Intermittent loss of channels

We have a Freeview plus box T2100, new box from Jan 2016. We keep losing Choice, Maori and Prime (and maybe some of the others but we don't watch them so can't list them). We try retuning which sometimes gets the channels but more often than not doesn't. Then another time they'll reappear and be fine for a while and then disappear. Have done all the unplugging, retuning, checking cables etc. The bizarre thing is that we have another TV which is connected to the same aerial (with a splitter between the 2 rooms), which has a built in Freeview thingy, and that has excellent reception. Because the reception on this set was so good, we unhooked it and put the problem one into the same cable and it still couldn't receive the channels. We received all the channels yesterday morning after tuning the box, so we left the TV on all day as there was a programme I wanted to see, but of course, the channel had disappeared before then!!!

This has only been happening for the past 2 weeks approximately. Rang the help desk who said it would be the aerial, but how can it be if another TV works well from the same aerial? They also said that someone could be using some equipment in the area that could interfere with the signal but the same query from me - wouldn't it affect both sets?

Getting very frustrated!!!

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Permalink Reply by Biggles on May 22, 2016 at 12:26

Those channels are all on one MUX so it's almost certain to be your antenna system. What signal strength are you getting on each unit? You can check in the Menu. I would suspect you have marginal to good signal strength and the Tuner in the T2100 is probably just not as sensitive as the one in the TV. I think in your case the missing MUX is the highest frequency one on CH37 from Timaru?

You'll find info on a missing Mux problem here.

http://freeviewforum.co.nz/tip/mux

Can you post a photo of your antenna?

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Permalink Reply by libby hall on May 22, 2016 at 14:54

Hi, this is about the best photo I can get. It's working well at the moment and I don't want to jinx it by going into the menu at the moment (!!) From memory, strength on the 3 channels that listed the channels received was between 57% and 61%, the quality on all of them was about 91%. I'd never taken any notice until yesterday when I'd got really fed up so don't know what the strength on the one that receives Choice, Maori etc is - just been happy that the channels appeared! I don't understand all the Mux info - will try to decipher it later (I am not technically minded at all!!!)

Attachments:

P1070114.JPG, 5.3 MB

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Permalink Reply by Biggles on May 22, 2016 at 16:41

OK. The antenna looks good but is more suited to Horizontal rather than vertical polarisation. I'm wondering what is in the box halfway up the mast?

Those signal strengths would bear out my theory that your signal strength is at a level where the MUX with Prime, Maori etc may be dropping out as it is the highest frequency. In fact any channel is liable to drop out with any momentary dip in strength if signal is around 50%. A Masthead amp or change of antenna type (phased array perhaps) may help. Sometimes it's just a matter of finding the 'sweet spot' on the roof.

Ideally a Pro Antenna Installer with the suitable gear (digital signal meter) should be able to sort it out.

Meanwhile check all connections are secure. Sometimes it can be just the short cable from the wall socket to the TV or STB that is of poor quality. I've had some that wiouldn't even work with analogue TV.

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Permalink Reply by libby hall on May 22, 2016 at 17:38

Biggles said:

OK. The antenna looks good but is more suited to Horizontal rather than vertical polarisation. I'm wondering what is in the box halfway up the mast?

Those signal strengths would bear out my theory that your signal strength is at a level where the MUX with Prime, Maori etc may be dropping out as it is the highest frequency. In fact any channel is liable to drop out with any momentary dip in strength if signal is around 50%. A Masthead amp or change of antenna type (phased array perhaps) may help. Sometimes it's just a matter of finding the 'sweet spot' on the roof.

Ideally a Pro Antenna Installer with the suitable gear (digital signal meter) should be able to sort it out.

Meanwhile check all connections are secure. Sometimes it can be just the short cable from the wall socket to the TV or STB that is of poor quality. I've had some that wiouldn't even work with analogue TV.

Thank you for your help. The box on the antenna is an amplifier. May have to get the installer back to check it all out as cables etc are all good. Installer put in the antenna to suit but maybe it's moved too far since in the wind etc. Maybe it'll sort itself out after this 2 week or so hiccup???! Thanks anyway, Libby