Bbc Push For Digital Swap Over But Channels Are Hit & Miss

[Adzam]

Hi,

What a nerve the BBC have for pushing everyone to swap to digital when they can't maintain a proper signal strength.

I live in West Kent in the middle of a very large town & have had Freeview since it began. How annoying it is that after all this time about half the channels are constantly affected by atmospheric conditions & become unwatchable.

The channels are all of the Five network, the shopping broadcasts except for Ideal, a number of BBC radio stations & others.

I have been advised that the problems may be down to Channel 5 who broadcast the poor signals on their bandwidth/transmitter?

Fortunately the primary channels such as BBC TV, ITV & 4 are always fine.

Can anyone throw any more light on this situation please?

Regards,
Jules.

[Richard46]

For some reason you are not getting Multiplex A. Multiplexes are bundles of stations all on the same frequency.

see
http://www.dtg.org.uk/retailer/dtt_channels.html

[Adzam]

Thanks for that but why do we not get multiplex A? I mean what an irony it is that the BBC even have their South & South East head office & studios yards away from where I am typing this message yet we have this problem.

Will we ever get a full line up of Freeview broadcasts?

Regards,
Jules.

[JayCee]

Originally Posted by Adzam

Thanks for that but why do we not get multiplex A.

Usually due to a poor signal caused by an inadequate or poorly sited aerial.

Originally Posted by Adzam

? I mean what an irony it is that the BBC even have their South & South East head office & studios yards away from where I am typing this message yet we have this problem.

Maybe so but their signals are broadcast from a transmitter sited to give as even a coverage as possible to their target reception area.
Bear in mind that all the Freeview transmitters broadcast at a much lower power than the analogue ones...if they were to increase the power of the transmitter it would cause massive interference to the analogue channels...most poor Freeview reception problems will disappear overnight after the analogue switchoff.

[mattym]

can you get channels from Bluebell hill? Im in Kings hill and get an ace signal off there in all weathers

[Adzam]

I'm in Tunbridge Wells. I think the signal comes from Castle Hill (Tonbridge) but obviously not to maximum effect.

[LV426]

The three things you need in addition to a suitable receiver, for satisfactory Freeview recepotion are

1: The right aerial equipment and installation
2: The right aerial equipment and installation
3: The right aerial equipment and installation

[smjxm09]

Originally Posted by Adzam

Hi,

What a nerve the BBC have for pushing everyone to swap to digital when they can't maintain a proper signal strength.

Regards,
Jules.

So why it the BBC's fault that you have a duff set up?

[Adzam]

Thanks for that constructive reply...not.

Incase you hadn't noticed all the 'adverts' on BBC channels it is indeed Auntie who are at the forefront of pushing for everyone to go digital. Not much use when they can't supply a full signal to a relatively large conurbation such as Tunbridge Wells.

My set up is absolutely fine.

Is there an official body for bringing to someones attention this dilemma?

Regards.
J

[Richard46]

J; I have put a Tunbridge Wells postcode into this checker

http://www.dtg.org.uk/retailer/cover...y+reception%3F

and it does indeed appear that MUX A channels such as 5 are not available in your area.

These postcode checkers can be inaccurate; indeed they are often pessimistic but it would seem to confirm that you cannot get MUX A. It may be worth asking some neighbours if they have had more success and if they have check out the aerial system they are using.

Regards Richard

Edit looks like there may also be problems with MUX D e.g. Film Four

[Adzam]

Thanks Richard.

I'm a bit confused. Would an aerial upgrade get all channels or is it down to the transmitter?

Also, for about 6 months last year we had all channels all the time but for most of this year the weaker ones have been unwatchable. The shopping channels must be tearing their hair out at all the lost sales from such unpredictably unreachable swathes of the country.

Regards,
J

[JayCee]

Originally Posted by Adzam

Also, for about 6 months last year we had all channels all the time but for most of this year the weaker ones have been unwatchable.

What are you using as a Freeview receiver?

[Adzam]

I have two. One is the Thompson DTI 2300 which I believe came out tops in reviews & the latest is my Panasonic DVD recorder/VHS/HDD/FV/SD card DMR-EX95V. I also have a Belkin signal amplifier.

[Richard46]

Originally Posted by Adzam

I'm a bit confused. Would an aerial upgrade get all channels or is it down to the transmitter?

J: it is difficult to say. It appears that reception of some MUXs in TW is at least difficult if not impossible. However people often report that they have been able to get reception in areas where they should be getting nothing. I can only suggest consulting a reputable local aerial installer.

Regards Richard

[bullethead]

Originally Posted by Richard46

J: it is difficult to say. It appears that reception of some MUXs in TW is at least difficult if not impossible. However people often report that they have been able to get reception in areas where they should be getting nothing. I can only suggest consulting a reputable local aerial installer.

Regards Richard

There's the rub, where do you find one. They all seem like cowboys