Problems with TV signal

button_box

Does anyone know of a website where I can check if there is a problem with a local TV Mast? We have two TVs conected to two different aerials. A great deal of the time one TV shows a message saying channel not tuned or none of the channels will be available or limited channels available with a very poor signal and distorted reception. At other times this TV has perfect reception. 2nd TV has distorted reception ( picture & sound breaking up) or displays "no signal". I have tried re-tuning both TVs but this hasn't helped. We only have terrestrial TV.

Frozen_up_north

It is possible you are suffering from interference from a local mobile phone mast, they now have frequencies in the upper part of the UHF TV band. Equally, your local TV transmitter may be undergoing service work and is operating on reduced power.

This site may help: https://www.freeview.co.uk/help/avoiding-interference-with-equipment

Neil49

A quick Google search gave me a few results. Try this

https://istheservicedown.co.uk/status/freeview-uk/map

Ayr_Rage

Sounds like you could have an issue with your own aerials.

Are they on the same mast and could that have been moved by a storm?

Are there any new buildings or large trees between you and your local TV mast that could be causing reflections or blocking your signal?

All you have to do is Google, it's all there!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/reception/check-for-transmitter-faults/#/undefined

https://www.radioandtvhelp.co.uk/check-for-transmitter-faults-0/#/undefined

ButterCheese

This happened to me once. I checked the aeiral in the loft (which I'd advise to do if yours is in the loft, but don't get up on the roof if it's not safe). Mine was actually pointing in the opposite wrong direction; there are free apps you can download which tell you what direction your nearest mast is in and therefore which direction the aerial should be facing. Also check the condition and conenctions on the aerial (if safe to do so).

Next, if possible check the aerial cable. If it's behind walls etc then you won't be able to, but check as much as is visible/accessible. I found mine had nails going through it so I had to replace the whole thing.

twopenny

I live near the coast and it's actually a thing that mid tide can interfere with the signal. Was a problem at the start of digital and Freeview. Seems to have cropped up again recently because of the amount of stormy seas we've been having.

Now tuned to a land based area we do occasionally get interference depending on weather conditions .

Have you got a booster for your aerial? That worked for me at my last place and they aren't expensive and easy to attach.

Ayr_Rage

I think a lot of people are missing the fact that the OP has two separate aerials and both are exhibiting issues.

button_box

Thaks for all suggestions. Will check out various things to see if there is a solution. There is a direct line of sight to the nearest TV mast.

We had a problem with mobile phone signal in this area but this has improved dramatically recently.

The DAB radio has been cutting out as well. Both in the house/office and the car.

There has been a lot of military aircraft activity in the area, much more than usual but this may be totally unrelated. Don't know if this can affect transmission/reception.

Thanks for all responses.

Frozen_up_north

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81889625#Comment_81889625

Could the improved mobile phone signal be the cause of your problem? Just a guess, but there are free filters to clear that if it is a problem. Have your neighbours a similar issue?

button_box

I was going to speak to neighbours at some point. Nearest is 2 miles away, and they are away quite a lot,so don't bump into them much. Will phone them and see what they are saying.

Rodders53

Never retune when reception problems occur! It makes fault finding far more difficult.

BBC Reception Advice has a postcode checker for Freeview UHF TV transmitter faults…

Problems with Freeview reception? | Help receiving TV and radio

Mobile phone mast interference - leaflets in area should appear but one can check

Restore TV | TV Signal Interference | TV Filters

and if the likely cause they can provide free advice / filters and alterations to aerial systems.

However to advise accurately one needs to know more about the aerials and transmitter (or transmitters) they point to. Age and condition, plus whether external or loft or room… If any boosters / amplifiers are involved. Location (nearby postcode) for reception predictions.

Manual rather than auto tuning may be advisable as sometimes poor versions of channels get stored with better versions in the 800s when an aerial can receive from two different transmitters.