Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bel @ Freeview on September 27, 2013 at 13:46

Hey David,

No other reports or alerts from the transmission providers on Network Status so probably a device or installation issue.

To help us do some preliminary diagnostics - could you please shed some light on what antenna you've got (Satellite Dish or UHF aerial)?  What brand & model your device is?  And what is the coverage check result for your address?

Thanks heaps!

Permalink Reply by David K Ronalds on September 27, 2013 at 15:23

Thanks for your reply Bel

It was working fine until yesterday afternoon. With the change over this weekend I thought it may have been final tweaking

UHF antenna, Set top box Loranz, Likely with high aerial.

Thanks

David

Permalink Reply by Bel @ Freeview on September 27, 2013 at 17:26

Hi David,

No the switchover is just the analogue signal being turned off and should have no effect on digital TV transmission.

Looking at your coverage result "likely with high aerial" i suspect it would be to do with the aerial, perhaps placement or alignment (usually when that's the coverage result, you'll be in a marginal coverage area for digital terrestrial transmission, so your reception would be susceptible to changes in environmental factors - e.g. weather). 

It's important to elevate your aerial (the higher it is, the few obstacles for digital TV data in its signal path = more reliable reception) and it's especially important too to check the aerial for any signs of corrosion & misalignment (the more accurately the aerial points to your nearest transmission tower, the more likely you'll be able to get reliable reception for ALL the channels - otherwise, you might lose an entire group of channels from time to time).

You might also need a booster / amplifier & check these tips on ensuring ample margin when you tune in the channels.  Also here, perhaps a higher-gain aerial might be more suited for where you are!

Lastly, make sure you don't have anything blocking the signal in front of your aerial (e.g. trees, buildings) - you want as few things in between your aerial & the source of the signal (the transmission tower) as possible.

If these reception issues persist, you might want to consider the satellite alternative for a more consistent viewing experience.  Note that the channels differ between the UHF & satellite services so check the channels listed to make a balanced decision.

Oh & there're quite a few transmission sites around Wellington - not sure where you're pointing your aerial at the moment but here are some coverage maps from Kordia to help you check your aerial alignment:

Kaukau

Haywards

Fitzherbert

Baxter's Knob

Ideally you want to be in the green zone!

Permalink Reply by Bel @ Freeview on September 27, 2013 at 17:34

Oh and before you go all out & clamber up to the roof, you might want to also try:

1. restarting your digital receiver / TV;

2. unplug the aerial, replugging it & do a retune. 

Just in case it's a device issue - also give the manufacturer of your digital receiver / TV a call just to check whether it could possibly be an isolated device incident (these are relatively rare though mind you).

Permalink Reply by David K Ronalds on September 27, 2013 at 18:16

Hi Bel

Thank you for your ideas

I've already tried most of them.

Hopefully Saturday will be fine to jump on the roof to adjust alignment etc

Thanks again

David

Bel said:

Oh and before you go all out & clamber up to the roof, you might want to also try:

1. restarting your digital receiver / TV;

2. unplug the aerial, replugging it & do a retune. 

Just in case it's a device issue - also give the manufacturer of your digital receiver / TV a call just to check whether it could possibly be an isolated device incident (these are relatively rare though mind you).