What's your TV reception like in Brixton?

[Oswaldtwistle]

This is not a big technical issue. Forget boosters and different brands. If you don't have an outside aerial you'll have to get used to the TV as a snow bubble or get cable. No indoors aerial can get C5 with a viewable picture.

If you've no option but an indoor aerial, I've found this one http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5342000/Trail/searchtext>AERIAL.htm to be about the best, and this test http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org...rials/recommendations/best-indoor-aerials.htm rated it highly too.

But there is no subsitute for an outdoor aerial, if you've got that option.

 

[Brixton Hatter]

Has anyone's TV reception been shit since the digital switchover?

Can't work out whether it's my box, or just the reception is rubbish. It's been poor the last few days (weather I think) but I get this thing regularly since April where the signal just cuts out for a second or two every now and then. Sometimes every five minutes or so.

Anyone else experiencing this? Or just me?

 

[19sixtysix]

Has anyone's TV reception been shit since the digital switchover?

Can't work out whether it's my box, or just the reception is rubbish. It's been poor the last few days (weather I think) but I get this thing regularly since April where the signal just cuts out for a second or two every now and then. Sometimes every five minutes or so.

Anyone else experiencing this? Or just me?

Yes. Mine is shit and I'm under the crystal palace tower. Its a bit embarrassing as aerial engineering is one of my former trades though I really try my best to ignore it I'm actually going to have to actually find some kit and do measurements and find out why.

 

[Greebo]

Has anyone's TV reception been shit since the digital switchover?

Can't work out whether it's my box, or just the reception is rubbish. It's been poor the last few days (weather I think) but I get this thing regularly since April where the signal just cuts out for a second or two every now and then. Sometimes every five minutes or so.

Anyone else experiencing this? Or just me?

Yes. Normal for digital in certain types of weather innit.

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Yes. Normal for digital in certain types of weather innit.

The picture'll be fine after the 21st

 

[19sixtysix]

The picture'll be fine after the 21st century

Corrected

 

[CNT36]

Turn your signal boosters off. If it does not get better remove the coax slowly until the picture sorts itself out then find a way to keep it in place. The signal is too strong. Analogue channels are not affected by this just digital. This did come up a while ago on here and I said it would get worse after the digital switchover. I'm several hundred miles away so if anyone has noticed it get worst since I'd be interested to know.

 

[Brixton Hatter]

Turn your signal boosters off. If it does not get better remove the coax slowly until the picture sorts itself out then find a way to keep it in place. The signal is too strong. Analogue channels are not affected by this just digital. This did come up a while ago on here and I said it would get worse after the digital switchover. I'm several hundred miles away so if anyone has noticed it get worst since I'd be interested to know.

cheers mate, will try it out.

 

[colacubes]

Ours is fine, but funnily enough I was chatting to someone from round the corner earlier who said their pic had been atrocious since the switchover. I will pass on CNT36's advice

 

[editor]

It used to be ace (we have a direct line of sight to the Crystal Palace transmitters) but it's got increasingly flaky since the switch-over.

 

[CNT36]

It used to be ace (we have a direct line of sight to the Crystal Palace transmitters) but it's got increasingly flaky since the switch-over.

I think you said last time around your signal was good. When they switchover they increase the power of the digital transmission and so problems can get worse or emerge.

 

[CNT36]

http://www.urban75.net/forums/threa...on-going-tits-up-lately.285795/#post-10743212

 

[spanglechick]

we're moving to sydenham hill, a short spit from the crystal palace transmitter. I've always noticed getting radio fuzz when i've driven past CP - and when we were in the area the other day we noticed that mobile phone reception is a bit odd - loads of bars, but data really struggling to connect.

is this going to be for the same reason: signal overload?

 

[CH1]

It used to be ace (we have a direct line of sight to the Crystal Palace transmitters) but it's got increasingly flaky since the switch-over.

Signal strength can be too strong or too weak. And also anyone using a set-top aerial: the cat could knocking it out of correct alignment etc.
The kind of boosters/attenuators required would be sold by Maplin - Forest Hill/Aldwych/Holborn/Liverpool St.
The staff in places like that get very bored - would probably be delighted to advise you.
If anyone wants to borrow a 12dB attentuator - I've got one in the drawer.
Regarding anyone with radio problems - for years I suffered with an old Roberts FM portable in the bathroom that had chronic pirate problems on R3, sometimes also on R4. Got a cheapy DAB radio from Argos last week. Problem vanished. Most new FM sets have PLL (Phase Locked Loop) much less prone to adjacent channel interference.

My first job out of Uni was with Decca Navigator in New Malden - can you tell? It was in 1977 though - when engineers were supposed to understand engineering things, not just exchange faulty goods from China. Soon sorted that out - by moving all the engineering jobs to Corby, Glenrothes etc. People in London have to do work they zoned to do - i.e. bankrupting the nation in UBS etc.

BTW (raving now) did you know that the building now know as "Kennington Park" was the orginal Decca Gramophone works? Before they even got into making the 78s/45s/LPs. Decca also made Colour Tellys & Radar sets for small boats at a factory in Ingate Place, Battersea - now usefully converted into a "Self-Store" establishment.

