DTT freeview with indoor aerial - report

rm199 · 20-01-2003, 3:50 PM

Just wanted to let people know that I get 90% signal strengh on a Nokia 221T with an indoor aerial. I have read many times that it is not even worth trying let alone expecting to get a signal. So I wouldn't rule out the possibility completely (I did for 6 months based upon negative reports).

RM

cbemoore · 20-01-2003, 5:39 PM

I'm using an indoor aerial too, with no problems. I did have to experiment with pointing it at different angles, but once I got it pointing the right way, I got all channels clear as a bell.

Chris

Mr.D · 20-01-2003, 6:08 PM

I get a fine picture using an indoor aerial. I also get a pretty decent picture with no aerial whatsoever just a little bit of breakup when the pizza moped pulls up.

**LV426** · 20-01-2003, 6:31 PM

All depends on proximity to and line of sight to, the transmitter. I use a loft aerial and get disturbance-free signal on all channels on my Pace 735 (ex-ITV-D) box.

rm199 · 20-01-2003, 10:58 PM

well this is good news, glad to hear it is not that uncommon. I must have been reading the wrong posts because I was very turned off from what I saw. The only reason I bought the Nokia was that I'm moving shortly and will most likely need it in the new place. Very glad I did

RM

21-01-2003, 12:08 AM

I don't want people to be *too* optimistic when reading these posts. It does depend very much on location. If the digital terrestrial signal is strong then there's no reason why an indoor aerial won't work - except:

The signal is VERY susceptible to "impulse" interference - hence the "pizza boy effect".

This type of interference is common if you are close to a road with lots of traffic. Always keep the aerial as far as possible away from the road and as high as possible. You can also lose the picture/sound because of thermostats and light switches. This is only intermittent but it can be darned annoying.

If the signal is borderline then you'll get continual and terrible breakup of picture and/or sound. Below borderline and you'll find that some programmes are missing.

Fman

Mr.D · 21-01-2003, 12:46 AM

top tip: replace the RF downlink that comes with the box with a better cable ( this is the one that leads from the box to the TV). I found impulse interference disappeared on mine when I did this. I suspect the lead was so badly shielded it was behaving like an antenna and broadcasting RF interference making the box even more susceptable to interference. Nothing fancy just bog standard brown coax lead gave me a stable box!

bar · 21-01-2003, 1:27 PM

I have an indoor ariel feeding 2 tv's and get an excellent digital signal (90%).

The analogue picture on Channel 5 is a bit dodgy but who watches channel 5

w3dal · 21-01-2003, 3:14 PM

Hi All,

Just wondering what FTA boxes you lot are using as im currently looking into one of these boxes for my flat and i have seen 3 so far.......

A pace,panasonic and a Goodmans....

Im thinking about the pace box, is there any differnce in features and will one recieve channels better then the other???

Cheers

Dal

21-01-2003, 3:36 PM

I think I'm right in saying the Nokia 221T has the best reviews for getting a better picture in poor signal areas. But it is more expensive than the pace- panasonic types.

As I live in a poor signal area I wish I had bought the Nokia.

w3dal · 21-01-2003, 4:07 PM

Hi Thanks for the reply Pod Person!!!

Is there a website i can check out these Nokia boxes, that your talking about??

Or even reviews on all these FTV boxes??

In Chelmsford (Essex) the website says that there is no singnal but our local Comet has one up and running with no problems, whats that all about????

Dal

21-01-2003, 8:46 PM

I'm afraid I don't know much about the nokia - I was browsing through WV in Smiths when I noticed the review. It's mentioned a lot on the Digi spy forums though....

http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/...php?forumid=27

Nokia 221T is about £120 I think.

Richard46 · 21-01-2003, 9:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by w3dal
Hi Thanks for the reply Pod Person!!!

Is there a website i can check out these Nokia boxes, that your talking about??

Or even reviews on all these FTV boxes??

In Chelmsford (Essex) the website says that there is no singnal but our local Comet has one up and running with no problems, whats that all about????

Dal

Hi Dal

Dont know about Chelmsford but I definitely know that the Freeview website gives 'No Signal' for some Essex postcodes were you can get all the channels with no problem. The website seems to play very much on the safe/pessimistic side.
Can you borrow a box or get it on a 'signal' or return basis; It may be worth trying.
I'm amazed Comet has actually thought of connecting a FTV box to a TV! What next; will they manage to get the wide screen aspect ratio right. Congratulations to them anyway.

Richard

Mr.D · 22-01-2003, 2:28 AM

I'ev got one of those nokia mediamaster ondigiboxes. The first ones with notably a coax PCM output... not that I actually use it.

I'm going to pinch my brother in laws pioneer box to see if its any better.

drew · 22-01-2003, 2:45 AM

Hello Mr D

Saw your earlier post about indoor aerials and that you enjoy a picture even without an aerial. A digital picture! With no aerial!

But then I saw you are on Bermuda. A tiny island. Must be flooded with signal.

Do you like a Dark 'n Stormy? I tried to buy some of the rum in the UK, - costs a packet here so didn't go for it.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode


AVForums.com is the UK's biggest & best home consumer electronics discussion resource	New to AVForums.com? Start by reading our introduction here.
Search AVForums.com