Odd Freeview Problem

csnann

Six weeks ago I bought a cheap set top box from ebay (I wasn't sure if I could get Freeview so I didn't want to spend much ), this worked fine until yesterday. There was signal interference on the analogue channels caused by the weather, this also affected some of the freeview channels so I decided to watch a video - the first time I had used the VCR since I got freeview. This seems to have caused some problem with the set top box because I am still getting interference on the ITV and Channel 4 channels although the analogue channels are fine. I have tried turning the box off at the socket and also reinstalling but that had no egffect other than to lose channel 5! Is it likely that the video caused this, or is there some other possible cause?

penrhyn

How have you wired up your system?
It sounds as if you are using the RF output from the video and possibly the Freeview box.
Channel Five can dissapear from TVs due to the RF modulator in the VCR being at the same frequencyas the channel 5 signal.
Its best to turn of the modulator and wire everything with Scarts.

espresso

If the weather is causing signal interference, you basically need a better aerial. If you are only getting problems when the video is switched on, it could be the RF output frequency of the video needs to be adjusted so that it does not clash with channel frequencies that you are trying to receive.

csnann

The set up is aerial to box, box to telly via scart, RF loop from box to video to telly. I have checked all the connections, also tried removing the video, still having problem. I know that I am right on the edge of the digital broascast area but unfortunately I can't do anything with the aerial because I live in a flat with a communal aerial. It just seems strange that it worked fine until I used the video recorder!
Thanks for all your replies though.

csnann

i tried putting the output from the video to the box but it made no difference. The box is a "graded" model, returned to the manufacturer, so it could just have decided to croak on me! I'll be getting a decent one next time!

dc

Was "the weather" you refered to yesterdays thunderstorms ?

Then the problem could be the transmitter being on reduced power for maintenance or because the storms caused some damage. This would effect the fringe reception area greatly.

It might not be your equipment at all.

csnann

It was thunderstorms, they often affect the analogue signal but this was the first one since I got the box. If the transmitter is on reduced power, would this affect some mux groups and not others? I have been looking around and noticed that the channels affected are in mux2.