Freeview & Freely

How does good weather affect my television?

Alan.Boyle — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 09:25:39 +0000

How does good weather affect my television? Alan.Boyle 11 January 2019

The television transmitter network is engineered to a very high level, so impacts due to the weather are rare. However, there will be occasions when certain weather conditions allow the signals carrying television services to travel further than normal. This can cause problems such as pixelation.

When these conditions occur, there is nothing that can be done but wait until the weather system has moved on.

Effect of Weather on Reception

The �鶹�� has over 1000 television transmitters across the UK. The television transmitter network is engineered to a very high level, so impacts due to the weather are rare. However, as we only have access to a limited number of frequencies to broadcast television services, we need to re-use them numerous times across the UK. Therefore, there will be occasions when certain weather conditions allow the signals carrying television services to travel further than expected. Therefore at these times, you can then receive different television services that are using the same frequency.

Normally, the signals from each transmitter can only be received by those homes that have aerials with a direct line-of-sight to the transmitter. Being able to receive more than one signal using the same frequency can cause problems such as pixelation. This is known as co-channel interference and can be caused by a weather effect called tropospheric ducting. For more information see our guide on tropospheric ducting.

This can also happen with the television relays in our transmitter network which receive their signal from another transmitter.

Example of how weather can impact television reception

What can we do?

Since we cannot control the weather, we have no influence over abnormal propagation through the troposphere, and it is only practicable to plan a network where interference is suffered no more than 1% of the time. To improve on this figure, broadcasters would need to increase the number of transmitters drastically and build a much denser network. This is impractical and would be very expensive.

Unfortunately, tropospheric-type interference is never spread thinly throughout the year. It tends to happen mostly in the evenings - when television viewing is at a peak and specialist FM programmes are on air. It often appears at the same time on consecutive days, then disappears for several months. Some years are worse than others, depending on the prevailing weather patterns. Nevertheless, when averaged over several years, the majority of viewers and FM listeners should be free from this sort of interference for at least 99% of the time, providing they live within the service area of their transmitter and are using a good directional aerial.

When we are aware of this happening, we will put up a news item on Works and Warnings.

What can you do?

At these times, there is nothing that can be done but to wait until the weather condition changes. You should not retune your television when this happens.

If you have re-tuned your television, we would recommend doing a manual retune to the transmitter your aerial is pointing towards. We have a guide to help you manually retune.

What is a Freeview multiplex?

Anonymous — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 10:24:53 +0000

What is a Freeview multiplex? Anonymous (not verified) 28 January 2019

The old analogue television services, for example �鶹�� 1 or �鶹�� 2, were broadcast from a transmitter using separate frequencies. Digital television allows us to bundle a number of television services into what is known as a multiplex and to broadcast them all on one frequency from a transmitter. Your television, or set- top box, then pulls out each individual service in the multiplex and allows you to watch it.

A number of multiplexes can be transmitted from each transmitter site, allowing a wider range of stations to be broadcast.

Freeview multiplexes
There are three public service broadcast (PSB) multiplexes. The �鶹�� runs two of them and they are known as PSB1 and PSB3 or sometimes �鶹��A and �鶹��B. There is also a set of commercially-operated multiplexes, known as COM4, COM5, COM6. Plus, in some areas, there are local television multiplexes which usually start with LTV.
We keep an updated list of all our services on the various multiplexes
Why do we use multiplexes?
Using a multiplex enables us to broadcast a number of television channels at once using just a single frequency. This allows broadcasters to use the spectrum allocated to television to the maximum, giving you more stations to choose from. We are able to do this using technology that allows the television channels to be compressed together into a multiplex and then fed to the distribution network for transmission.
We can also add in radio stations, Red Button data services, subtitles and audio description into a multiplex. Each multiplex also carries the service information which includes the data needed for EPGs.
Digital transmission needs less power than analogue, so it is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
How many multiplexes can I get where I live?
The �鶹��’s two multiplexes (PSB1 and PSB3) are broadcast from over a thousand transmitters across the UK, along with PSB2, which carries services such as ITV, Channel 4 and FIVE. Between them they cover over 98.5% of the population. Only PSB1 and PSB3 are funded by the licence fee.
The commercial multiplexes (COM4, COM5 and COM6) are broadcast from a much smaller number of transmitters and cover 90% of the population.There is also COM7 multiplex which broadcasts from even fewer sites and cover about 63% of the population.
In some cities and surrounding areas, one or more Local TV multiplexes may be available. These carry a channel dedicated to the local area, plus some additional commercial services.
Use our transmitter checker tool to find out which transmitters you can tune to and the multiplexes available on those transmitters.
Reception Problems
If you have a reception problem with one service in a multiplex, you will also have problems with all the other services in that multiplex. It is also possible for the signal strength and quality of one multiplex to be different from another. This could be due to the different frequencies used, the power of the transmitter and that not all multiplexes are broadcast from the same antenna on the site.
The our transmitter checker tool can give you an indication of the expected quality of the multiplex signal you can receive at your location.

