Interruptions on some Freeview Channels

[Cyril Eaton]

Hi all,

Slightly strange one this - I think.

Reception on the BBC Channels and one or two other Digital Channels breaks down now and again and I lose the reception.

I live in the North West and receive signals from Winter Hill.

Most channels are OK all of the time, but now and again (and it seems to be getting more) we lose reception on the BBC Channels - that's BBCs 1, 2 and 4 and the BBC News Channel. This uses the equivalent of the old Channel 50 from the analogue days. It also affects the odd channel using the old Channel 49 too, but not every channel in that cluster.

I've had the aerial and cabling checked and I'm told there's nothing wrong with it.

I was made aware of a potential for 4G interference and contacted the 4G operator who provided me with a Filter, but that's made no difference. The Filter is for Channel 59 as the 4G runs at 800MHz.

Anyone any idea what's likely to be the cause, please?

I'm tearing my hair out and the Freeview Advice line ain't much help.

 

[telectrix]

buy a satelite dish

 

[Cyril Eaton]

The thought had gone through my mind, but as a Retiree I don't have money to throw around. I know, in the grand scheme of things, they aren't expensive, but add in Recorders and other TVs (4 Tellys and 5 Recorders in the house) and the cost soon adds up. It may still be the only solution. My neighbours are all on Satellite - mostly because of this problem.

 

[static zap]

Do check signal is not over amplified ,daisy-chaining thru DVR boxes !
(if problem is on clear days rather than wet)

 

[telectrix]

i blame alien invasion. them extra territorials are taking over by stealth. next will be the Borg.

 

[littlespark]

Is it just one tv showing this?
Are all your TVs off one aerial?
Is it random or at regular times? (Check for nearby streetlights being on when picture lost)

 

[Charlie_]

I was going to ask if your neighbours have the same problem..

Check transmitter faults | Help receiving TV and radio

If you’re having trouble with any services and you think something might be wrong with our network select the service you are having problems with. Then enter your address details and the tool will find your local transmitters and check for problems in your area. Please note the tool provides...

www.bbc.co.uk

You can check there for issues..
Also depending on your location you might be best going for another transmitter

 

[The Ghost]

We had a similar problem and the guy who fixed it (by sorting out existing satellite) said the area our signal is coming from is saturated with 4g which he thinks has blanketed out the terrestrial signal. Who knew? Anyhow we're not too big on aerials as we have apple tv/netflix and other apps which frees you from watching on a schedule. Everyone I guess has a tablet/laptop/computer which is their tv if you like in your house saving on getting the signal around etc. And with ipads you can just send your pic to the big screen where you are.

 

[westward10]

Funnily enough Friday night after 10pm nearly every Freeview channel I tuned into stated no signal but was okay next day.

 

[Toneyz]

Funnily enough Friday night after 10pm nearly every Freeview channel I tuned into stated no signal but was okay next day.

I don't know what part of Northamptonshire you are but it was ok where I am n Northampton fed from the Sandy Heath transmitter.
Mind you, you didn't miss much same old rubbish.

 

[westward10]

Out in the sticks near the Leicestershire border.

 

[Cyril Eaton]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Let's see if I can encapsulate the responses into one post.

1 - Static Zap, Overamplified. When getting the installation checked I asked that question and was told it wasn't a problem.
2 - littlespark, installation. Yes, it is off one aerial, but it impacts every TV at the same time. It is not regular, just happens when it happens and I have to live with it. I've been trying to identify if there are any common factors that could give me a cause, but haven't found anything. Time is random - day, night, wet, dry.
3 - Charlie_, neighbours. Some have had the problem, but most now use Satellite; either Freesat or Sky. I did wonder if there was another transmitter, but am told Birmingham is the next nearest and apparently it is too far away. I may have to give it a try.
4 - Vortigern - 4G. I'm only aware of the one 4G, but will do a trawl and see whether there are any others.
5 - westward10. It was the end of the France/USA Women's World Cup match that I missed this week. Lost signal on all BBC Channels about 9:45 p.m.
6 - anthonybragg, location. Sorry, Anthony. I'm in the North West, not Northamptonshire.

Thanks again, everyone.

 

[Jim_e_Jib]

Have you tried checking the signal quality and strength on each of your televisions and set top boxes? Most should show this in one of the menus - it might help indicate potential causes of the problem.

 

[UNG]

I would suggest retuning your TV there has been various changes going on at Winter Hill, I have retuned my TV's a few times recently due to channel changes

 

[mhar]

Look up 'digital uk 700MHz clearance' for updates for your main or local transmitter. There is a lot going on at the moment as uhf tv frequencies are being freed up for mobile phone use