Parc instead. Unfortunately The Wrekin's COM channels (ITV3, Pick TV, Film4 etc) are interleaved with Moel y Parc's PSBs (BBC, ITV1, S4C, C4 etc), so unplugging the aerial for Moel y Parc will miss out some of The Wrekin's channels.
If your receiver has manual tuning then run the automatic tuning scan through and unplug the aerial when it gets to 30% (or past UHF channel 30 if it gives channel numbers during the scan).
Once completed, plug the aerial in and manually tune in The Wrekin's three COM channels which are 41, 44, 47.
If you have a signal amplifier, then turn it down. The objective is to reduce all signals and hopefully reduce Moel y Parc enough that it doesn't get picked by your TV but not to reduce The Wrekin too much.
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John: The irony is that the retune on 14th November did not affect The Wrekin.
If you retuned as a result of being prompted to do so as a result of on-screen messages, then this must have come from the fact that your receiver had tuned one or more multiplexes from Moel y Parc, probably with them in the 800s, unless this was also broadcast across the Central region as well. The fact that you are receiving Moel y Parc now suggests that you probably received a message (if indeed there was such a message) from it.
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Pam: If your TV has a manual tuning function, then go to it and select/scan UHF channel 51.
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John Thompson: For ideas of a suitable aerial see:
Digital TV Transmitters
If you have a DIY aerial, then it will probably be a wideband yagi (black tip) which isn't as effective for Group A transmitters like Caldbeck, although you could try it.
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P. Kieran Ward: This any good?
BBC - Help receiving TV and radio - Satellite frequencies of BBC channels
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Hayley: It sounds like you might need to reconnect the "box". What does it say on it? Does it have a make and model number?
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morleyresident: No.
Do you have an amplifier that is bringing in the weaker signals from Waltham? If it is for distributing signals to different rooms, then turn it down. If your aerial serves just the one room and you have an amplifier, remove it.
The channels used by the two transmitters are:
29 Waltham COM4
41 Emley PSB3(HD)
44 Emley PSB2
47 Emley PSB1
48 Emley COM6
51 Emley COM4
52 Emley COM5
54 Waltham PSB2
56 Waltham COM5
57 Waltham COM6
58 Waltham PSB3(HD)
61 Waltham PSB1
PSB2 carries ITV1, ITV2, Channel 4, Channel 5 etc. PSB1 carries BBC standard definition.
Thus, if you have your aerial unplugged by C54 then you will have it out for scanning of Waltham's PSB channels.
With Emley's highest being on C52 there isn't much of a target window in which to unplug your aerial. With manual tuning it is much easier; unplug to ensure that you are out for C54 but which you know that you may miss out Emley's C52 and possibly C51. Then manually add C51 (ITV3 etc) and C52 (Pick TV etc).
The scan runs 21 to 69, so C53 is about 66%.
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morleyresident: The following is for if you don't have manual tuning but if you are having difficulty getting the aerial out after C52 but before C54.
If your receiver does not have manual tuning, but has two types of scan:
1. A full scan or "first-time" install, where it wipes all what's stored.
2. One to add new services/channels which doesn't wipe what is stored but just adds any new that are found, then you might use that to your advantage:
Run the number 1 type scan through with the aerial unplugged, plug in at 30%. Unplug at 58%. The objective of this is to pick up the PSBs from Emley. It doesn't matter if it picks up one of the COMs, the point is to get Emley's PSBs stored in their proper logical channel number (LCN) positions (i.e. 1=BBC One, 2=BBC Two).
Having done this, then run the scan to add new services (type 2) and have the aerial unplugged. Plug in at 50% and unplug at 67%. This time if you happen to have it plugged in for C54 then that will (hopefully) not assume LCN 1, 2 etc but go in the 800s because positions 1, 2 are already taken.
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P. Kieran Ward: I can't advise you much more as I've never used a satellite receiver before!
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Frank: I'm not familiar with the i-Can, but if it allows manual tuning, then tune to UHF channel 39. If there is a setting on the manual tune screen for DVB-T or DVB-T2, then ensure that the latter is selected.
It is a good idea to confirm that the receiver you have will receive RT channels so as not to have work done on your aerial if it isn't that that's at fault.
On the subject of aerials and the NI Mux (RT/TG4), there are two things to be aware of:
1. Like the former Channel 5 analogue signal, the NI Mux is broadcast from Black Mountain rather than Divis. For many people the two are on close enough bearings such that a single aerial will work for both. At your location Black Mountain is 5 degrees anti-clockwise of Divis.
2. The NI Mux is on C39 which is officially just outside of Group A. It is close enough that some aerial will work.
See this page which illustrates the point:
Gain (curves), Again
Along the bottom are UHF channel numbers (frequencies) and the Divis ones are from 21 to 29. The traces are just examples and may not be the same as that of your aerial.
However, the gain outside-of-group (C39 is outside of Group A) for contract aerials can be very inconsistent.
Group K goes further up than Group A, so if you have your aerial replaced, that might be the thing to go for. A wideband yagi aerial isn't really suited to Group A transmitters because the gain is lower on Group A channels.
If possible, I suggest that you see if you can get your receiver tuned to the NI Mux, perhaps by connecting it to your neighbour's aerial.
If it doesn't receive RT when you connect it to your aerial, then try turning it slightly anti-clockwise, observing the signal strength screen whilst on the tuned RT channel or whilst on manual tuning screen with C39 selected (and DVB-T2 mode selected if applicable). When you do this, if you don't press the button to scan/search the channel it will hopefully (as many do) give an indication of signal strength, which means that you can use it as a signal meter.
For information on aerials, see ATV's site:
ATV`s Choice Of Aerials for digital TV
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David Anderson: For Girvan transmitter your aerial should be vertical. It is on a bearing of 217 degrees, whereas Divis is at 229 degrees which is very close. That said, Divis is horizontally polarised.
If you are picking up BBC Northern Ireland on UHF channel 27 (look at the signal strength screen whilst on BBC One), then you are receiving it from Divis.
The Girvan transmitter uses high channel numbers and Divis uses low ones which will probably be found first during the scan. Have the aerial unplugged for the first 50% of the scan.
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Jacqueline Fowler: I posted an explanation here in response to Alan:
Bilsdale (North Yorkshire, England) full-Freeview transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
A number of other people have reported exactly the same issue.
First off, if your TV has manual tuning you should attempt to tune to the missing multiplex (a multiplex is a single signal that carries multiple services).
Go through to the manual tune function (if there is one) and tune to UHF/RF channel 46. The multiplex on C46 carries Dave, Pick TV and others.
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David Anderson: Failing that, manually tune to UHF channel 50 for BBC and 59 for STV, C4, C5 etc.
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Mal: Of course there is a reason!
THere is now a two-tier terrestrial transmitter network. About 90% of the population can receive all the channels but the other 8.5% who can receive terrestrial TV can only receive the Public Service channels because the Commercial broadcasters don't consider it worth their while to serve them.
See:
Londonderry transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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Bethan Williams: If the box has a manual tune function, then you need to go through to it and enter UHF/RF channel 57 for BBC from Llanddona.
Go to ITV1 and bring up signal strength screen and it should say that it is tuned to C60 for Llanddona. If it's not, then let us know what number it is tuned to.
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Clamityjane: For The Wrekin, you will probably have needed to have your old Group A aerial installed for analogue replaced.
The COM channels (ITV3, ITV4, Film4 etc) are on lower power than the PSBs.
PSB1 (BBC standard definition) from The Wrekin is co-channel with Storeton. Also, PSB2 (ITV1, ITV2, Channel 4 etc) from The Wrekin is co-channel with Storeton. Storeton is vertically polarised, and I'm not sure whether that could affect you at your location.
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Patrick: Not likely.
Try manually tuning to UHF channel 47. If there is an option on the manual tuning screen for DVB-T or DVB-T2, then select the latter.
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davidwfaulkner: I should imagine that it was to do with the works at Tacolneston that have affected TV broadcasts.
I provided the frequencies for Manningtree and Peterborough because they appear as if they may be the next best ones as well as Wrotham.
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Matthew Butterfield: Yes.
Unless the mobile operator in question is broadcasting illegally on the 800MHz spectrum which hasn't yet been auction off! This is that which is closest to TV frequencies and therefore possibly a likely source of interference.
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Andrew Tegala: I don't understand the question.
If your aerial points to Hannington then it has been installed to pick up signals from Hannington. If you "should" do anything, then surely you should use your aerial as it was designed.
If you would prefer to watch London programming then clearly you would have to consult with the person or body responsible for the aerial system although it would mean that everyone else in the block will also have change their regional programming unless a second aerial is fitted in order to give viewers choice.
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amanda: 1. I would try it and see. You may find that your current aerial works.
2. Yes.
3. No! A satellite dish points to a satellite which is in geostationary orbit above the earth whereas Heathfield is on the ground, albeit that the transmitting aerials are 300m off the ground.
If you have difficulty with any signals if you have a Group C/D aerial, then it will be the COM channels which are:
- COM4 (ITV3 etc) on UHF channel 42
- COM5 (Pick TV etc) on UHF channel 44
- COM6 (Film4 etc) on UHF channel 41
See here:
Aerials, TV Aerial and Digital Aerial
A Group C/D aerial is most sensitive on frequencies within the top third of the TV band and has a green tip. Previously Heathfield used C/D channels only and therefore a C/D aerial may be fitted.