Effect of tropospheric ducting on Freeview

Anonymous — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 11:55:41 +0000

Effect of tropospheric ducting on Freeview Anonymous (not verified) 28 January 2019

When a television signal is broadcast from a transmitter, some of it disappears upwards into space and is lost. However, during certain weather conditions, the “lost” signal can become bent back towards earth and received much further away than normal. The lost signal can potentially travel great distances, up to many hundreds of miles.

This is known as tropospheric ducting and can distort or prevent television reception.

What causes Tropospheric Ducting?
Normally, the higher you go into the atmosphere, the colder it is. However, high pressure can cause a temperature inversion. This is where a layer of air in the troposphere will be at a higher temperature than the layers of air below it. Some of the television signals from a transmitter bounce back towards the ground and potentially again up to the inversion, effectively creating a duct for the signals to travel along.

Example of how a signal can travel further than normal

When does it happen
Tropospheric ducting of television signals is relatively common during summer months especially during evenings in periods of stable and fine weather. However, it can happen at any time of the year. It tends to happen when we have hot days followed by rapid cooling at night. This is why it is common near the coast.
When we are aware of this happening, we will put up a news item on Works and Warnings.
What impacts does it have?
Because the signals can travel further afield it can become possible to receive services you can’t normally get. For Freeview, your aerial can pick up signals from distant transmitters as well those from your local one. If they are on the same frequency, it can cause co-channel interference. This will cause temporary picture break-up (pixilation). These additional signals can sometimes cause problems with relay transmitters in our network.
How long does it last?
This is hard to estimate as there are many variables that cause tropospheric ducting. It often appears at the same time on consecutive days and then can disappear for several months at a time.
What should you do?
At these times, there is nothing you can do but wait until the weather changes. You should not re-tune your television when this happens. If you have re-tuned we recommend doing a manual re-tune to the transmitter your aerial is pointing towards. We have a guide to help you manually retune.

Who is responsible for my Shared/Communal Aerial?

Anonymous — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:50:24 +0000

Who is responsible for my Shared/Communal Aerial? Anonymous (not verified) 28 January 2019

If you live in a multi-dwelling property such as a block of flats it is possible you all are using the same aerial to receive TV signals; this is known as a communal aerial. It’s usually the landlord or management committee’s responsibility to deal with any faults with a communal aerial.

It is worth first checking to see whether the problem is with your own equipment, or the local transmitter. If neighbours are having the same problem it may be that the aerial itself is at fault, or there may be an interfering signal. In either case, you will need to ask your landlord or management committee to solve the problem.

Checking for problems
Check cables and leads within your property to ensure the problem is not a simple installation fault. Please see our Freeview Installation guide for further details.
To see whether there are any faults with the local transmitters use our Transmitter Checker tool. This will help you to see if there are, or have been recently, transmitter faults in your local area.

Electrical interference
There are differences between a reception problem and one caused by electrical interference. See our help guides which explain the differences. Our sister site, the Radio and Television Investigation Service (RTIS) also has useful information on how to distinguish the difference.
If it is potentially interference, your landlord or management committee can contact the regulator, Ofcom, for help with solving the problem, using their contact web form . Since it is a communal aerial, you will not be able to contact Ofcom directly.

What type of aerial do I need?

Anonymous — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 17:02:15 +0000

What type of aerial do I need? Anonymous (not verified) 28 January 2019

To access digital terrestrial television you need an aerial. It can be built-in, indoor or external and vary with platform.

