Are you using Freeview?
Information
Freeview is digital TV using a normal TV aerial (not a satellite dish or cable TV). Freeview boxes are marked one of these: 'Freeview', 'ITV Digital', 'ONdigital' or 'DVB-T'.
Question
Are you using Freeview?Yes No Your comments
First comments 
Earlier comments ◊ Later comments
Latest comments
Your comments are always welcome. Please use the form below to add your thoughts or questions to this page. We will get back to you as soon as we can.
Paul JonesMonday 9 April 2012 10:19PM
Burry Port jb38: Update - Both TVs worked fine earlier today through Freeview and with the Sky box on. I then tried the second TV tonight and I'd lost the BBC channels. I checked the signal strength and both BBC1 and BBC2 had a poor singal. ITV1, Ch4 and Ch5 etc. all had good strength. My main TV also had a low signal strength for the BBC channels. I then removed the aerial lead from the Sky box but it made no difference, the BBC channels still had a poor signal. From what I've seen since we started investigating this problem, we tend to lose the signal more at night than we during the day. From what we have tested to date and from what I have described would you say that this is probably an aerial problem and perhaps it's not alligned correctly? We had our chimney removed a few years back and the aerial is currently located on the fascia board at the back of the house. Or do I need a better booster/amplifier? Nick JohnTuesday 10 April 2012 9:55AM
Eastleigh My local transmitter is apparently now transmitting Freeview HD channels. Having retuned however I cannot 'see' these channels. Should I be able to see them even if I don't have the ability to decode HD yet?
Trying to decide whether it;s worth getting an HD box.
On the transmitter coverage map, there does appear to be a hole (non-green area) right where I live?Nick John: A non-HD tuner will not "see" HD signals. So if you automatically tune the HD services will not appear on your receiver's list of those available and if you manually tune (to UHF Channel 21 for Rowridge) it will say "no signal" even if a HD signal is present.
If you can get standard definition services, then you will be able to receive HD ones. It is the Commercial channels that don't reach all areas; the HD services are "Public Service" channels.
The coloured coverage map is simply indicating where the signal will be at or above a particular level. That does not mean that outside the area no reception will be possible.
You are probably not in the best reception area, but if you can receive all the standard definition channels now, then you should be able to receive HD no problem. Nick JohnTuesday 10 April 2012 12:37PM
Eastleigh Dave Lindsay & Briantist: Thanks very much for the comments - all makes sense now!Rod CraigTuesday 10 April 2012 4:17PM
I have a 12 year old Sony Trinitron digital TV; up until 4 April, it received all digial Freeview stations perfectly; since then, the BBC stations have disappeared (though I still get BBC1 on analogue). My new second TV picks up all stations perfectly (Crystal Palace tx). The old TV is not on the list of non-viable models, so any ideas gratefully received. The digital helpline and Sony customer services have proved hopeless.Rod Craig: What's the model number of the set? Google it; often in cases such as this others have been along the same road.
The lists of defunct equipment are not exhaustive. jb38Tuesday 10 April 2012 9:20PM
Paul Jones: Sorry for the delayed reply but I failed to notice that you had given an update. However as far as your aerial is concerned, its possible that repositioning it would make a difference, but you should have a look at it to ensure that its facing towards Kilvey Hill which is on a bearing of 108 degrees from you, and importantly, that the aerial was mounted with its elements vertically polarised.
Another thing to try and see is if the end of the square horizontal bar that the elements are mounted on has a RED plastic stopper on its end, as that would indicate its in the correct group for that transmitter.
By the way, that booster you have although of an older variety is actually quite good.jb38Tuesday 10 April 2012 9:38PM
Rod Craig: Yes, as if your Sony is actually 12 years old then its very unlikely that it has any chance of responding the the newer transmission modes that's being used now from when it was first manufactured, as some equipment half that age can have problems.
The other difficulty being that nothing can be done about the situation, as TV's are generally considered by the manufacturers as being obsolete over about 6 years or so old, although if you consider it still has a reasonably good picture then it would make a good monitor for a cheap Freeview box.
jb38Tuesday 10 April 2012 9:48PM
Rod Craig: Although still standing by what I have said re: age of TV etc, I just noticed that you haven't actually mentioned your location, (pref: post code or one from nearby) as this would enable the signal level expected at your location to be assessed just in case you are receiving an excessive level of signal, as no two sets handle this problem the same way.Paul JonesTuesday 10 April 2012 10:28PM
Burry Port jb38: No problem and thanks for your help again. I will take a look at the aerial later this week and if there is any doubt I will get someone in to check the aerial, positioning etc. and get it changed if needs be. With regards to the booster I have bought another just in case, it's a One For All SV9522 2 Way Amplified Signal Splitter Booster. Is it worth trying or should I stick with the one I'm currently using? I will update you regarding the aerial once I know more and thanks again. jb38Tuesday 10 April 2012 11:13PM
Paul Jones: Well its OK, but not any more powerful than the one you are presently using so you aren't really gaining anything, but give an update on your aerial findings.
