Poor Signal Reception

[cragdoo]

Have just recently bought a new LG tv with freeview built in for our bedroom.

The main aerial in our living room downstairs is split via cheapy tescos signal booster (1 in , 2 out) , one into our Humax PVR9200 (no problems with signal at all) and then piped upstairs to our bedroom (about 10-15m of coax) , where I have another cheapy tescos signal booster (1in, 2 out) and then into our new tv.

I am struggling to get any of the ITV/C4 channels without any distortion and breakup.

I have had a quick look about on t'internet and have discovered our aerial is picking up signals from the Durris transmitter (just south of Aberdeen ) which is 49miles way from our house (St Andrews) , which woudl explain the weak signal. Have found there is a transmitter localed only 17miles away at Dundee.

Is it worth while just manually moving the aerial or is it best to get a local firm in to have a look at this issue ?

Anyone have an idea of how much a quick job like this would cost ??

Any suggestions/help most welcome

 

[whatsupdoc]

I don't thnk the double boosting you describe will do you any favours.

 

[ROYOLD]

The nearest transmitter to you is at Angus (not Dundee) and operates on a much lower transmission power. It is however, only approx 16 miles distant compared to the 48 miles from the high power Durris transmitter.

You did not state your postcode so have used the town centre location at KY16 9AF for checking. St. Andrews has a clear line of sight to both transmitters but this does not take in any local obstructions, e.g. tall buildings, trees etc.

Terrain between NO507168 (10 m a.g.l.) and Angus, NO394407 (antenna 549 m A.O.D.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location

Terrain between NO507168 (10 m a.g.l.) and Durris, NO763899 (antenna 618 m A.O.D.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location

Freeview on Angus TV transmitter | ukfree.tv - independent digital television and switchover advice, since 2002

You may get better reception from Angus despite its lower power. Need to
check the details with a local aerial installer.

Angus requires a C/D group aerial as the channels are towards the end of the band. A Wideband aerial is required for Durris. The latter gives most amplification for channels towards the end of the band so it would probably suffice for group C/D aerial. So perhaps a cheap fix just re-aligning on Angus. You would need to retune all your freeview equipment afterwards.

 

[scribbler101]

Have just recently bought a new LG tv with freeview built in for our bedroom.

The main aerial in our living room downstairs is split via cheapy tescos signal booster (1 in , 2 out) , one into our Humax PVR9200 (no problems with signal at all) and then piped upstairs to our bedroom (about 10-15m of coax) , where I have another cheapy tescos signal booster (1in, 2 out) and then into our new tv.

I am struggling to get any of the ITV/C4 channels without any distortion and breakup.

I have had a quick look about on t'internet and have discovered our aerial is picking up signals from the Durris transmitter (just south of Aberdeen ) which is 49miles way from our house (St Andrews) , which woudl explain the weak signal. Have found there is a transmitter localed only 17miles away at Dundee.

Is it worth while just manually moving the aerial or is it best to get a local firm in to have a look at this issue ?

Anyone have an idea of how much a quick job like this would cost ??

Any suggestions/help most welcome

Have you tried switching the equipment between the two locations to confirm that it is a matter of signal rather than equipment sensitivity?

I presume it is not the main aerial that is downstairs, but rather the socket that leads to it? Far better to do your splitting and amplifying close to the ae.

One other possibility. There are reports of digital signals being disrupted by moving spherical objects with a dimpled surface. The effect is worst for diameters between 1.5 and 2 inches. If this happens in your area you should insist to those responsible that the objects are not allowed to rise more than 2m above ground level.

 

[cragdoo]

Thanks for the info ROYOLD , am I right in saying the Angus trasmitter has a clearer line of sight as opposed to the Durris transmitter ??

scribbler the main cable for the main aerial is run down the side of the building and into the living room , where is then split using the booster box.

I will try the new tv downstairs and see what happens. Have called an local aerial guy to come out and advise on what to do next.