Disappearing Freeview chanels

[Deleted User]

My toshiba freeview HD recorder was working perfectly until Saturday when it lost all the HD chanels and some ordinary ones.

I tried re-tuning and the usual 'switching off and on' wich didn't help. The on screen menu lists all the non-HD channels but when select some (ie; ITV3) I get a 'bad / no signal' message on screen. I've tried my old freeview box and a diff TV but nothing helps. Also when I check the signal strength all of them are showing as 'weak' signal strength when they used to be 'strong / excellent'

Called toshiba who said it sounds like a problem with the communal aerial in my flats aerial as the recorder's channel guide shows the missing channels but can't receive them. But that doesn't explain why all HD ones don't even appear on the guide anymore.

I'm in SW London-Surrey border, I think we are on the Crystal Palace transmitter

Has anyone else had this problem & is there anything I can do?

wouldbeqaulitymoneysaver

November 17th I think there is a need for a nationwide re-tune ? not sure about the implications of this, but me does not like sound of it.

spenderdave

As reported also on Digital Spy yesterday evening. Due to the current high pressure system over the UK longer distance transmitters are coming in causing interference. Nothing to do with retunes (there are none at Crystal Palace anyway) and little you can do about it. Probably back to normal this morning anyway.

donny-gal

When we changed over we were advised, not just to do a re-tune, but to do a re-set up putting it back to factory defaults and then starting from scratch, might be worth a try. DG

[Deleted User]

Aha! you're right most of the channels are back this morning. Sadly not any of the HD ones. It's a relief that the recorder isn't at fault. Hopefully the HD channels will be back soon.

Thanks everyone.

Grampus8

Sorry to hijack the thread but, could this pressure upbuild have caused WIFI interference cauasing slow speeds?

debitcardmayhem

Grampus8 wrote: »

Sorry to hijack the thread but, could this pressure upbuild have caused WIFI interference cauasing slow speeds?

Most unlikely , If you are having wifi problems start with inssider from metageek to see if there is congestion on your Wifi channel http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/

Grampus8

Many thanks.

[Deleted User]

Looks like I spoke too soon.

After spending 1/2 hr on the Digital (0845 rate) helpline I was told that all HD freeview channels have gone from the Crystal Palace transmitter for my area till Apr 2012 and the other freeview channels will have 'variable' availibility until then.

I'm really annoyed that there hasn't been more accurate widespread info on this. Saying that the 'switchover' will be next year isn't quite the same as finding out that channels will be off and on randomly for the next 6 months!:mad::mad::mad:

Knowing my luck trying to watch TV over Xmas will be a hit and miss gamble! Cue family squabbles over the turkey & mince pies.

spud17

Don't forget, they practiced on Cumbria and the South West first so that London/South East would have an easy transition.
Switch off here was 2½ years ago.

G_M

bushbaby1103 wrote: »

Looks like I spoke too soon.

After spending 1/2 hr on the Digital (0845 rate) helpline I was told that all HD freeview channels have gone from the Crystal Palace transmitter for my area till Apr 2012 and the other freeview channels will have 'variable' availibility until then.

I'm really annoyed that there hasn't been more accurate widespread info on this. Saying that the 'switchover' will be next year isn't quite the same as finding out that channels will be off and on randomly for the next 6 months!:mad::mad::mad:

Knowing my luck trying to watch TV over Xmas will be a hit and miss gamble! Cue family squabbles over the turkey & mince pies.

For the kids - Hunt-the-thimble(or £5 note!)? Monopoly? charades?
For the adults - sardines? strip poker?