After switchover, the COM channels are lower down in the middle third of frequencies used for TV which is Group B. However, due to your close proximity you may find that (if you have a C/D aerial) that it will still be sensitive enough to receive those channels.
If the feed from the aerial is split using a powered booster/amplifier and it has a variable control on, you may find that increasing it a bit will bring in the other channels.
Failing that, if you get a new aerial it doesn't have to be a wideband one. See here:
Heathfield Transmitter
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Frank: I responded to your posting on Monday:
Divis full-Freeview transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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g allonby: It could be if it is on the line between the transmitter and receiving aerial.
I believe that the operator has a responsibility to put the issue right. The predictor suggests that you might be able to receive the full-service from Pendle Forest as well as Winter Hill, so this may be a possibility.
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Vic: If you are using a communal aerial system it might need adjustment to allow the new frequency through from the aerial.
If your receiver has a manual tune function, then scan UHF/RF channel 39 for the missing services.
Failing that, perhaps a factory reset, or some sort of reset that you haven't yet carried out as yet. The thinking is that maybe the device has somehow "remembered" something of the old ITV multiplex on its old channel and so now doesn't (for whatever reason) recognise the new one.
Maybe you could share with us what the make and model of the device is as it might help others with the same issue.
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joanna carney: Perth is in a valley which means that it can't "see" the Angus transmitter near Dundee.
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Damian Cooper: Be aware that the Kilkeel relay also uses vertically.
We don't know what direction they it transmits as the powers that be won't release its radiation pattern. My guess is that it will be transmitting in the direction of Kilkeel and further up the coast to Ballymartin and Annalong. I should imagine that there is little point in it transmitting over the hills and so maybe it only broadcasts roughly between 3 o'clock and 6 o'clock
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Damian Cooper: Kilkeel also uses C39, although I'm not convinced that it will be an issue for you, although keep it in mind because you never know.
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mrdtv: The diplexer that splits at C51 will attenuate C52 about 4dB. This might not be an issue if the signal is sufficiently strong or if there is an amplifier, it might be sufficient or be able to be turned up a bit to compensate.
Online TV Splitters, Amps & Diplexers sales
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Joe Faulkner : The COM channels don't have as good a coverage as the PSBs. 1,000 or so small relays don't broadcast them, and those that do broadcast them don't spread them as widely as they do for their PSBs. The COM channels are re-used by transmitters in closer proximity than the PSBs and this appears as if it might be the case at your location.
The COMs from Darvel, Divis and Caldbeck are all co-channel and at half-power to their respective PSBs. The Digital UK Postcode checker even "thinks" Divis is the best transmitter for you. This suggests that the possibility of reception of Darvel COMs is limited by interference rather than limited because it doesn't carry as far.
For this reason, I don't think that you will be able to receive COMs from Darvel. The PSBs of Darvel and Divis are not co-channel.
If you can receive PSBs from Girvan which is 20 miles away and are at only 50W, then you may be able to turn your high-gain Group A aerial to Divis and combine with a Girvan aerial to give you BBC Scotland/STV regional output and COMs.
The only warning I will give you is that recorders can have difficulty with timed recordings when receiving from two different transmitter regions, the reason being that the EPG information isn't shared between the two. If this turns out to be the case then you will have to decide whether to have your recorder on one or the other (i.e. Girvan PSBs only or Divis PSBs+COMs).
If you can receive from Girvan, then you will need a diplexer to combine feeds:
Online TV Splitters, Amps & Diplexers sales
Girvan uses 50, 59 and 55 so the model that "splits" at C38 will be best. This will also allow reception of Divis PSBs as all its channels are below 38.
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Christine Ratcliffe: You would appear to be receiving from Waltham rather than Nottingham. Waltham is undergoing engineering works which may affect signals. You may or may not have been suffering poor reception for a longer period.
Winter Hill also broadcasts high power on UHF channel 61, although I'm not so sure that it might be the cause of your woes.
The terrain plot shows that the path between the transmitter and you is close to the ground for the final few miles which could be a source of issue:
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location
I see that other houses in the area have tall masts and large aerials which are probably a sign.
I'm not an installer, so the professionals may be able to add to what I'm saying.
Refer to the plot and imagine that the signal line is a light. With the path being close to the ground, objects such as trees and buildings could potentially be in the way. You know what happens when it gets near the end of daylight and the sun is low in the sky which causes long shadows.
Intermittent problematic reception caused by such reception can affect only one or two frequencies. Moving the aerial may be the only way - it is a try it and see thing I believe.
The only other thing I can wonder (as I say, I'm not a professional) is whether because your aerial is looking over your roof-top with the chimney not being immediately in front, but perhaps at 30 or 40 degrees to the direction the aerial is facing is whether when these get wet that they cause reflections such that it degrades the BBC frequency.
I note on Streetview that your roof tiles were replaced in 2009. I don't know whether that might have any bearing, e.g. whether newer tiles are more likely to be reflective, perhaps helped by them being wet.
"If" any of these (roof tiles or something else on your roof) is the cause of the issue, then perhaps mounting the aerial on the gable end that faces the transmitter. I say "if" because it could be some effect (reflection or refraction) that occurs further away from you such as if vegetation is in the way, and for that the solution is much more difficult.
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Graham: There's no such thing as a "digital" or "analogue" aerial. An aerial is an aerial.
For Belmont, the four analogue channels were in Group A (bottom third) and consequently Group A aerials may have been fitted. COM5 (Pick TV etc) and COM6 (Film4, Russia Today etc) are high up in C/D (top third of channels).
This terrain plot shows the drop you live in:
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location
If the "analog" (sic) aerial is a Group A one and you are receiving COM5 and COM6 fine, then that must tell you something. It is less sensitive and less directional on those higher channels and they are picked up fine.
A higher gain aerial is so because there is a narrower acceptance angle. That is, if you used it to transmit (send out a signal), the beam width would be narrower.
When you can see the transmitter, or aren't far off, then such an aerial can be focused on the beam from the transmitter. Maybe the issue you have is that your "big" aerial has too narrow an acceptance angle. Or alternatively, maybe it is situated in a dead spot.
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Dave: If that is the impact that it may have on TV reception, what might be the affect to the health of those living in such fields?
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George: If you are "practically on top of the mast" then WHY ON EARTH have you got a high gain aerial and a mast head amplifier???!!!!
Surely you would not need any let alone one!!
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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Judy: I can't say for definate, but the retune on Wednesday obviously meant that the service was interrupted.
Perhaps the message you've quoted relates to that change and not some other work that is to be carried out but refers to the whole week rather than the day of the change.
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George: I'm surprised that at your location, even before switchover, you would have needed anything but a regular-sized aerial. I'm not a professional though.
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Graham: I think that if you intend to have another aerial installed, then it would be best to consult with an installer because yours is not a good area for reception.
The other possibility, and you may be able to DIY it, is to use the older aerial that gives you all the channels and fit a distribution amplifier to supply signals to multiple rooms.
I am not a professional myself so wouldn't like to advise what to use, but instead I can direct you to sources of information.
The website of ATV Sheffield holds a wealth of information on aerials and TV reception. Even they say that reception is a black art and presumably none more so in locations such as yours at the bottom of a drop, the sloping road and where there appears as if there are trees in the way for at least some on your road.
See:
Belmont TV Transmitter
Aerials, TV Aerial and Digital Aerial
Television Aerial Boosters / Amplifiers, Splitters, Diplexers & Triplexers
Gain comes at the expense of "loss" elsewhere. Where there is a beam to focus on (i.e. where you can see the transmitter), then this might be good. But the more you get away from that, the more it may be a disadvantage.
The COM channels do not have as good a coverage as the PSBs, and so some viewers, including those who use Belmont, will only receive PSBs, or may receive COM4 but not COM5 and COM6. The reason for this is that the channels that they use are reused in closer proximity than PSB channels.
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kevin rowbotham: I've written the answer here:
Londonderry transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
The Licence fee goes to the BBC and, as a Public Service Broadcaster, you have the BBC.
The Commercial broadcasters have decided not to transmit from the small (few viewers) transmitters.
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Valerie Norris: I imagine that you might be receiving from Waltham which is undergoing engineering works which means bouts of low power.
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Dave Wilson: Anyone who suggests that you might be able to receive from Rosneath at your location must surely have been supping something!
See the terrain plot:
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location
Whilst it is only 9 miles from you, Bromley Muir is 80m above the top of the transmitter and you live 300m at the bottom on the other side!
Darvel is 30 miles away but there is also high ground in the way:
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location
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pam: Looking at Streetview, the houses I can see on your road have their aerials pointing to Rowridge.
If yours is the same, then have the aerial switched for vertical polarisation so as to take advantage of the stronger vertical COM signals (which carry the channels you're having difficulty with).
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martin: As KMJ,Derby says, this is usually caused by the memory being fulled and not enough to store the channels that are forgotten.