 

[CH1]

Just curious to know if people's reported Freeview problems are resolved.
My own have got worse over the last year.
Since Dec 2012 the Overground route on the track immediately behind where I live causes major screen and sound glitches - as well as the rail freight.
I use a loft aerial. This had to be changed from "Group A" to Wideband years ago when Channel 5 (analogue) started.
I gather from technical postings on the net that the recommended aerial for Crystal Palace transmitter is Group A again now. Was thinking about replacing the aerial again and wondered if anyone else has been through this.
Does anyone locally sell Group A aerials suitable for Crystal Palace? Argos, Currys, B & Q and Maplin all carry lower quality broadband aerials not Group A.
Looks like Amazon wins on this one (or the specialist firm in Sheffield)

 

[Frumious B.]

I've got an indoor aerial with a cheapo Argos booster on it, connected to a fifty quid Hitachi PVR. I dunno whether the booster is anything more than a pretty blue light, but I get good reception on all known Freeview channels. I probably have to nudge the aerial once a month or less. I'm about forty feet up in Rushcroft Rd.

 

[CH1]

I've got an indoor aerial with a cheapo Argos booster on it, connected to a fifty quid Hitachi PVR. I dunno whether the booster is anything more than a pretty blue light, but I get good reception on all known Freeview channels. I probably have to nudge the aerial once a month or less. I'm about forty feet up in Rushcroft Rd.

My problem is reflections from trains at the back (loft aerial) or buses etc at front on Coldharbour Lane (which occurs with set-top)
I do have two TVs on the same aerial. The living room one is not too bad, but the el cheapo Bush LCD in the (basement) kitchen is badly affected.

 

[CH1]

Pre-emptory bump.
Arqiva Crystal Palace transmitter are turning off one of their units (the multiplex called COM8) tomorrow.
This will these affect Freeview channels:

55-5Star+1

64-FreeSports

83-Now 80s

89-Together TV+1

93-PBS America +1

96-ForcesTV

106-BBC Four HD

111-QVC HD

112-QVC Beauty HD

114-Quest HD

205-Cbeebies HD

Some of the +1 transmissions will cease - but not PBS America+1 apparently.

It seems likely that some of the following will on so-called COM7 will also be affected:

56-5USA+1

67-CBS Reality+1

72-Quest Red+1

74-Shopping Quarter

86-More4+1

92-Pick+1

107-BBC News HD

109-Channel4HD +1

110-4Seven HD

113-RT HD

115-TCC HD

In particular the Freeview authorities have also anounced that Channel 4 HD+1 is being cut - as customers can always watch Channel 4+1 on Freeview channel 14 (non HD).

Personally I would not weep if RT HD was stopped - but then Arqiva are probably as dependent on Putin's shilling as they are on those Richard Desmond porn channels in the 600s.

A retune will be instructed on Monday 22nd June.
Unlike Lambeth Council Arqiva and Freeview don't consult their customers about anything - so you guess is as good as mine what channels we end up with tomorrow.

 

[theboris]

Pre-emptory bump.
Arqiva Crystal Palace transmitter are turning off one of their units (the multiplex called COM8) tomorrow.
This will these affect Freeview channels:

55-5Star+1

64-FreeSports

83-Now 80s

89-Together TV+1

93-PBS America +1

96-ForcesTV

106-BBC Four HD

111-QVC HD

112-QVC Beauty HD

114-Quest HD

205-Cbeebies HD

Some of the +1 transmissions will cease - but not PBS America+1 apparently.

It seems likely that some of the following will on so-called COM7 will also be affected:

56-5USA+1

67-CBS Reality+1

72-Quest Red+1

74-Shopping Quarter

86-More4+1

92-Pick+1

107-BBC News HD

109-Channel4HD +1

110-4Seven HD

113-RT HD

115-TCC HD

In particular the Freeview authorities have also anounced that Channel 4 HD+1 is being cut - as customers can always watch Channel 4+1 on Freeview channel 14 (non HD).

Personally I would not weep if RT HD was stopped - but then Arqiva are probably as dependent on Putin's shilling as they are on those Richard Desmond porn channels in the 600s.

A retune will be instructed on Monday 22nd June.
Unlike Lambeth Council Arqiva and Freeview don't consult their customers about anything - so you guess is as good as mine what channels we end up with tomorrow.

Thanks for this I've not been able to get any of those on COM8 for several weeks. I've only really missing BBC4 HD and Now 80s. Hope today's retune sorts this

EDIT: just retuned. Not got any of channels I've lost back, but doesn't look as if we will: 22 Jun 2020 - Important channel broadcast changes

 

[Gramsci]

I tend to watch TV through the internet. I have google chromecast.

I was thinking of getting one of those sticks- Roku

Aerial in my place never worked that well.

Trouble is my internet is a bit shit. Its the ancient cable and broken junction box outside. Repeated repairs to it.

Had BT Outreach out three times in last six months. The last one actually asked if the cable on front of house been replaced when I moved in.