This guide gives a simple overview of the different aerials available.

Television aerials

There are three main factors to consider when discussing television aerials - polarity, group and location.
Polarity
This is not as complex as it sounds. Television services are broadcast either horizontally-polarised or vertically-polarised. Your aerial needs to be mounted flat (horizontal), or on its side (vertical), depending on the transmitter it is pointing towards and the polarity of the services broadcast.
Aerial types

Horizontal and Vertical

Aerial Group
To help boost reception, an aerial can be manufactured to receive a specific range of frequencies. This is known as a grouped aerial. For example, Group A aerials are better at receiving services between channel 21 and channel 37. This worked well for many years, but since we had to clear some broadcast channels for 4G and 5G services, we have had to squeeze more television services into fewer channels.
This has meant that some transmitters are using frequencies different from those that have been used for many years. This can mean some households may have a grouped antenna that isn’t suitable, or is less effective, for the frequencies now being used. The solution is to install a wide band aerial that covers all frequency ranges.
It is difficult to determine which group aerial you have, or even if it is wide-band. You may need to seek advice from a professional aerial installer.
Location
The best place for an aerial is at a height of ten metres, mounted outside without anything between the aerial and the transmitter. All the coverage predictions used in our tools assume you have an external aerial at 10m.
If you are in an area that has very good coverage, you can use loft or indoor aerials. However, some of the signal strength will always be lost when using indoor aerials. This is becoming more prevalent with new properties as many have foil-backed insulation in roofs and walls. This sort of insulation blocks television and radio signals.
Indoor
Indoor portable aerials tend to come in two varieties, mini replicas of external aerials and wire loops. The looped aerial will perform the worst and is unlikely to give you good reception.
Indoor aerial

Manual Retune your Freeview TV to Restore Missing �鶹�� Channels

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 09:51:33 +0000

Manual Retune your Freeview TV to Restore Missing �鶹�� Channels Anonymous (not verified) 30 January 2019

If you are experiencing picture break up, missing channels or the wrong regional news you may need to re-tune your TV set manually. This allows you to select the transmitter that provides the best service for your area and can solve a number of common problems.

A manual re-tune can be used for any Freeview-based service such as BT, Youview and Talk Talk.

Before carrying out a manual re-tune, you need to know which transmitter your aerial is pointing towards and the channel numbers used by that transmitter. Our Transmitter Checker tool can help you find the correct channel numbers to use.

Use the manual re-tune option and not the auto-tune option on the television menu to take you through the process. If a manual re-tune does not work there maybe further options available to help solve problems.

Finding transmitter and channel numbers
Enter your postcode in the transmitter checker tool. It will check for faults in your area, help you select the transmitter you are using and you can find the channel numbers or frequencies you need to manually retune.
Auto tune vs Manual tune
There are two types of tuning, automatic or manual. Both are done using your remote control. An auto-tune allows the television set to tune to services from any transmitter that it can receive. A manual re-tune allows you to input and store, one by one, only the correct channel numbers or frequencies for the transmitter your aerial is pointing towards.
Why a manual re-tune is important
Some locations are within range of multiple transmitters. When a television set auto-tunes, it automatically starts from the bottom of the channel or frequency range and works upwards. It tunes to the first channel it comes across, even if they are weaker signals from the wrong transmitter.
The manual re-tune did not help
This may be because your receiver still has wrong channels stored in its memory. There are two ways to clear the memory:
Perform a factory reset -from the tuning menu as described in your manufacturer’s instruction manual. Sometimes manufacturers refer to this as 'first time installation' or 'shipping condition'. Press ‘OK’ if your equipment asks whether it is OK to delete existing channels. This will clear your settings.
Do an auto-tune with the aerial lead removed. This will clear the memory and remove the unwanted, stored channels. The aerial lead will then need to be put back in again.

Repeat manual re-tune. Following either of the two options above, you need to do a manual re-tune.
Need more help?
If you have difficulty with these options you should seek assistance. Help is available from the Freeview Advice Line which can be contacted via its website or on 03456 505050.

How to get the best reception from your Smart or Connected TV

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 14:00:22 +0000

How to get the best reception from your Smart or Connected TV Anonymous (not verified) 30 January 2019

Most new TV receivers and recorders are “smart” i.e. they can be connected to the internet and enable you to watch catch-up services such as �鶹�� iPlayer. To get high quality services over the internet, you will need a good broadband connection.