BBC from Winter Hill is on the highest channel (frequency). All of the transmitter's channels are at the top end of the group of frequencies used for TV. As a result, it could be that your box is storing the signals from other transmitters, by which time it comes to store your desired one there isn't enough memory.
The answer is usually to prevent it from filling the memory with some other signals. Have the aerial lead unplugged for the first 50% of the scan.
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David: I bought a new CRT television around 2004. I did look to see if there were any with digital tuners in-built but there weren't. In order to use the said set, I now must use a separate tuner.
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Up until now, BBC, as a Public Service Broadcaster and recipient of the Licence fee has carried all its services from all transmitters. This is a departure from that "universal" coverage principle.
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Dennis: Those in Canterbury, and indeed anywhere, can receive the full collection of Freeview channels "if" they can receive from one of the 81 full-service transmitters.
See the explanatio I wrote here:
Londonderry transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
In some cases, those receiving from a relay such as Chartham find that they can, with a replacement aerial, receive the full service from one of those 81 transmitters.
It might be worth looking around your area to see what those around you are doing. Can you see any aerials pointing to Dover?
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Kathryn: Without giving your location (and possibly the transmitter you are using) it is impossible to even suggest an answer to such a question.
There engineering works at some transmitters which have resulted in poor or lost channels for some people. I know that Tacolneston is such a station.
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Ray Styles: For Freeview (terrestrial television) you only need one cable for which you can view as many channels simulataneously as you wish.
For satellite (Freesat, Sky etc) you need one cable for each channel you wish to view. So for a recorder with two feeds you can receive two channels simulataneously.
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Mike Potter: Refer to:
Digital UK - Planned Engineering Works
Quite a few digital relay transmitters, including Langholm, are subject to "service shutdowns" over this week.
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Martin Lucas: Each channel number has a frequency in MHz and these are shown on the transmitter page, so follow the link to Sutton Coldfield.
Belper has its own transmitter (again, click the word Belper to see its frequencies) so you could always be tuned to that instead. It uses higher channels so you may be able to avoid it by unplugging the aerial near the end of the scan.
Belper is a relay of Waltham and therefore provides East Midlands programming.
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David Campbell: Are you sure that you are receiving RT from Carnmoney Hill and not Clermont Carn?
Select one of the RT channels and bring up the signal strength screen. Carnmoney Hill is on C48 and Clermont Carn is on C52.
Both Clermont Carn and Carnmoney Hill are vertically polarised and I believe that the bearings from your location aren't too far apart.
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Malcolm: I have read your follow-up posting where you said that you tried manually tuning with no joy:
An update | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
The Streetview photo of your building shows the aerial on the roof clearly facing Heathfield, and so the Eastbourne relay plays no part in your reception.
Up until switchover, the lowest UHF channel (frequency) used in the 40s was 47. Your aerial system may be filtered to only allow particular channels or a particular range of channels. Now that the lower 40s are in use, and the lowest one is the one you can't receive, I wonder if it is your aerial system which needs some adjustment.
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Michael Cooney: The coverage map does not show what "should" and "should not" be possible to receive.
It is an indication of where the signal is calculated as being at or above a particular level at a particular height above ground. This does not mean that below that level that reception will not be possible. It could also be the case that the height a few CMs above that which is calculated is at or above the level.
The obvious thing to try is tuning in the problematic TV on one of your other aerials.
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Robert Fairbrother: Indeed. Even better, the issue "really ought" not to happen in the first place.
This is the nature of engineering work of any nature; it is usually impractical to give a timetable of the prospective turning of every screw. One assumes that the periods of low power and outages are kept to a minimum.
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Niall Burns: Divis uses only Group A channels, so use a Group A aerial rather than a wideband one which isn't as efficient for Group A channels:
Digital TV Transmitters
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John McGovern: The UK now has a two-tier terrestrial television transmitter network. This has been the case where 8.5% of the population who can receive Freeview can only receive the Public Service Broadcaster (PSB) channels.
The Commercial (COM) broadcasters have no obligation to provide a Public Service and only broadcast from 81 transmitters serving 90% of the population.
See here for a more in-depth explanation:
Londonderry transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
Of those transmitters that do broadcast the COM channels (which carry ITV3 and ITV4), quite a few aren't as strong as their PSB signals. Hence there will be some who can only receive PSBs from these full-service transmitters.
The question is, which transmitter does your aerial face?
The Penryn relay is PSB-only and is adjacent to Budcock Hospital. It is on a bearing of 155 degrees and aerials for it are vertical.
The photos on Streetview show quite a few aerials pointing to Caradon Hill which is 38 miles away. It is on a bearing of 53 degrees and aerials are horizontal.
A few aerials face Redruth which is only 6.4 miles away, but which you live immediately at the bottom of a 80m drop. Aerials are horizontal and on a bearing of 297 degrees.
Caradon Hill and Redruth are full-service transmitters. If your aerial faces either then it is worth trying to manually tune missing channels.
There are three COM channels (signals) and each carries a number of services. ITV3 is on COM4. Also check to see if you have 11:Pick TV (COM5) and 15:Film4 (COM6)
The full list of Freeview services is here:
DTG :: DTT Services by Multiplex
You may be lucky and either be able to manually tune in the missing channels (perhaps doubtful as generally speaking we would expect them to be tuned during the automatic tuning sequence) or you may be able to replace your aerial with one that is sufficient to receive the COM channels.
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Channels for the two transmitters are:
Caradon Hill:
- COM4 = C21
- COM5 = C24
- COM6 = C27
Redruth:
- COM4 = C48
- COM5 = C52
- COM6 = C51
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Peter Henderson: The Streetview photos were taken in 2008 before switchover. I think that we can safely say that the pre-switchover digital signals would not have been available at Niall's location. It is perhaps also highly doubtful that the Black Mountain analogue Channel 5 signal would also have been available. So even if the four analogue channels could have been received from Divis, then this would have provided nothing extra over that of Newcastle.
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niall burns: I have had a few thoughts:
Can you see the top of the Newcastle transmitter tower (where the radiating antennas are situated) or are they obscured by Tollymore Forest? If they are behind the trees, then this could be a cause of poor reception. How did you fare for analogue? Was the picture changing such as during high winds? This might be an indication to the effects of the trees being in the path.
If you are receiving Clermont Carn and Newcastle you will be unable to combine the feeds using a diplexer due to the channels that each transmitter uses. If you have the feeds combined using a splitter in reverse, then, whilst it can work, results can be unpredictable and could therefore be a source of poor reception on one or both transmitters - try removing it and tuning to Newcastle without Clermont Carn connected.
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niall burns: In answer to your original question of whether reception from Divis is possible, it isn't possible to provide an exact answer.
It might be worth looking around to see what others have done. In Dundrinne Gardens there are (November 2008) some Divis aerials.
It appears as if Slievenaslat and Castlewellan Forest might be the difficulty in your area, although this is just based on looking at a map.
Digital UK Postcode Checker doesn't reckon Divis is a possibility, although such predictors are in no way infallible and it should therefore be taken with a pinch of salt.
It may be that satellite reception is the best option. There are solutions that allow reception of Freesat and Saorsat using a larger dish and two LNBs. Can't really advise more than that; try searching the internet for information.
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Adam: Without knowledge of your location so as to get an idea of predicted coverage it is impossible to answer such a question. A postcode or that of a nearby location such as a shop might be useful.
You should check to see that it is tuned to the correct transmitter (the one which the aerial faces) and not that of another transmitter. The issue could also be caused by too high a signal level which is generally a possible issue for those living close to a transmitter, and particularly so for high power ones.
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Mike Smith: Because there are only a handful of ITV1 HD regions. This is so as to not need equipment to produce HD feeds for each region or sub-region.
I'm not familiar with whether the regions that do have HD feeds produce their local news in HD.
Those regions that don't have counterpart HD feeds (such as ITV Meridian Southampton) we assume don't produce content in HD. Therefore if ITV were to change to having different regional feeds there would be no variance in the HD content available; local news would still be in standard definition.
BBC One HD does not broadcast regional news due to the same cost reasons.
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niall burns: You should confirm that you are tuned to Newcastle transmitter by viewing the signal strength screen. On BBC One it should be tuned to C50, UTV is C55 and BBC One HD is C59.
Is it all three of these channels that are playing up?
Perhaps it could be a possibility (800W @ 3.7miles) that the signal level is too high going into your receiver. This can appear as too little or too poor a signal:
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
If you have an amplifier then it might be worth trying removing or turning it down. Or you might need some attenuation (the opposite of amplification).
The former analogue signals from Newcastle were at 1,000W each. The power of digital signals to serve the same area are -7dB of the analogue which is 200W.
The power of the signals now are 800W each which is -1dB on the analogue. So in real terms the signal is stronger than the former analogue.
You might be able to build a crude attenuator (prior to getting a proper one) by connecting only the inner core of the aerial lead by leaving the screen disconnected for a short distance (a few CM maybe). This will hopefully "loose" some signal.
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Peter Henderson: How can you diplex Newcastle and CC as they are both C/D?
CC uses 52 and Newcastle uses 50, 55 and 59.
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Ivor Hughes: If you are using a communal/shared aerial system then it could be the aerial system that needs adjustment.
