Freeview Box - can't get some channels

bobtbuilder

I've tried the Freeview website, and I am allegedly in an area of full coverage, but I am unable to get certain channels (ITV2/3/4, More 4, E4, to name a few).

I can't find any solutions on the Freeview site, and wondered if anyone else has suffered the same and can recommend anything.

PS - It's not a fault with the box, as we have had 3 different ones (by different manafacturers) and still have the same problem. :? :?

Cressers

I've had the same problem since the freeview signal was retuned on the south coast in April. It may be that you need a new ariel or should re-orientate your existing one for a better signal.

Freview, digital TV, DAB, What is the point? A wider pool of scum to dip in the vain hope of finding something worth watching, a pain in the arse for everyone who needs to buy new equipment, and a mountain of electronic waste!

Stewie Griffin

Have you tried to re tune it yet? Have to retune my GF's for her every few months as they seem to move channels around willy nilly.

Cressers

I've often tried retuning, but to no avail. Currently missing the Sky freeview channels while reception is iffy on many others. A pox on the people who forced this dross upon us!

Porgy

Cressers wrote:

I've often tried retuning, but to no avail. Currently missing the Sky freeview channels while reception is iffy on many others. A pox on the people who forced this dross upon us!

No one forced this on us - I still have only 5 terrestrial channels and am increasingly finding better things to do than watching telly. Can't wait for the signal to be switched off - then I'll have even more time to do something useful/ rewarding/ fun/ constructive, etc.

bobtbuilder

I've tried retuning, but no improvement.

I only want ITV channels for the TDF and the option to watch different Champions League matches.

Headhuunter

Signal is awful in many areas. In Luton where my parents live they usually have to watch digital with subtitles on as the sound cuts out a lot and the picture pixelates all the time. They'd better do something to boost the signal before they switch off analogue in any more areas or people are going to be mightily p*ssed off.

I love TV, I lead a crazy busy life, work 50+ hours per week + 100-120 miles per week on the bike and running, the gym and socialising and at the end of the day love slumping, brain dead and knackered in front of the box, there are sometimes some very good, educational programmes on too. Luckily for me I live almost in the shadow of Crystal Palace TV mast so the signal is perfect.

Simon Notley

You could try a signal booster to bump up the power of the signal from the aerial arriving at the freeview box. You can pick them up at Robert Dyas or Argos or similar for around £10.

They're really deisgned to improve signal quality for analogue TV, but I've found that in my area (where digital signal strength is very low) the signal booster makes the difference between me getting all the channels and none at all!

Cressers

True, but why should you have to buy a booster?

RickyG

I had this exact problem a few weeks ago. I bought a booster but that did nothing. I think a booster will only improve the signal from the aerial to the TV, if the aerial isn't set up properly it won't improve anything.

I had to get my landlord to get someone to realign the aerial. I now receive every Freeview channel crystal clear (most importantly ITV4 to my girlfriend's dismay!).

Headhuunter

Cressers wrote:

True, but why should you have to buy a booster?

Exactly, they don't seem to have thought the whole analogue switch off properly. We were all told that all we needed was a freeview box and off we could go, but reality seems far from this for many.

Porgy

Headhuunter wrote:

Signal is awful in many areas. In Luton where my parents live they usually have to watch digital with subtitles on as the sound cuts out a lot and the picture pixelates all the time. They'd better do something to boost the signal before they switch off analogue in any more areas or people are going to be mightily p*ssed off.

The digital signal is going to be boosted once the analogue signal is turned off. I wish they'd turn the analogue signal off in my area now as the signal to me DAB keeps cutting out. And I live in line of sight with Crystal Palace!!

crossborderreiver

If you are in an area that uses a relay station, the relay may not transmit all stations until switchover time. Switchover might be in stages and you won't necessarily get all the Freeview channels.

beverick

Can't help on the initial problem but there was an amusing notice in the hotel reception yesterday. "Due to the digital switchover the picture quality on analgue channels may be adversely affected."

I suppose being turned off qualifies as 'adverse'.

Bob

fossyant

We are moving over very soon, but we have line of site to Winter hill - TBH our signal is too good, as my HD recorder had trouble tuning in, as we were picking up Welsh TV channels as well.

Since digital introduction, our analogue signal has become exceptionally poor.

wiffachip

you need a dish not an aerial, ALDI had some in recently for about 60 quid. then you'll be picking up the signal from a satellite and get loads more channels.

it will need to be aimed at the satellite though and not be obscured. Normally south facing

you can use a normal aerial, but channels will be limited

holmeboy

I've had most of the above and got so fed up went to my local digital tv specialist and paid for new arial and booster (don't think just any old booster form asda or whatever will do) and now have all channels, bliss! Also had to re-boot my 80gb reciever as it was freezing all the time (instructions how to do this on freeview internet channel) and now all ok!