But though I feel that you might benefit from using another type of aerial that incorporates a built in booster of a higher gain but am unable to provide a link for it from this laptop, although I really prefer anyway to wait and hear the result of your aerial check as this may be the cause of your problem, and especially so if its been accidentally been mounted horizontally.
Peter DanckwertsWednesday 18 April 2012 7:38AM
Well, I retuned today (18 April) and there is still no sign of the HD channels.BobThursday 19 April 2012 5:01PM
Chichester Peter Danckwerts:
So did I but there is still no sign of HDElaine FoxSaturday 21 April 2012 7:41PM
Hi, I have a digital recorder that was working well up until midnight on 18th April 2012. Since then I've had a jumpy picture and sound. Please can you help?Elaine Fox: Please can you give an idea of your location so the signal in your area may be predicted, this being preferably in the form of a post code or nearby post code (of a shop for example)?
The only thing I will say is that if you are close to the transmitter, then the signal will be much stronger and could be overwhelming your receiver which could be the cause of what you describe. An idea of your location may give us an idea of how likely this might be the case. CorneliaSunday 22 April 2012 1:33PM
I have a Sony KV-28DX30U/KV-32DX30U set which can' find any of the digital channels that it previously had no problem finding.
Any help or ideas appreciated.Cornelia: Unfortunately that set (or both sets as you have given two model numbers) is on the Digital UK list of 2k equipment which means that it won't work after switchover:
http://www.digitaluk.co.u…ment
2k mode was used before switchover and after switchover signals use 8k mode. These models will only work in 2k mode. Why am I quite frequently getting no signal from the Leek Transmitter ( think this comes from Sutton Coldfield ) This getting to be a regular occurence I checked the BBC transmitter web page but you don't get an answer why? Can anyone enlighten me? KMJ,DerbyWednesday 25 April 2012 10:42PM
Linda Dale: I have just checked the BBC status report for the Leek transmitter. It was off the air between 13.21 and 19.08 today, 25th April 2012.sheila swindlehurstFriday 27 April 2012 3:43PM
Mave
My Humax PVR 93OOT freezes for 24 hours starting on Wednesday at about 9.45 every week.
We can still change channels if we turn it off and on again and change channels quickly and can watch all channels this way but the clock has stopped and we cannot record or watch recorded programmes. We have tried rebooting and returning to default settings but no change so far - any ideas would be very welcomesheila swindlehurst: It's Friday today! Has it done it today by any chance? DebsSaturday 28 April 2012 8:25AM
Milton Keynes Just bought a luxor 40inch hd tv with freeview built in we live in mk4 1lb and are in a cable area. We cannot tune into any freeview tv stations. Please helpJimFSaturday 28 April 2012 10:06AM
sheila swndlehurst: The behaviour of your Humax is consistent with it having missed a software update.
The latest update for the PVR-9300T is being transmitted at the moment, so you could try setting your box to look for it manually.
After giving it a restart to bring it back to life, go to Menu, then Installation (& enter PIN), then Software Update, then Manual Update.
RaySaturday 28 April 2012 12:06PM
My TV lost audio video and then the vision. Numerous attempts to retune the Freeview box have fsiled. On all attempts the screen indicated 68 or so channels but the number of carriers found varies from 3 to 7. Latterly no carriers have been found. Signal strength is 84%. No progress is shown. In the second screen no TV channels or Radio channels are shown. Screen message informs that the retune has failed. A TV in a different room with a different Freeview box works fine. The box and the TV are less than 6 months old. Any suggests as to cure?jackSunday 29 April 2012 7:42PM
ihave switched over to digital successfully but have lost the text facility.
Can you please help me retrieve it.jb38Sunday 29 April 2012 9:02PM
Ray: Its not very easy for anyone to offer advice when you have not mentioned the brands / models of the devices in question.