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m bowman: Unfortunately not. See here for an explanation:
Londonderry transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
Some viewers will be able to switch from using the local relay to the main station such as from Shotleyfield to Pontop Pike.
In the days of analogue it would have been a question of which transmitter is the easiest to receive from with both providing equal service in the form of the four channels. The fact that the relay was chosen then doesn't necessarily mean that the full service from the main station isn't available now, although it may require a more extravagent aerial to pick it up.
I don't know whether you live in a location that might be able to receive the full service from Pontop. I appreciate that you said that you are unable to pick it up, but I wonder if you say that simply because you have always used Shotleyfield.
The terrain plot shows that you live only 3.6 miles from Pontop Pike but cannot see it:
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location
Also, on the slope there are buildings in the way which isn't good.
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g allonby: What's being done? Has the local paper reported on it?
Is the company Energiekontor UK Ltd paying to have new aerials fitted to those houses that are affected?
Home : HyndburnWindFarm
At your location it would appear that you might be able to receive Freeview from Pendle Forest. Are there new aerials springing up which are pointing in that direction?
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Roger Taylor: According to BBC Reception there are "No problems" with the transmitter.
BBC - Help receiving TV and radio
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michael green: If you're receiving from Rowridge then turn your aerial to vertical polarisation as the COM channels (those that carry ITV3, Pick TV, Yesterday, Dave, ITV4 etc) aren't as strong horizontally.
There should be no need for a different aerial (unless the current one is broken). Don't get a wideband aerial (unless it's a log periodic) - "high-gain" wideband aerials aren't "high-gain" at the UHF channels used by Rowridge.
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michael green: Rowridge transmits horizontally and vertically on all channels and has been doing so since April.
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nick ratner: Refer to this page which shows all transmitters for BBC Scotland (and therefore STV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 etc):
BBC Scotland | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
If there is a relay transmitter on North Ronaldsay, then it isn't one run by the broadcast authorities.
Keelyland Hill is the main transmitter for the Orkneys and it has two dependant relays, one of which is on the mainland and one on Westray.
Looking at the map, the only other transmitter I can but wonder whether you might be able to receive is Bressay. It uses all Group A channels, so you would be best using a Group A aerial. Not sure if it would be possible.
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nick ratner: See:
Digital TV Transmitters
The relay stations only carry PSB channels. On the Orkney and Shetland Islands, only Keelylang and Bressay broadcast all channels. From both transmitters COM5 (Pick TV etc) and COM6 (Film4 etc) are at half power to the PSBs. From Bressay COM4 (ITV3) is at the same power and Keelyland it is half power to its PSBs.
Therefore there will be a portion of viewers who will receive only PSBs from these stations. If it is the COMs that you are having difficulty with, then you will therefore be no better off, even if there was a local relay that you could pick up off.
To see the full list of Freeview channels (including which are PSBs and which are COMs) see:
DTG :: DTT Services by Multiplex
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Nick Ratner: Failing that, or maybe instead of that, you will probably have to look to the sky. Not that owned by Murdoch, but free-to-air satellite, probably Freesat.
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David Campbell: That's Clermont Carn!
722MHz is C52 and "RTENL 1" is the network ID of Saorview, the Republic's terrestrial television transmitter network.
The NI Mux (aka NI Mini-mux/NIMM) which is broadcast from Carnmoney Hill carries only RT One, RT Two and TG4.
Freeview standard definition signals use the DVB-T format. Freeview HD signals use DVB-T2. The NI Mux uses DVB-T2 even though pictures are in standard definition, hence a Freeview HD receiver is needed to pick it up.
Saorview uses DVB-T hence a Freeview standard definition only receiver can probably receive it. However, the pictures carried on the Saorview signal are encoded using MPEG4. Freeview standard definition pictures are encoded with the earlier MPEG2 format and hence many non-Freeview HD receivers don't have the capability to resolve MPEG4 pictures. Evidently you are lucky and yours does.
So not only do you not need a Freeview HD receiver to watch the Republic's channels, but you can receive the full complement of Saorview services rather than the three carried on the NI Mux.
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g allonby: The message isn't "from" Home : HyndburnWindFarm, that is a link to the Hyndburn Wind Farm's website!
Can you not receive from Pendle Forest which would give you all the channels?
It might be a good idea to retain your Winter Hill aerial, particularly if some channels are OK.
If it is mainly those channels which are available from Haslingden (the PSBs), then you could combine an aerial on Haslingden with the Winter Hill one using a diplexer:
Online TV Splitters, Amps & Diplexers sales
A C38 split will probably do.
Receive HD from Haslingden and the rest from Winter Hill.
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Louise Baker: See the page for Stockland Hill. On it there are postings from "Transmitter engineering" which are automated and taken from BBC where they end with [BBC].
The reports are "very weak signal" for HD.
The BBC only reports on its own channels although it doesn't mention standard definition.
If your TV is tuned correctly (to Stockland Hill), then retuning will yield no positive improvement, the only possibility is negative whereby you loose some services.
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Sam D: Royal Mail lists 47 addresses within that postcode. On Google I can see a tower block and that is it.
If you are using a communal aerial system, then if it is that which is at fault, then you need to notify whoever is responsible which might be your landlord.
If neighbours are also affected, then this obviously adds considerable weight to this being a possibility.
It may be that only some neighbours are affected.
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Kevin : No maintenance work that we know of.
Try a manual tune on UHF channel 47 if your receiver allows manual tuning.
Or maybe your aerial needs aligning better.
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Dave F-P: Terrain plot between you and Wenvoe:
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location
It appears that Cefn Eglwysilan is in the way, about 200m above your ground level!
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Les Waters: The most common answer to this sort of question is that the TV does not have a DVB-T2 tuner in which is the format HD signals use. Standard definition pictures in the UK are broadcast using DVB-T.
What is the model number? We can check the specifications.
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Marc S: Because there are far fewer ITV1 HD regions than there are ITV1 regions and sub-regions:
ITV 1 HD | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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Les Waters: It appears that this model does not contain a DVB-T2 tuner.
The user manual is here:
http://downloadcenter.sam….pdf
The only mention of "DVB" is on page 2 under the heading "Digital TV Notice". No mention is made of DVB-T2 - only DVB-T does. It states that the set meets the standards of DVB-T as at August 2008.
According to Wikipedia, DVB-T2 prototype tuners were demonstrated in September 2008, so therefore DVB-T2 didn't exist (or certainly wasn't finalised) when the TV was designed.
DVB-T2 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Chris: It is those who receive from the Whitehead relay transmitter who will never receive any of the COM channels. See here for an explanation:
Londonderry transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
If you received one of the COMs momentarily, presumably from Divis, with your aerial vertical whereas Divis is horizontally polarised, then maybe this might be an indication that an aerial on Divis will bring in all channels. Then again, it may be intermittant. You will be best advised to consult an installer. Also, look around to see if others have new Divis aerials.
If you are looking at DIYing it, then a Group A aerial (if it's a yagi type) will be best; don't get a wideband yagi as these aren't as effective on the channels used by Divis:
Digital TV Transmitters
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Mike Potter: If you have your aerial is directed to the Langholm transmitter, then try manually tuning to UHF channel 57 for BBC.
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BillNick: On the face of it, unless the area is known for signal issues such as because there is a building in the way, then too high a signal level does appear to be a likely possibility. Generally speaking, Crystal Palace aerials used for former analogue should be fine.
See:
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
If the high-gain aerial is a wideband one, then it won't be so "high" gain on the channels used by Crystal Palace. This is because the gain of an aerial varies across the range of frequencies/channels and for yagi types (which it is likely to be) the gain is always lower on lower channels.
See:
Crystal Palace Transmitter
Crystal Palace Transmitter #WrongAerialForCrystalPalace
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Paul Lister: The reason may be because you still have a Group A aerial which was installed in the days of four-channel analogue and which, crucially, isn't as sensitive at the higher frequencies used by Film4 and some other channels. It may be something that is liveable and which doesn't necessitate replacement.
An aerial isn't bothered whether it's analogue or digital - it is the frequency that it is used at that matters. In the days of analogue, for The Wrekin Group A aerials would have been installed, Group A being the bottom third of the band of frequencies used for TV. So a Group A aerial is more sensitive on those frequencies (UHF channels) and drops off outside. BBC, ITV1, C4 and C5 are still on Group A channels.
Film4 from The Wrekin is higher up (on a higher frequency) in the middle third, hence your aerial may not pick it up as well and this may explain why the automatic tuning scan hasn't picked it up on occasions.
Had this been an analogue signal, then the picture would probably have been grainy (i.e. poorer picture). However, digital is an all or nothing system with little inbetween. So providing that you can receive the signal with good quality (no breakup in the picture), then if it is weaker than the others, it isn't an issue.
The reason I draw this distinction is because strength isn't so much an issue with digital. There is a lower threshold over which you need to get for your receiver to work. Once you are far enough over it, then the picture should be fine (assuming good quality).
If your receiver has a manual tune function, then you should manually scan UHF channel (frequency) 47 for Film4.
Once you have it stored, if it continues to be available, then I would leave it as it is.
Some receivers have in-built boosters (which can be used on particular channels) and you may be able to use this to increase the strength of Film4.