Applications or Apps
The internet gives you access to services like �鶹�� iPlayer, the �鶹�� News app, the �鶹�� Sport app and many others. These apps stream video to you over the internet. The faster your broadband speed the quicker the download.
Connecting your Smart TV
Depending on your television or recorder, you can connect to the internet via a cable or wirelessly via Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi signals work less efficiently the further away you are from the router or if there are walls in-between. As a result getting a fast enough connection to stream high quality television is not always possible wirelessly.

Please remember, some broadband packages only include a fixed amount of data per month. Streaming programmes using apps such as �鶹�� iPlayer will use some of your data. So you may wish to check how much data you are using as your broadband provider may charge an additional fee if you exceed your agreed amount.

Freeview channel numbers

Jane.Frydenlund — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 20:33:15 +0000

Freeview channel numbers Jane.Frydenlund 27 March 2019

�鶹�� TV and Radio channel numbers on Freeview - Last updated 27 August 2024
EPG No	�鶹�� TV channels	Multiplex
1	�鶹�� One SD - local variant	PSB1
2	�鶹�� Two SD - local variant	PSB1
7	�鶹�� ALBA (in Scotland)	PSB1
9	�鶹�� Four SD (Eng, Wales, NI) / �鶹�� Scotland (in Scotland)	PSB1
23	�鶹�� Three SD	PSB1
24	�鶹�� Four SD (in Scotland only)	PSB1
101	�鶹�� One HD - local variant	PSB3
102	�鶹�� Two HD - local variant	PSB3
106	�鶹�� Four HD (Eng, Wales, NI)	PSB3
107	�鶹�� Three HD (in England and NI only)	PSB3
108	�鶹�� Four HD (in Scotland only)	PSB3
201	C�鶹�� SD	PSB1
202	CBeebies SD	PSB1
203	C�鶹�� HD	PSB3
204	CBeebies HD	PSB3
231	�鶹�� News SD	PSB1
232	�鶹�� Parliament SD	PSB1
601	�鶹�� Red Button 1	PSB1

EPG No	�鶹�� Network Radio (pan-UK)	Multiplex
700	�鶹�� Radio 1 **	PSB1
701	�鶹�� Radio 1 Xtra	PSB1
702	�鶹�� Radio 2 **	PSB1
703	�鶹�� Radio 3 **	PSB1
704	�鶹�� Radio 4	PSB1
705	�鶹�� Radio 5 Live	PSB1
706	�鶹�� Radio 5 Sports Extra	PSB1
707	�鶹�� Radio 6 Music	PSB1
708	�鶹�� Radio 4 Extra	PSB1
709	�鶹�� Asian Network	PSB1
710	�鶹�� World Service **	PSB1
EPG No	�鶹�� Nations' Radio (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)	Multiplex
711	�鶹�� Radio Scotland / Wales / Ulster	PSB1*
712	�鶹�� Radio nan Gaidheal ** / Cymru / Foyle	PSB1*
713	�鶹�� Radio Cymru 2(Wales only) / �鶹�� Radio London (London only)	PSB1*
EPG No	�鶹�� Local Radio (England)	Multiplex
711	Norfolk, Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, Kent, Jersey, Berkshire, Bristol, CWR	PSB1*
712	Nottingham, Three Counties, Devon, Suffolk, Lancashire, Sussex, H&W, York	PSB1*
713	Guernsey, Cumbria, Humberside, Wiltshire, Leicester, Shropshire, Cornwall, London	PSB1*
714	WM, Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Tees, Surrey, Cambridge, Somerset, Solent, Oxford	PSB1*
715	Solent for Dorset, Stoke	PSB1*
716	Sheffield, Northampton, Essex, Gloucestershire	PSB1*
717	Derby	PSB1*

* Services broadcast in relevant local areas
PSB1 otherwise known as �鶹��A and PSB3 otherwise known as �鶹��B HD
** When �鶹�� ALBA is not broadcasting

How to better my signal using an amplifier or attenuator

Vivien.Stuart-Mossop — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 09:36:07 +0000

How to better my signal using an amplifier or attenuator Vivien.Stuart-Mossop 24 April 2019

A television signal amplifier can help improve a weak signal, especially in areas that do not have good television coverage. It is also useful for distributing a signal to many televisions. In contrast, an attenuator can reduce a signal if it is too strong.

