Freeview & Freely

Why does my television picture break up with tiny squares (pixellation), or is lost completely with a “no signal” message, when the weather warms up?

Anonymous — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 09:55:03 +0000

Why does my television picture break up with tiny squares (pixellation), or is lost completely with a “no signal” message, when the weather warms up?

This usually happens in warm fine weather, where atmospheric conditions cause television signals to travel much greater distances than they normally would. As a result this can block or interfere with television signals from local transmitters, or the links between transmitters. For more information, please visit our page on how weather can affect your Television reception.

Anonymous (not verified) 09 April 2021

Can mobile networks cause me interference?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:47:06 +0000

Can mobile networks cause me interference?

Mobile phone operators are continually expanding and updating their coverage. There is a small chance some signals may interfere with your Freeview reception.

Restore TV provides support for problems with TV received through an aerial - such as Freeview, BT, TalkTalk or YouView - caused by mobile signals. Their role is simple - to make sure you can still watch TV when mobile signals are upgraded.

If you would like more information about mobile interference, and to determine whether you are affected, simply contact Restore TV on 0808 13 13 800, or visit the Restore TV website.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

What is the effect of trees on reception?

Anonymous — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 10:50:03 +0000

What is the effect of trees on reception?

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.

Few people are aware of the effect trees can have on the reception of television broadcasts. The greatest effect of trees tends to be on the higher frequencies, that is on channels 39 and above.

UHF transmissions closely resemble those of light waves. As with light, objects such as hills, buildings, or tall trees can obstruct or deflect the UHF signals, creating deep shadow patterns in which reception is difficult. The screening effect of trees has a further disadvantage in that it can vary greatly with the season and weather conditions, and is especially important in areas where television signals are weak.

When the surrounding trees are below the level of the rooftop, there should be no problem, provided that an adequate roof-mounted UHF aerial of the correct type is used. 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. The problem is more difficult for people who live in single-storey houses. However, it is sometimes possible to site a receiving aerial so that it is below the main branches of the trees. If there are no other obstructions at a low level, then satisfactory reception may result. When deciding the height of an aerial, allowance should be made for the growth of the tree. It is also possible to install a type of aerial called a ‘grid’ these can give better results than standard ones but it can often be a case of experimenting

If the aerial cannot be mounted above the tops of the trees, the signal will inevitably be weakened in passing through the trees. This is not necessarily disastrous but it may involve the use of a high-gain aerial, possibly with a masthead amplifier. In any case, it is desirable to use a good quality low-loss feeder to connect the aerial to the receiver, and it will often be advantageous to try an alternative position for the aerial - on a different chimney stack for instance.

Anonymous (not verified) 13 September 2021

Could the quality of my television installation have any effect on interference?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:47:06 +0000

Could the quality of my television installation have any effect on interference?

Many cases of perceived interference, are a direct result of a poor quality, or damaged installations. It is your responsibility to ensure your receiving equipment is of good quality, and is appropriately maintained. Before proceeding further, you may wish to give your system a health check by a local approved aerial installer. To see what makes a good installation, please see our Good Installation guide.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

How can high pressure affect my Freeview reception?

Anonymous — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 14:10:03 +0000

How can high pressure affect my Freeview reception?

High pressure isn’t something that is easy to detect. It’s usually associated with hot weather but can happen at any time of the year. Take a look at our video for more information. 

It can cause two potential problems. The first is that you receive a weaker signal, as the signal from your local transmitter is lifted higher into the sky. The second is that the signal from a distant transmitter interferes with your reception.  

How to check for high pressure 

The �鶹�� monitors for high pressure and will publish a notice on the Works & Warnings page when high pressure could be problematic to viewers. 

What to try if you’ve lost reception due to high pressure 

Check the Works & Warnings page for a high pressure notification. If there is high pressure happening, all you can do is watch by another means, like �鶹�� iPlayer, or satellite until the weather changes. If there is no high pressure warning, try our problem assistant tool, where you can check for transmitter problems and work through troubleshooting guidance. 

Avoid retuning

Do not try retuning when there is high pressure, as you can lose services or store signals from a distant transmitter. If you did try a retune, you’ll need to do it again once the high pressure has passed. We suggest performing a manual retune where you can select the transmitter you receive service from. 

Anonymous (not verified) 06 January 2022

Why can I not receive all the Freeview channels?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:47:48 +0000

Why can I not receive all the Freeview channels?

Not all areas of the UK are served by all six Freeview (DTT) multiplexes. However, everyone can receive a minimum of three which carry all the main Public Service Broadcast channels. This includes the two multiplexes funded by the television licence fee. See our Transmitter checker tool to see what TV multiplexes, and which �鶹�� services are available on your transmitter. We also have a useful guide about television multiplexes.