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David: Waltham is curently undergoing engineering works which, according to posts made on this website, is causing reception issues for some fringe viewers. I suggest that you wait until these are complete until you adjust your aerial. You may also wish to retain the Sutton Coldfield aerial as a backup.
For aerial information on Waltham, see:
Waltham TV Transmitter
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BillNick: You could try the suggestion by KMJ,Derby. Or it could be too high signal strength, in which case you need an attenuator.
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JUNE: The answer depends on whether you receive RT etc from:
1. a Saorview transmitter in the Republic, or;
2. one of the three transmitters in the North which carry the NI Mux. This only carries RT One, RT Two and TG4.
Knowledge of your location would allow us to work out which of the above may be available.
Number 2 is intended to cover the areas that number 1 doesn't reach. In some areas both will be available.
For number 2 a Freeview HD receiver will definately be required (even though pictures are broadcast in standard definition).
For number 1 a Freeview HD receiver will definately work, although some standard definition receivers are found to work.
If you previously received RT in analogue, then this must have been from a transmitter in the Republic and therefore number 1 may apply subject to installing a suitable receiver (i.e. the current RT aerial may be fine).
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Paul Lister: No, it's not a volcano. The green area is not that which is at risk of succuming to lava.
If you receive Film4 reliably, then you can probably leave it as it is. You may have to manually tune when you do an automatic retune again, but so long as it is present (once added manually), then there will be no improvement in its picture with a new aerial.
If you are considering replacing the aerial yourself, or sending someone you know into the loft, then see this page for information on an aerial:
The Wrekin
I think, certainly in the first instance, there is no real need to replace the cabling. Just fit another aerial.
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BillNick: I suggest that you fit an attenuator to reduce the signal level. For example, type f attenuator into eBay for attenuators with f-connectors that will fit onto your splitter.
I'm not sure what level you might need. A variable one will allow adjustment.
If the wideband aerial, which isn't as effective for Crystal Palace as on higher channels, is providing too high a signal level, then there is no real need to replace it with a Group A aerial.
With digital reception there is a lower threshold over which the signal level must be in order to show a picture (assuming good quality signal). Increasing the level doesn't make the picture quality better. For this reason, don't try to get the strength as near 100% as possible.
There is also a top threshold for the level over which it is likely to over whelm the tuner. This can produce what you've described: the signal level and quality dropping sometimes jumping up and down.
The point is that once you've got a signal that is too high, the quality is likely to go. It is a bit like turning the sound up on a hifi above that which the speakers can work at; the sound becomes hideously distorted (poor quality sound).
Of course there are slight variations that occur such as due to the weather and you don't want them to push it OTT, as perhaps could have happened with BBC this morning.
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BillNick: The window is big so it's not critical.
Signal strength scales vary by receiver, but say you get a good signal with it set to 75% strength on the channels you have, then try manually adding the missing ones.
Once you have each one tuned, then don't rescan if you find one poor quality as the issue must lie elsewhere.
DC power-pass is required where an amplifier (mast-head amp) is being used at the aerial where the power supply is fitted behind the TV set. The DC voltage to supply the amp is carried up the aerial cable and thus if the attenuator were fitted inbetween the two, it would need to be the power-pass variety.
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G McKeown: No, it will stay as it is. See here:
Londonderry transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
Unless you can receive the Commercial (COM) channels from one of the main transmitter, then you won't ever receive them.
For additional channels, look at free-to-air satellite service Freesat.
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David: See:
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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Tracey Jude: I think you might be hard pressed to pick up any local multiplexes in the Heathfield area. There doesn't appear to be one which officially covers that area. You will probably be able to receive the BBC national and commercial national multiplexes as they broadcast from the Heathfield transmitter.
The nearest transmitter that broadcasts Kent local multiplex is Tunbridge Wells, so you will probably need to be on the side of the house facing that direction to have any chance at all.
There is a "Sussex Coast" multiplex, but as the name implies, it serves the coast so it is also probably doubtful that you will be able to receive it.
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Charles Stuart: See:
Compare TV Freeview/Freesat | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
ITV3 is on Freesat, contrary to the presence of its logo appearing on the list of those that aren't.
Dave, Yesterday and Quest are on Freeview but not Freesat. As you are able to receive them via Freeview, then you could just revert back to it for them. Retaining connection to your terrestrial aerial provides a backup for no cost.
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Victor Hall: The are two possible reasons that spring to mind:
1. The NI Mux which carries RT One, RT Two and TG4 and is broadcast on UHF channel 39 (this is probably shown on the signal strength screen) comes from Black Mountain rather than Divis. From your location, Divis is on a bearing of 62 degrees and Black Mountain 76 degrees.
Therefore, try turning your aerial a little clockwise.
2. If you have a second aerial that you used to receive RT analogue on and this is connected to the same downlead as your Divis aerial, then this may be a factor.
If number 2 is the case, then, depending on the channel/frequency that the diplexer that combines the two feeds "splits" at, you could in fact be using your vertically polarised Clermont Carn, Co Louth aerial for reception of the NI Mux on C39.
The solution should number 2 be applicable may be that you can receive RT and other Irish Republic channels from Clermont Carn. These may already be tuned in on your receiver, probably in the 800s. If they are, bring up the signal strength on one and see if it is tuned to UHF channel 52 which is Clermont Carn.
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Victor Hall: You do have two aerials connected to the same downlead (number 2), then I can give you a further explanation as to what might be happening.
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J.Zarach: They have moved to C39. You may be able to manually tune or your may have to do a full retune depending on the design of your receiver.
Unplugging the aerial during part(s) of the scan can sometimes work to avoid unwanted transmitters, although it requires knowledge of where the wanted and unwanted are in the scan.
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Michael: Unless EE is broadcasting illegally on the 800MHz spectrum, which hasn't yet been auctioned, then its new 4G service isn't likely to affect your TV reception any more than the current 2G/GSM services operating at 1800MHz. EE has been allowed to use some of its 1800MHz allocation for current 4G services. The prospective interference of 4G signals with TV reception is not because they are 4G, but because they will use 800MHz which is just above that of TV.
Digital TV reception requires a good quality signal, which is all the digits present and correct. The quality does not increase once the lower threshold of the signal level has been reached. There is also an upper threshold over which the receiver is fed with too much signal and hence where it becomes unstable. Its signal strength meter will become unreliable and quality is likely to suffer just as sound gets distorted when the volume is turned up too much on a hifi.
Signals levels vary a little over time due to factors such as the weather and objects that may reflect or otherwise affect the signal at/to the receiving aerial. For this reason it is good practice to have the signal level somewhere between the lower and upper thresholds such that a bit of variance isn't likely to cause it to fall below the former or push it over the latter.
As you have an amplifier, the likely course of action would be to either remove it completely or reduce its level. The 2dB insertion loss may be what has restored your reception rather than filtering out channels other than those in Group A.
Signal meters on receivers vary, but somewhere around 75% strength may produce a reliably good quality signal.
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Symon: C43 is from Sutton Coldfield rather than Waltham.
If you are able to turn your aerial to face it, it will also be facing the Waltham relay which is inline and is located at the Fire Service HQ.
The relay used to broadcast BBC One and ITV analogue and is intended for those who cannot receive directly from Waltham but can do so from Sutton Coldfield. Since switchover it has relayed Waltham's three PSB channels. Using it in conjunction with Sutton Coldfield's COMs will provide the full complement of Freeview channels along with East Midlands programming.
It may be necessary to use manual tuning to get the correct regional programming.
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Symon: The Derby relay at the Fire HQ broadcasts BBC on C48. This will give you East Midlands programming (assuming that its signal from Waltham isn't affected by the engineering works!).
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Alexander Atkinson: Some non-Freeview HD receivers will show Saorview pictures. For the NI Mux, a Freeview HD receiver will DEFINATELY be required.
A "Full HD" TV is one which can show HD resolutions up to 1080p, i.e. the "full" is the highest resolution. It gives no qualification to any ability to receive Freeview HD signals; this is usually indicated by a "Freeview HD" logo (and the specifications will indicate a DVB-T2 tuner in addition to a DVB-T one).
Your TV Star would be expected to receive Saorview and/or the NI Mux (if the signals are available). Confirm that it receives RT in Portglenone and Ballymoney on UHF channel 39 (618MHz) which is Black Mountain.
The reason that it doesn't receive it in Ballyclare could be to do with:
- the fact that the coverage of the Divis main Freeview signals and the NI Mux from Black Mountain aren't exactly the same.
- or perhaps the signal is weaker and/or perhaps the Group A aerial isn't sufficient at that location to bring in C39.
- or if you have a second aerial pointing to one of the transmitters in the Republic and this is connected to the downlead, then this might be the issue.
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Geoff Stone: No.
Freeview uses a terrestrial aerial and Freesat uses a satellite dish.
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Carl: Log periodics don't have a reflector. Is it one of those?
Aerials, TV Aerial and Digital Aerial
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Deb: It does not help spreading misinformation. The article says that "Estimates suggest that between 2.3m and 3m households within 2km of 4G transmitters - face interference with their television pictures, with some losing their signals entirely."