 

[CH1]

Thanks for this I've not been able to get any of those on COM8 for several weeks. I've only really missing BBC4 HD and Now 80s. Hope today's retune sorts this

EDIT: just retuned. Not got any of channels I've lost back, but doesn't look as if we will: 22 Jun 2020 - Important channel broadcast changes

Tuesday 23rd BBC Four HD is currently on channel 798 - and saying you need to retune.
I've got two tellies - one retuned, the other not retuned. They both get the same thing.
PBS America+1 is up there around 788 - but no BBC News HD.

The only COM7/8 HD station roughly in the same place at the moment is CBeebies HD- now 209, was 205.
So if you like "In The Night Garden" and the Ninky Nonk you're OK. Shuts down at 7 pm though.
This must be the most soothing programme currently on TV

 

[CH1]

I tend to watch TV through the internet. I have google chromecast.

I was thinking of getting one of those sticks- Roku

Aerial in my place never worked that well.

Trouble is my internet is a bit shit. Its the ancient cable and broken junction box outside. Repeated repairs to it.

Had BT Outreach out three times in last six months. The last one actually asked if the cable on front of house been replaced when I moved in.

Roku works. I have one - but it needs an HDMI interface. On my set an HDMI input only produces sound through the internal speakers - though that might not happen with you, or indeed be a problem for you.

Roku has a Vimeo ap - which broadens the choice of uploaded material a bit further than Youtube (which Roku also does). Roku also does stuff like France 24 and Deutsche Welle - though seems to me these are pre-recorded short bulletins rather than continuous live coverage.

The most unusual programme I've found on Roku is an Ethiopean Orthodox channel which broadcasts Coptic services
Roku

 

[theboris]

Tuesday 23rd BBC Four HD is currently on channel 798 - and saying you need to retune.
I've got two tellies - one retuned, the other not retuned. They both get the same thing.
PBS America+1 is up there around 788 - but no BBC News HD.

The only COM7/8 HD station roughly in the same place at the moment is CBeebies HD- now 209, was 205.
So if you like "In The Night Garden" and the Ninky Nonk you're OK. Shuts down at 7 pm though.
This must be the most soothing programme currently on TV

I have been in touch with Freeview, who are very prompt and helpful in response via FB messenger. They say we SHOULD be able to get the missing channels and recommended a manual retune, as I still couldn't get them when I auto-retuned

 

[CNT36]

Tuesday 23rd BBC Four HD is currently on channel 798 - and saying you need to retune.
I've got two tellies - one retuned, the other not retuned. They both get the same thing.
PBS America+1 is up there around 788 - but no BBC News HD.

The only COM7/8 HD station roughly in the same place at the moment is CBeebies HD- now 209, was 205.
So if you like "In The Night Garden" and the Ninky Nonk you're OK. Shuts down at 7 pm though.
This must be the most soothing programme currently on TV

If it is on channel 798 it probably means you are receiving the signal from a second transmitter. You may have duplicates of other channels up in those high numbers as well.

 

[theboris]

If it is on channel 798 it probably means you are receiving the signal from a second transmitter. You may have duplicates of other channels up in those high numbers as well.

The final response from the helpful Freeview folk has provided some clarity:

There are currently on-going engineering works. These are due to be completed by 4pm on the 26th.
COM8 has shut down, so the remaining channels have joined COM7. When you are doing a manual tune, it will be 55 you need to search.
There may be some interruption to service for some viewers, however we do hope this will be minimal and and least disruptive as possible.

 

[CH1]

theboris thanks for that - I'll wait and see what happens tomorrow then Was there any comment on BBC News HD? I am happy not to have it - but if they are dropping it I believe they should say so.

CNT36 Thanks for your suggestion - but given the signal strength it can only be Crystal Palace.

 

[CNT36]

theboris thanks for that - I'll wait and see what happens tomorrow then Was there any comment on BBC News HD? I am happy not to have it - but if they are dropping it I believe they should say so.

CNT36 Thanks for your suggestion - but given the signal strength it can only be Crystal Palace.

I was being thick. Stuff from another transmitter is 800+.

 

[theboris]

theboris thanks for that - I'll wait and see what happens tomorrow then Was there any comment on BBC News HD? I am happy not to have it - but if they are dropping it I believe they should say so.

CNT36 Thanks for your suggestion - but given the signal strength it can only be Crystal Palace.

that's all the detail I have, but if you go to the coverage checker on the Freeview website - or the phone app is good - it says you SHOULD get BBC News HD, so hopefully we'll get it back later this week

 

[theboris]

that's all the detail I have, but if you go to the coverage checker on the Freeview website - or the phone app is good - it says you SHOULD get BBC News HD, so hopefully we'll get it back later this week

They said 4pm, still no channels back...

 

[CH1]

They said 4pm, still no channels back...

I unfortunately did a retune - which knocked twelve channels off the list.
Please say if reception returns. I could spend hours going up into the loft and moving the aerial around - but its pointless if there is nothing there to pick up.
Maybe this is what we need - battery not supplied

SLX 27867R/S Digital Aerial Signal Finder - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Enables the user to detect and tune in to the best digital signal available via a direct connection to the aerial using the fixing kit provided. LED display provides direction for the best possible signal. To be used in strong signal areas. FREE next day delivery...

www.screwfix.com