For further information can be viewed on the Freeview website.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

Why can't I get the new Freeview Play IP streams?

Jane.Frydenlund — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 15:16:12 +0000

Why can't I get the new Freeview Play IP streams?

To check if your TV can carry the new IP streams launched in June 2023, please go to channel 100 (the ‘Freeview Explore’ service) on your Freeview Play device and select “Help and Settings.” In the bottom right hand corner of the screen, you will see a collection of numbers and letters which are the ‘Freeview Play platform ID’ – if that ID appears in the list below, then your TV should work with the new streams when connected to the internet.

As long as the TV is connected to the internet, the streams will appear in the EPG. If you disconnect your TV from the internet, the IP streams will ultimately stop being listed and you will not be able to access these services without reconnecting to the internet and retuning.

Below is a list of television brands (and release years) for those TVs which can support the the new IP streams when connected to the internet.

Freeview Play platform ID, shown on Freeview Explore (channel 100)	TV Brand/s - Year of release
HI21-2K	Hisense – 2021
HI21-4K	Hisense, Loewe (by Loewe) - 2021
HI22-962K	Hisense – 2022
HI22-964K	Hisense – 2022
HI22-99	Hisense – 2022
HI23-96	Hisense – 2023
LG22-F22	LG – 2022
LG22-K8AP	LG – 2022
LG22-K8HP	LG – 2022
LG22-K8LP	LG – 2022
LG22-LM21AN	LG – 2022
LG22-O22	LG – 2022
LG23-K8HPP	LG – 2023
LG23-K8LPN	LG – 2023
LG23-LM21ANN	LG – 2023
LG23-M23	LG – 2023
LG23-O22N	LG – 2023

The following devices will get the IP streams after a firmware update at the end of 2023:

V20-MB180G31	Bush, Digihome, Hitachi, JVC, Panasonic, Toshiba - 2020
V20-MB180G32	Bush, Digihome, EGL, Luxor, Nordmende, Polaroid, Solas, Techwood, Toshiba, Walker - 2020
V20-MB181	Altimo, Bush, Digihome, EGL, Hitachi, JVC, Logik, Luxor, Medion, Mitchell & Brown, Nordmende, Panasonic, Polaroid, Techwood, Toshiba, Visitech, Walker - 2020
V21-AFTVBX	Amazon Fire TV - 2021
V21-AFTVJ	Amazon Fire TV - 2021

Jane.Frydenlund 06 September 2023

Why are subtitles sometimes delayed or out of sync?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:48:41 +0000

Why are subtitles sometimes delayed or out of sync?

For programmes which are pre-recorded, we create the subtitles in advance. A technician uses the audio and picture to sync them with what’s happening on screen. For a programme broadcast live, (like the News), subtitles will be generated as it is broadcast, which is a complex and problematic process. This means you’ll often notice a delay when watching live programmes.

Anonymous (not verified) 03 October 2019

What is Freely and what equipment do I need?

Jane.Frydenlund — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 10:16:06 +0000

What is Freely and what equipment do I need?

Freely is a platform which allows you to stream your favourite live and on demand TV all in one place.

What equipment do I need to get Freely?

A Freely TV
An internet connection
A TV Licence
An aerial (optional) - without an aerial, you can still watch live Freely TV via your internet connection

In a landmark collaboration between Britain’s public service broadcasters – �鶹��, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 – Freely puts free TV front and centre of the streaming age. For the first time, UK audiences can stream live TV channels alongside on demand content for free via their Freely TV, removing the need for a dish or aerial.

For more information visit the Freely website

Help and FAQs are available on the Freely website

Jane.Frydenlund 29 April 2024

What is an EPG?

Anonymous — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 17:40:03 +0000

What is an EPG?

EPG stands for Electronic Programme Guide. It's an on-screen menu that tells you what TV and Radio programmes are available on your television. You normally find the EPG by pressing a button, such as ‘Guide’, on your TV/Set-top box remote control.

EPG functionality differs slightly depending on what platform you use (Freeview, Freesat, Sky, etc.). Most allow you to see what programmes will be available for up to a week in advance. Some offer additional functionality, like the ability to see what programmes have been on in the previous week and then watch them using on-demand players like �鶹�� iPlayer.

If you want to know what programmes are on the �鶹��, as well as using the EPG on your television, you can also look at the �鶹�� TV Guide in �鶹�� iPlayer.

Anonymous (not verified) 25 October 2019