This does not say that all those who live within 2km of 4G transmitter will be affected.
The link does not explain Christine's problem unless you are suggesting that a 4G operator is acting illegally by broadcasting on the 800MHz frequencies which are those that will affect TV reception. These have not been auction off yet and so should be silent.
EE has been allowed to run its 4G network using some of its 1800MHz allocation which is what it uses for GSM/2G services.
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M Elliot: See:
Londonderry transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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andrew brown: A.T.V (Aerials And Television) TV Aerial, DAB Aerial, FM Aerial.
Aerials / Antennas - Blake UK
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Lesley: Pendle Forest uses only Group A channels, therefore if you use a yagi-type aerial, then a Group A is best as widebands don't have as good a gain on A channels and are less directional.
Yagi aerials are the most common and have a reflector on the back:
Aerials, TV Aerial and Digital Aerial
Log periodics don't have a reflector and are wideband but are much more equally sensitive on all channels.
In an area where no transmitter provides a great signal, what is used and what is available can vary house by house.
Looking around your area on Streetview, most aerials appear to be on Pendle Forest with a few on Skipton, some house having one of each.
Winter Hill is only about 20 degrees anti-clockwise of Pendle Forest and aerials will be horizontal, whereas for Pendle and Skipton they are vertical.
For some reason, Digital UK "thinks" that all but one of Winter Hill's channels isn't good at your location. This, of course, doesn't mean that they are as such systems can never be accurate and should be taken with a pinch of salt.
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Phil Simmons: Because they are the only channels that Arfon broadcasts.
The Commercial network operators don't wish to invest in Arfon and many other smaller relays.
See:
Londonderry transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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Michael O'Grady: Unfortunately not.
The Commercial (COM) channels, which are those that are at 2kW from Brougher Mountain, aren't available to all who can receive Freeview. See here for an explanation:
Londonderry transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
In most cases, where COM channels are lower power they are at half power to the PSBs (those that are at 20kW).
The only thing I can say is that Brougher Mountain uses only Group A channels and so you should use a Group A aerial if it is a yagi type.
The reason for the severe restriction is down to Divis' PSBs being co-channel with Brougher's COMs. The PSBs have (in theory) as good a coverage as the former four-channel analogue and the COMs fit in around them.
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Jim Ballantyne: I think that it is safe to say that when the Kent network was planned (as with any transmitter network) that there were computer-generated coverage maps which would take account of the terrain. So the operator will know where it is and isn't available.
Presumably, the decision "not" to broadcast from a particular transmitting station which might be expected to fill a gap was a cost/benefit one. That is, how many extra listeners are they going to get for the cost of the transmitter and therefore what is the cost per listener?
I imagine that the number of listeners used for such calculations would be those who are *not* served by other transmitters who would be by this one (rather than all who would be served by the transmitter).
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h churchman: Yes, HD channels are broadcast by all transmitters as they are "Public Service" services.
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trevorjharris: I agree that the Public Service Broadcasters have an obligation to provide HD services but that isn't what I said.
My point was that the HD multiplex is a "PSB" and therefore available from all transmitters as a "Public Service" rather than the quasi-national Commercial (COM) networks.
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trevorjharris: The first sentence should say that "I agree that the Public Service Broadcasters **do not** have an obligation to provide HD services, but I didn't say that they did."
The question h churchman was asking if the HD multiplex was available from a particular transmitter and the answer is "yes, it is available from all transmitters" and this is because it operates as a Public Service Broadcaster (PSB) network.
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Denis Swingler: Perhaps it is your reception that has "downgraded" rather than the transmission.
Try some attenuation as it could be the signal level being too high and overwhelming your receiver:
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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Steve T: Likely answer is "never". See:
Londonderry transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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Rachael: Are you sure that you are receiving ITV1 etc from Emley Moor and not Belmont or possibly Bilsdale?
The signal strength screen should say that it is tuned to C44 for Emley rather than C26 for Belmont or C29 for Bilsdale.
If it is tuned to Belmont or Bilsdale, you should be able to avoid them by having the aerial unplugged for the first 30% of the scan.
Also, Film4 should be tuned to C48.
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Rachael: 44 is Emley Moor.
If it is on 26, then it tuned to Belmont and the unplugging aerial trick should work to avoid Belmont.
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Gareth Jones: Perhaps knowledge of your TV or Freeview box would allow its user manual to be found so as to give instructions on what you need to do.
The changes at Llanddona meant that PSB3 (ITV1, S4C, C4 etc) and COM6 (Film4 etc) would have been lost as they changed frequencies.
For a full list of Freeview channels, see:
DTG :: DTT Services by Multiplex
This page has six tables, each of which is a carried as a single signal known as a multiplex.
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Gerard Campbell: No. It is affected by the "Split NIT" issue:
http://www.digitaluk.co.u….pdf
The device was not built fully compliant with the DVB-T standard.
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Martin: Do they all not have scart sockets on?
For example, the Humax HD-FOX T2 has a scart socket out and so will connect to a SD TV:
Welcome to HUMAX [UK]
It would seem a sensible thing to get a Freeview HD PVR which will then allow you to record HD channels when you can view them when the time comes to change the TV.
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Martin Warren: You can get an octo-LNB.
Don't know whether sexa-LNBs are available.
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Tommy Smith: Short of building a tower, maybe 250m to 300m high, on which to mount an aerial directed to Ridge Hill, then I don't think you have a prayer.
Somehow I don't think that you will get planning permission and will have to stick to getting a satellite dish for free-to-air channels.
Refer to this terrain plot between you and Ridge Hill:
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location
You have Llan-Wen Hill in the way whose summit is 250m above your ground level. It is also 60m above the top of the transmitter mast.
Unfortunately there is no likelihood of Garth Hill carrying the Commercial Freeview channels because those broadcasters don't wish to pay as they don't consider it worth their while (and 1,000 plus similar stations):
Londonderry transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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Jon: The most obvious thing to do would be to try the Toshiba TV in another room or try another TV connected to the aerial outlet that the Toshiba is connected to.
One possibility is that your distribution amplifier is providing too high or excessively high output. Try turning it down a bit.
Or connect the incoming feed from the aerial directly to the feed to the room with the Tosh in.
Try manually tuning to the BBC services of your transmitter.
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Tommy Smith: Unfortunately, yes.
Kington has its own relay and the main part of the town is in a valley so I would warn you that there are probably parts that you will never be able to receive the full service from Ridge Hill and which you would have to rely on the local PSB relay.
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Phil Thomas: Sometimes (or maybe all the time - I don't know for certain) with HD receivers, with the manual tune you have to tell it what mode the signal uses.
DVB-T is what Freeview standard definition broadcasts use and DVB-T2 are what HD uses. So if there is a setting on the manual tune screen, then you need to select the latter.
Assuming that there aren't any other transmitters that could be picked up and put in the proper logical channel number slots, then there is a simple way to avoid Rowridge and that is to unplug the aerial for the first 30% of the scan.
You may be able to receive COM channels from Whitehawk or Rowridge (or both). It might be worth assessing which is better and then opting to ensure that the best is used.
Rowridge broadcasts all channels vertically, so your vertical aerial will do for all three, providing that they are there to be picked up.
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Phil Thomas: Knowledge of your TV's model number would allow its specifications to be checked.
It requires a DVB-T2 tuner and not just a DVB-T one.
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Val Casson: Knowledge of the model number may allow the user manual to be found which would be likely to give a definate answer to your question.
However, if I was looking at the remote and had to use my intuition I would press the button marked "Input" or a circle with an arrow pointing into it. I would expect that this would give a list of inputs (scart, HDMI etc) and included in that list would be analogue and digital TV. Analogue TV may be "ATV" and digital may be "DTV" or one may just be labelled "TV".
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Val: The user manual is here:
http://www.home-entertain….pdf
The button you need to press is the "Source" one which performs the same function as I described above. From there you need to select "DTV".
What you have done on the Tosh cannot have any effect on other TVs. Therefore, if there is an issue then it can only be with the particular TV in question (or your aerial system).
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brian manley: Some may need a different aerial but some will likely get away with the C/D one (or not notice).
In answer to your question, I should imagine it's to fit in with other transmitters.
This page might be useful:
C21 (474.0MHz) before switchover | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
However, reception of all channels from Crystal Palace might be possible at your location as the Digital UK predictor suggests and Streetview shows aerials pointing in that direction.
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brian manley: One thing that is probably a factor in Greenwich not being given C/D channels post switchover is the ring-fencing of 61 to 68 to be sold off to the 4G mobile operators. Thus, useable C/D is now smaller than it was, in much the same fashion as useable A is now smaller due to ring-fencing of 31 to 34 (or 31 to 37 if you count 35 and 37, previously channel 5 only and 36, previously silent).
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brian manley: I have drawn up the following list of transmitters that probably overlap with Greenwich to some degree:
48H Kensal Town
49H Alexandra Palace
50V Lea Bridge
52H Kensal Town
53V Woolwich
54H Alexandra Palace
55V Lea Bridge
56H Kensal Town
57V Woolwich
58H Alexandra Palace
59V Lea Bridge
60V Woolwich
The others seem definately likely, but I included Lea Bridge as it was the only other one that fitted in. It is definately a "maybe" as it's only 2W and not directed towards Greenwich. The only thing we do know is that it wasn't co-channel with Greenwich pre-DSO and isn't co-channel now.
