[allstar_07]

Hi,

I've had problems with freeview for ages now. Originally I had a cheap&nasty freeview box from tescos which jumped/froze every time the fridge door was opened or the lights turned on/off. I then bought a Digifusion PVR which actually didn't suffer from this problem at all so forgot about it.

I've now bought a panasonic plasma and the freeview is starting to suffer the symtoms again. (i don't think the pvr is but haven't watched that much since getting the built in freeview). Recently the built in freeview on some channels has been saying no signal which probably is not down to the fridge etc, I have the arial going into the pvf THEN into tv. Would a more expensive co-axial cable would make any difference?

What would people recommend for the fridge/light switch problem? Is it a mains power surge or something to do with the arial?

Also the old freeview box which is now in the bedroom breaks up all the time which I presume is a signal problem, I don't think there is a particulary good feed (and its a cr&p box) in there from the communual arial, however normal channels are prefectly good.

Would a surge protector work in the lounge - one with a built in arial socket? Also is there a surge protector with a build in tv powerdown function (like the eon ones) ?

Theres a lot of questions there - i hope some can be answered!

Cheers

[aniki]

Hi,

I've experienced this problem in many environments and can say that in all honesty, a surge protector and/or new cables wont make the slightest bit of difference.
The problem is at the source and this is where it must be eliminated.
Short of having your AV gear on a totally independent spur, you can have a qualified electrician fit noise suppressors to the light (which I'm guessing is a strip light) and the fridge, which may clear or reduce the problem.
The other option is do as most people do and ignore it....

[allstar_07]

I suppose ti doesn't bother me that much but if it could be easily fixed I'd give it a go!

Do you think it would be worth getting better cables to stop the 'no signal' messages from the built in freeview?

If so wheres the best place?

[aniki]

Hi,

To be honest, there's very little chance that a cable upgrade alone will fix the problem unless the existing cables are suffering some major interference along the way.
Even then there's no guarantee new cables will help.
If the signal is weak, the ultimate solution would be a decent main aerial upgrade, rewired all the way down to your TV or wall plate with a decent double shielded coax.
There are signal boosters around that actually work but you have to be quite selective (most just amplify the noise!)
There are others on here who can advise better which would be a good choice.
-
Just out of interest, does the signal improve if you bypass the pvr and plug direct into the TV?
-
Ref the interruptions, link for contact suppressor & vdr here:-
VDR & Contact Suppressor : Get rid of clicks and pops in your syste...
You'd probably get them for a few pence each buying somewhere other than Russ Andrews ;-)

[allstar_07]

Thanks for the info on the contact suppressor & VDR.

I've been away but I'll try the arial straight into the TV and have a look.

The freeview in the bedroom is really frustrating - I've returned to the standard 5 channels as the freeview is unwatchable! It seems to be the connection into the box actually but don't know whether its a lead or box issue, i might try the PVR from the lounge in there and see.

I think the disturbance coming when opening the fridge door will be the light rather than the thermostat - am i right? So I could fit a suppressor to the internal light?

Cheers