Both these devices should only be used when necessary. In many cases a good aerial installation with good quality cables can be enough to receive good reception.

When to use an amplifier

A signal amplifier should only be used as a last resort when the television signal is weak. Even the best amplifier will still add some noise to the television signal it is amplifying/boosting that could result in picture break up. A good amplifier should have a filter built in that only allows the signal you want to be boosted and not any unwanted signals. Otherwise, all the unwanted signals will also be boosted, which can cause pictures to break up.

Problems using amplifiers

Amplifiers themselves are a common source of reception problems. For example, if water were to get into a masthead type, they can start to boost the result of the fault. This could be unwanted signals and result in picture loss on your own television and, maybe, those living nearby. To check, remove the power from the amplifier and see whether the problem goes away.

There are three types of amplifier – masthead, set-back and distribution. All these need a power supply to work.

Masthead

These fit directly under an outside aerial and usually the best type of amplifier to fix weak signals.

Set-back

These fit between the aerial socket in the wall and your television.

Distribution

These split the TV signal from a single aerial and allow the signal to be sent to several different televisions in the building.

Masthead, Set-back and distribution amplifiers

Combined amplifiers

Some amplifiers are a mix of the above. For example, some masthead amplifiers are also distribution amplifiers. Some can also combine television and FM radio signals.

Attenuators

When to use an Attenuator

If you are experiencing pixellation or picture break up, it may be that your signal is too strong as this often presents itself similarly to a weak signal. This is likely to happen if you live close to a transmitter.

Attenuators can be used to decrease the incoming signal if it is too strong without distorting it. It is effectively the opposite of an amplifier, though the two work by different methods. While an amplifier provides gain, boosts the signal, an attenuator provides loss, reduces the signal. Attenuators are always a compromise and should only be used if absolutely necessary.

They come in a variety of powers; in most cases a small reduction is all that is needed. It may take a little trial and error to find the most suitable one for your installation, and it is worth taking the advice of a local aerial contractor to select the correct one for the installation.

Obstructions to aerials

Jane.Frydenlund — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 11:44:55 +0000

Obstructions to aerials Jane.Frydenlund 23 June 2020

The TV signal closely resemble those of light waves. As with light, objects such as hills, buildings, or tall trees can obstruct or deflect the signals, creating deep shadow patterns in which reception is difficult.

TV and radio reception can be affected by changes in the area where you live. This could include:

New buildings
Nearby cranes or scaffolds
Trees growing across the signal path
New electronic or electrical equipment in your home
Large aerials or masts nearby

Unfortunately the effect on TV reception - break-up and freezing or complete failure - is broadly the same regardless of the source. Therefore it's important to note any changes in your vicinity in case there is a connection.

What to do

If you spot something you think might be causing you a problem, even if it is outside your control, there may be ways around the difficulty.

If a new building is clearly blocking the path of the signal to your aerial or dish, re-siting the aerial can help. You may sometimes be able to point to a different transmitter
Cranes and scaffolds are usually temporary, so provided they aren't associated with a new building, it may be best to wait until they are removed
If you can reduce intervening trees, do so, but if they are not on your property and you can't persuade the owners to prune them, you could try moving your aerial or dish to a different position. Some types of aerial perform better than others where they are pointing through trees.

Where trees are above the level of the rooftop it may be necessary to install aerials so that they are above the trees. This can sometimes be achieved by mounting the aerial on a pole attached to the chimney stack or by using a remote aerial clear of the trees.

During wet weather, when covered in moisture, all trees can have an appreciable effect on signals. As trees sway in windy weather the screening effect varies, leading to fluctuations in the quality of reception.

You may also be able to get your aerial re-aligned and tune to a different transmitter where there are no obstructions. To see what transmitters are available in your area please visit our Transmitter Checker

Sometimes, installing a type of aerial called a ‘grid’ can give better results than a standard one. However, it may be a matter of experimentation by a competent installer to see which works best.

Qualified Installer

We cannot recommend individual installers. However the CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries) is a recognised trade body which will be able to put you in touch with one of their members in your area.