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Adrian: I've never used a satellite a receiver, so am commenting based on what I know.
The LNB is fed with a voltage whose level "tells" it what polarity to use. Thus, the receiver sends a voltage to the LNB out of the satellite socket.
If there was a short circuit between the inner conductor and the screen then this would, by its nature, "overload" whatever is supplying the voltage. I would be inclined to turn off the TV and/or disconnect the lead to the dish pronto as you may be damaging the TV, particularly if it isn't designed to stop supplying the voltage when it recognises an overload (I don't know whether they do this).
Look for a short which could be a single strand.
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Lesley: The issue with the receiver picking up and tuning to Skipton (which is the reason for the filter) is one which applies only when the set is tuned. The receiver scans all frequencies and then must make a "decision" as to which it will put as the main ones. The filter simply stops it from ever seeing the Skipton signals. Unplugging the aerial lead after the first 30% should achieve the same result. Only if the thing retunes when unattended (which can sometimes be a nuisance in situations such as yours) might the Skipton signal come into play in which case the filter might be the only solution. The filter does not have to be fitted at the aerial end and can be fitted behind the TV so as to allow it to be removed easily, should the need arise.
If you receive from Skipton then you will get Yorkshire regional programming whereas Pendle Forest broadcasts North West. Skipton only carries Public Service (PSB) channels whereas Pendle Forest carries all Freeview channels. Therefore those who have no choice but to use Skipton (or one of 1,000 other similar transmitters) only get PSB channels.
If the purpose of combining aerials for Pendle Forest and Skipton is to pick up Skipton PSBs and Pendle Forest COMs (the channels that Skipton doesn't broadcast), then is it only the Pendle Forest PSBs that are the issue? If it isn't and it is all Pendle Forest channels, then you will be no better off for the COM channels.
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Frank: See the posting from Transmitter engineering above; there are ongoing engineering works.
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Tom Halsall: Evidently your TV is tuning to one of the transmitters in Wales, probably Moel y Parc. From the Welsh transmitters S4C uses logical channel number (LCN) 4 and Channel 4 is on LCN 8.
The signal strength screen should help you identify what you are picking up.
For Winter Hill ITV1, C4, C5 etc are on C59 whilst Moel y Parc is on C39 (if it gives frequencies in MHz, these are 778MHz and 618MHz respectively).
Running the automatic tuning scan with the aerial unplugged and then plugging in around 55% should avoid Moel y Parc whilst being connected for Winter Hill.
If the set retunes itself when unattended, then this may or may not be an issue. If it turns out to be, then look to see if there is a setting that can be disabled, something along the lines of automatic update or add new channels automatically.
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makelele: I found this page on the National Communications Authority's website:
Digital Switchover Project - National Communication Authority
It states that the DVB-T2 standard will be adopted which is that used in the UK for Freeview HD. Freeview standard definition uses the earlier DVB-T standard, so they will not work in Ghana.
In short, it will need to have a Freeview HD receiver to receive Ghanese TV broadcasts.
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Philip Lane: I would check that it is tuned to the correct transmitter.
Answer to question 2 depends on what is the issue!
Bring up the signal strength screen and it should hopefully tell you which UHF channel it is tuned to. HD from Midhurst is on C58 and Heathfield's is on C47.
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brian: There are a few horizontally polarised relays; Kensal Town and Alexandra Palace are both so.
Probably two male F-connectors with a back-to-back female adaptor covered in self amalgamating tape to waterproof it:
Satellite, Television, FM, DAB, Aerial, Coaxial Cable, Plugs, Sockets, Connectors & Leads
Make sure that it is covered entirely and that no water can get in.
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Wilf Fletcher: I should imagine that the West Midlands transmitter that it has tuned to is The Wrekin.
In which case, run the automatic tuning scan with the aerial unplugged for the first 50%.
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brian: I think that getting an attenuator would be the best bet.
You are only 5.6 miles from the transmitter and the terrain plot suggests that it might be visible from your rooftop. So yes, too much signal is a possibility.
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brian: eBay has variable ones for £3.15 (other suppliers and models are available):
TV Aerial Attenuator Variable 0-20Db Freeview Digital | eBay
Granted, you may be pushing it to get it before Christmas! Failing that, maybe you can find a seller that is local to you and which will allow collection.
Or by connecting the centre conductor without the screen might reduce the level enough (until you get a proper attenuator).
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brian: I would reduce it more than just that needed to get a stable picture (assuming that too much signal is the issue).
Being "just below" a level that is too high could be an issue if the level increases slightly (due to the weather etc). Leave room for this.
The picture isn't better when the level is higher, thus the objective isn't to get as near full signal strength as possible.
...Yes I await your news. Just hope that your dad hasn't paid an installer to add an attenuator.
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John Byrne: Possibly not.
Saorview uses the DVB-T transmission standard, just as Freeview standard definition broadcasts. However, the pictures are encoded using MPEG4 standard rather than the earlier MPEG2 standard which is used for Freeview standard definition. Thus, quite a few Freeview non-HD receivers will not work with Saorview.
Refer to this thread:
http://www.boards.ie/vbul…1669
See posting from southboy @ 11-12-2010, 17:50.
He says that he can receive it but gets no picture, which tends to suggest that it can't resolve MPEG4 pictures.
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Martin H: No, it's not at all likely.
See here:
Londonderry transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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a smith: Probably because the BBC transmitter has gone off air but the one which carries ITV1, Channel 4 etc has not.
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Viv Gunton: TVs and set-top boxes usually provide a measure of signal strength and is usually found somewhere in the menu system.
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Martin H: Stockland Hill's COMs (those channels that the Pennsylvania transmitter does not carry) are on the same UHF channels (frequencies) as Rowridge's COMs. They are also on lower power than the PSBs which is probably so as to reduce the area of clashes between the two.
The predictor takes into account factors it thinks are relevant including the degradation from other stations (interference).
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Viv Gunton: The manual for that TV is here:
http://pdf.crse.com/manua….pdf
Page 27 says that the signal level can be viewed via the menu:
Settings > Digital Set-up > Digital Set-up > System Information
Along with the signal strength, receivers usually give the UHF channel (frequency) to which they are tuned. This allows the user to check to see that it is tuned to the correct transmitter (the one to which the aerial faces). It is a good idea to ensure that you are tuned to the correct transmitter.
From Crystal Palace, ITV3 is on C25 and from Hannington it is on C41.
If it is wrong, then unplugging aerial trick should work as each transmitter uses frequencies that aren't intermingled and therefore scanned at different times. Should this be the case, then let us know.
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Gerry: I am 15 miles from you, on the outskirts of Doncaster, and 48, 51 and 52 are registering the same strength on my receiver.
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Roger: No, it isn't ever likely. See here for an explanation:
Londonderry transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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Bill: No, it isn't likely at all!
See:
Londonderry transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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Nick Anderson: Could it be that there is an overlap where news for the Weymouth area generally appears on both?
Whitby is served by its own relay which carries BBC NE&Cumbria/ITV Tyne Tees but BBC Yorkshire (Emley Moor and relays) carry stories relating to the town. Emley Moor (or any of its dependants) is most certainly not available near Whitby, unless you happen to be camped out on the top of the Moors.
Same goes for other parts of North Yorkshire where there is also an overlap or no reception of Emley.
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John Hudson: Looking at the terrain plot between you and Fenham, and working out what is on the high ground in the way I'm not surprised that you are suffering with intermittent poor reception:
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location
The high ground (shown in red as it obstructs the signal path) has the flyover on and there are also a few high-rise blocks that could also potentially be in the way.
Does the poor reception coincide with something such as rush hour and/or rain?
It appears that you reside slap-bang in the middle of the small area that the Felling transmitter covers. It is a relay of Fenham and suggests that the high ground I identified could be an issue in your area.
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alex: You can connect both and both can be receiving different channels without interfering with one another.
I'm not familiar with the V Box, but I am wondering if there is no need to feed the terrestrial aerial lead through it. Presumably all the channels you watch come from the cable connection and you watch via a scart lead, so I can't see that feeding the aerial into the V Box and out and into the TV performs any function. In which case, I would just feed the aerial into the TV (or via the PVR you intend to add).
If a reason is subsequently discovered that necessitates it to go via the V Box, then you can always put it back.
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A very cross person!: I don't understand.
If you watched the former five (analogue) channels then you must have used an aerial which would work for digital.
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Dorothy Newbery: This is an independent site not connecting with the broadcasters.
Contact Channel 5 here:
Contact us | Channel 5
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A very cross person!: If you live in a block of flats, then doesn't the landlord provide an aerial for you to use?
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Derek Smith: I think that you should feed your aerial in to your Philips receiver and then out and into your Akura TV (with in-built Freeview). There is no need to loop through the Samsung DVD because there are scart connections available.
I found the user manual for the Samsung here:
Support for DVD-HR725
The user manual for the Philips is here:
DTR210/05 Digital Terrestrial Receiver - Philips Support
(The information found at those links may be useful to anyone helping on here.)
