Getting all freeview channels

Pythagorous

Hi guys,

Just got my new lcd tv and trying to get going on the freeview. It appears to have tuned in some of the freeview channels perfectly (automatically), but for quite a few channels (eg itv, ch4), it gives the message "selected program is not available" and I can't seem to tune it at all. It seems strange that I can get the bbc channels perfectlybut not itv etc. Is this common and do you think there is anything I can get to help me get all other freeview channels tuned?

Thanks

Electron_2

It sounds like an aerial problem. BBC and ITV channels are transmitted on different multiplex frequencies.

You may have a group channel aerial and need a wideband aerial.

It is possible a small rotation in direction of your aerial will allow you to receive all the freeview channels.

Pythagorous

Thanks electron. I have a loft aerial which never gave a great pic on the old tv so reckon you are spot on. How do i know if it is a channel aerial?

I've also heard that satellite grade cable is agood to use, but I've no idea what exactly this is.

Silly Q, but can I use the old satellite dish as an aerial?

savemoney

Sounds like you need a new aerial I dont recommend a loft aerial, DTV is much more sensitive partly to the low power it uses so you need a good aerial if you dont live close to transmitter

I had 3 aerial sfitted and split last year, one aerial gives 3 feeds, front living room and two bedrooms, the other other feed at the rear in kids bedroom. It costs me £180 it was around £45 per room

I do have mast on next hill I live on a hill and its about 1 1/2 miles away you can see if from my bedroom window

jillymit

Thought I'd send you the page of Argos Aerial boosters. My husband says he got his from Focus but they have no pictures on their site.
Ours is just a little grey box about the size of a fag packet you plug in the electric socket and then connect the aerial signal wire to it and your TV aerial wire and it boosts the signal (magic!) http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Browse/ID69/1019921/c_1/1|category_root|Home+entertainment+and+sat+nav|10199181/c_2/2|cat_10199181|Electrical+accessories|10199205/c_3/3|cat_10199205|Television+aerials+and+boosters|10199214.htm

Might be worth a try before spending money on another aerial and I think Argos still do their 16 day no quibble money back guarantee if it doesn't do the trick.

Pythagorous

Thanks Jillymit

savemoney

Well I had two indoor aerial that I got from Argos one was powered by mains the other by two AAA batteries. I have the main transmitter in my bedroom window and even with both aerials I couldn't get a brilliant picture some were better than others

I live on a hill no large trees outside house and yet it didnt work for me not properly

I just think if you want to watch tv in good picture its best paying to get a good aerial and fitted properly

TomsMom

Did you have Freeview with your old TV or is this your first time with Freeview?

If you didn't have it before, have you checked the availability in your area? You can check it here by putting your post code in.

I'm wondering if you're in the same situation as my mom who can only get certain channels. She lives near Birmingham and at the moment for her postcode it says:

Good news. You should be able to receive some Freeview channels now and the entire service after the digital switchover.

See which channels are available from the list below.

The only channels she can receive at the moment are BBC1, BBC2, BBC3, BBC4, E4+1, Sky3, Smile and Dave.

The ITV channels, Channel 4, E4, More4, Channel 5, and others, will only be available after switchover.

aliEnRIK

Pythagorous wrote: »

I've also heard that satellite grade cable is agood to use, but I've no idea what exactly this is.

Silly Q, but can I use the old satellite dish as an aerial?

Satellite grade is usually classed as RG6 cable (Double shielded to help against other types of airbourne interference). Its not THE best, but its certainly worth using above the cheapy co-ax cable.

You cant use the satellite dish for freeview, but you COULD use it for freesat (But you would need another box)

You cant beat a decent roof aerial fed with decent cable, but you might want to try out an 'aerial amplifier' for now?

Inactive

Check with your close neighbours to see what they get Freeview wise, that is always a good marker, check which type of aerial they are using.

I suspect that a roof mounted aerial of the correct type / size will be the only satisfactory option.

black_paw

sounds like need new upgrade Ariel or booster . where my mum lives it say no free veiw or channel 5 but with tiny little ariel she gets channel 5 and some free veiw channels with box. free veiw say it's impossible friends say impossible until they come and see weird ..