I think that you should connect a scart lead between the TV socket on the Philips and AV2 of the Samsung. Then connect another scart lead from AV1 of the Samsung and the TV.
The reason I say to use the TV output socket of the Philips is because it supports RGB and the VCR/DVD one does not.
With RGB the picture is sent along the scart cable using three wires (one for each of the colours - red, green and blue). If RGB isn't available, then you would probably use composite video (CVBS). This uses one wire to carry the picture and so because everything has to be combined down a single conductor and split up again at the other end, the picture isn't as good.
On the Philips go to the Configuration menu and set TV Out to "RGB".
If the TV supports RGB, then set the Samsung to output RGB, else leave it on CVBS (Component). This can be changed via the menu > Setup > Video > Video Output.
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Derek Smith: In last paragraph, I said "CVBS (Component)". These are in fact two different systems, but the Samsung allows two "Video Output" settings: Component and RGB
If RGB isn't supported, then leave it on Component. The point being to use RGB if it is supported.
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David Jones: Ofcom should indeed have mandated that the Commercial licence holders broadcast from all transmitters. However it felt that it had no legal power to compel them to do so.
This must come down to Parliament for not ensuring that the law was not strong enough to require them to mirror the Public Service Broadcaster networks.
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Damian: The licence fee goes only to the BBC and, as a Public Service Broadcaster, you have access to the BBC from Newry North transmitter.
The networks that don't broadcast from Newry North operate purely for profit and can pick and choose where they transmit from.
I don't agree with anyone who says that the BBC should get less money from those who the Commercial broadcasters decided not to serve.
See here for another posting I made on this subject:
Londonderry transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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RitchieRich: A Freeview HD TV or box will allow you to receive Saorview from Holywell Hill for you will need a separate aerial.
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Jo Pickard: No, "Freeview Light" transmitters are never likely to be upgraded to provide all services because the Commercial broadcasters do not consider them a worthwhile investment.
The Licence fee goes exclusively to the BBC and as a Public Service Broadcaster you have access to all its channels from the St Just transmitter.
See here for a posting I wrote for a further explanation:
Londonderry transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
The only likelihood of ever receiving the full service is if you can pick it up from another transmitter.
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James Luke: Transmitter sites are owned by Arqiva.
The full complement of channels are never likely to broadcast from Carnmoney Hill and 1,000 plus small relays.
The broadcasters who hold the licences for the multiplexes that don't transmit from Carnmoney consider it not worth their while to do so. They operate purely for profit and have no "Public Service" obligation under the law.
It is therefore not down to the transmitting station owner that the Commercial broadcasters don't wish to transmit.
See here for an explanation:
Londonderry transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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les: Yes, you have to pay $ky for the dubious priviledge of using your box to record.
For satellite reception you need a separate feed (cable) from the dish to the box in order to watch one channel and record another.
From a reception point of view, Sky and Freesat are the same. Thus a Freesat PVR ("Freesat+" box) requires two cables from the dish, just as Sky+ does.
The bit on the arm of the dish to which the cables connect is the LNB. LNBs are available from sources such as eBay for around £10. If your LNB has only one port (one connection) then it can be replaced with a dual or quad and an additional cable run from it to your TV's location.
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K.Barrett: I think that the far more likely cause is some electrical interference that is present, whether around your aerial, around the receiver or somewhere along the aerial cable.
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K.Barrett: The answer to your question will come should the source of any interference be found. In general, any interference is likely to be when the noisy appliance is switched on and not all appliances are on at all times!
I don't understand your reasoning for thinking that it isn't local interference, especially as you say it happened before which makes me think that it is more likely to be and that whatever is generating it is only used at this time of year.
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Paul Delaney: If that is the signal strength, then it could be OTT signal strength. See:
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
Unless the 4G operator is broadcasting illegally on the 800MHz spectrum (which hasn't been auctioned yet), then I don't see how it might otherwise affect your reception.
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Ann Marie Heaton: I'm not so sure that you've done anything wrong.
The other TVs view Sky using an analogue signal that is carried along the aerial leads. The Sky box puts out the signal on a UHF channel (frequency) which is a number somewhere from 21 to 69. Thus the TVs need to be tuned to the same UHF channel that the Sky box is "transmitting" on.
There are two possibilites:
1. Change the Sky box so that it is putting out its signal on the UHF channel to which the TVs are tuned to (and to which the former Sky box used to use).
2. Change the channel to which the TVs are tuned to, so that they are tuned to the same one used by the new Sky box.
With number 2, if you retune the TVs, you might find that the UHF channel that the Sky box uses now is not suitable as there are digital (Freeview) signals present which interfere, causing the picture to be grainy. In which case you would then have to set too finding another suitable one.
If you know that the current one is fine (good picture), then I would look to using it again (number 1). Some TVs are more helpful than others. What you need to do is see if one of your TVs will tell you what UHF channel it is tuned to (on the Sky channel). A frequency in MHz can be converted to channel number, so that will do (post it here and we can say what channel to tune to).
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Ann Marie Heaton: Instructions for accessing the setting screen for the "RF out" channel number are here:
How do I change the RF output channel on a Sky Digibox? | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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nicol edwards: Try your TV again.
BBC says it was off from 16:58 to 17:31 and is therefore now back on:
BBC - Reception problems
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Rosslynne SH: You were perhaps lucky that the cable and any nearby objects acted to receive the signal (it presumably being strong). Changing something, whether it be moving the cable or moving, removing or adding a nearby object has evidently affected the sensitivity of your make-shift aerial.
On the basis that you appear to be in a very good signal area, a DM Log should be excellently suited:
Online TV FM DAB Aerial sales
You may find that the signal is sufficient inside the loft or you may find that it is not if the tiles and any insulation reduce it too much.
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J Eaton: Groups of Freeview channels (referred to as "services" for the avoidance of confusion with UHF channels [frequencies]) are carried on signals known as multiplexes ("muxes").
The services you have mentioned are all carried on the mux called "SDN". See this page for a list of services by multiplex:
DTG :: DTT Services by Multiplex
The best thing to do is focus on the first service on each mux. For SDN (aka COM4) this is ITV3.
KMJ has suggested that you check to see if the receiver has tuned in the SDN from Waltham or Sutton Coldfield.
To do this, go to ITV3 and bring up the signal strength screen. They usually say what UHF channel they are tuned to. SDN from Waltham is on C29 and Sutton Coldfield's is on C42.
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Dave: Are you picking up the PSBs from Bilsdale? If so, perhaps putting the aerial outside will give you the COMs as well.
Or might you be able to receive from Pontop Pike instead?
Like many places by the sea, inland from Seaham the ground goes up which is why it has its own relay.
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Dave: Receivers usually give the UHF channel number tuned to on the signal strength screen:
PSB1 (BBC One) | S=C44 | B=C26 | P=C58
PSB2 (ITV1) | S=C47 | B=C29 | P=C54
PSB3 (BBC One HD) | S=C41 | B=C23 | P=C49
COM4 (ITV3) | B=C43 | P=C50
COM5 (Pick TV) | B=C46 | P=C59
COM6 (Film4) | B=C40 | P=C55
S=Seaham, B=Bilsdale and P=Pontop Pike
Seaham uses vertical polarisation, and Bilsdale and Pontop Pike are horizontally polarised:
Aerials, TV Aerial and Digital Aerial
Coverage maps do not show areas where signals can or cannot be received; they could never be anywhere near accurate due to there being so many variables. What they show is where the signal is projected as being at or above a particular level at a particular height above ground. So where the ground is lower, hence the signal isn't as strong at the survey height above it. In any case, unless you can move your house then you have to work with what you have.
Manual tuning may be useful with some receivers being better at it than others so it might be worth looking at all the boxes and TVs you have to see which might be most helpful. Usually selecting a UHF channel but *not* pressing the button to scan will allow the receiver to be used as a signal meter; once the button to scan/tune is pressed this ability is lost.
The COM channels from Bilsdale and Pontop Pike aren't as strong as their respective PSBs, so some fringe viewers will be left PSB-only or have intermittant COMs. For that reason, I suggest that you focus on trying to receive the PSBs from one of the full-Freeview transmitters first. (If your receiver isn't a HD one then PSB3 won't apply.)
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Dave: If you have no joy getting the full service with the aerial in the loft then mounting it outside might work as obviously the roof reduces the level of the signal with it not being that great in the first place.
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Leanne: Which channels are you missing?
Freeview and Sky are two totally separate systems; the former requires a terrestrial aerial and the latter comes from a satellite and hence requires a dish.
If your reception issue is with Freeview, then knowledge of your location is required in order to get an idea of what the likely possibilities of reception in your area are. A post code or that of a nearby building such as a shop would be useful.
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John Swallow: Never; the Commercial broadcasters don't wish to pay for it as it's not worth their while.
See here for an explanation:
Londonderry transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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Thursday 15 November 2012 11:15AM
Paul Ketteridge: If you are receiving from Tacolneston or Waltham, then they are undergoing engineering work which may mean reduced signal strength.
Retuning is a waste of time as TVs store which frequency each signal is on and providing this is correct, retuning can't make the signal stronger!