However as its also not known what aerial arrangements you are using then I suggest that for a test you transfer the equipment you are having the problems with into the other room and test the combination using that aerial connection, as there can be numerous reasons for your problem but the aerial link is the main suspect.
It would also be of assistance to know your location (pref: post code or one from nearby) as its impossible to check the transmitter covering the area without this knowledge.
I know that BBC transmitter problems tell you that your transmitter is off line but why can't they tell you why it is DinnaWednesday 2 May 2012 5:54PM
Poole I have been unable to get channel 5USA since the switchover on April the 18th. On manual tuning the signal indicated vey low/nonexistant though there was no problem before. I am not technically minded so a simple answer would be great.Dinna: The answer may be to switch the aerial from horizontal to vertical, as shown in this picture: 
http://bit.ly/IKM4PE
Prior to switchover, Rowridge transmitted only horizontally, hence your aerial is horizontal. However, after switchover it broadcasts horizontally and vertically.
The Public Service channels, which are BBC, ITV1, Channel 4, Channel 5 and some others, are equally as strong horizontally and vertically and the signals are as powerful as the former analogue and so can cover the same area.
However, the Commercial channels (ITV3, Pick TV, Yesterday, Film 4, Dave etc) are as strong as the Public Service channels vertically only. Consequently your horizontal aerial may not be picking up sufficient signal on one or more of the Commercial channels.
If you have a signal booster that you can remove easily, then try removing it and try again. kateSaturday 5 May 2012 5:00PM
I have a standard Sky box in lounge and my son is able to watch whatever is on TV in lounge on his TV in his bedroom. Since we retuned his Freeview channels he now can't get Sky on his TV at all - anyone any idea why and what I can do to rectify this please? Thank you.KMJ,DerbySaturday 5 May 2012 10:22PM
kate: The output from the Sky box is an analogue signal, so the TV will need to have analogue selected when you wish to view the Sky box channels. For Freeview channels select DVB. When you re-tuned was the Sky box switched on? If it wasn't it is possible that the frequency for the Sky box was lost from the memory of the TV's tuner. If this is the case the frequency will need to be found and stored by the TV again.DinnaSunday 6 May 2012 9:02AM
Poole Dave: Many thanks for the helpful reply. I live in a block of flats and have spoken to the aerial installer who will come and sort it out.
ANDOSunday 6 May 2012 3:56PM
I HAVE A 42 " hITACHI WITH BUILT IN fREEVIEW HOW DO I TUNE IT IN TOFREEVIE?ANDO.Do you have the instruction manual for the model of your TV in question ?
The answer is to follow the instructions as such to receive freeview ! vanessaMonday 7 May 2012 9:35PM
I need to ask a very silly question!! Prior to switch over I was able to get Freeview on my tv (Toshiba CT-90079). However i have now lost all channels and cant get them back. I dont have a manual for it, I have tried to search for it on the internet (no luck) and have tried to auto tune but it says it cant find anything. Do I need to digital box? Please can someone help me?jb38Monday 7 May 2012 11:44PM
vanessa: What model of Toshiba are you referring to? as that number you have given refers to the remote control and not the TV.
vanessaMonday 7 May 2012 11:54PM
jb38: well you have taught me my first thing!!! Have just been to back of tv to find that model is actually 36ZT29B. Any chance that helps?jb38Tuesday 8 May 2012 7:48AM
vanessa: On checking I have to unfortunately report that your model is on Digital UK's list of equipment that is not compatible with the new transmission modes being used since switch over, this meaning that the only way you can use it for Freeview reception is by purchasing a Freeview box and coupling this into the TV via a scart lead. vanessaTuesday 8 May 2012 7:30PM
jb38: thank you so much for getting me an answer so quickly. I have purchased a digital box and scart lead so will give that a go and see what happens. Thanks again. theresa spenceTuesday 8 May 2012 8:24PM
hi there had a jumpy picture and losing my picture (stating no signal on my screen) tried to do an install to get new channels and i have now lost bbc channels and viva pleas help
many thanks jb38Tuesday 8 May 2012 8:29PM
vanessa: No problem! and pleased to have been of assistance, albeit it was unfortunately the bearer of bad news.
Should you have any problems with the setting up of your new box do not hesitate to ask.
By the way this is the list I referred to, your model being 4th up from the very bottom of the page. Its a PDF file though, so you may or may not be able to view it depending on what you are using.
http://www.digitaluk.co.u….pdf
jb38Tuesday 8 May 2012 8:32PM
theresa spence: Its impossible for anyone to answer a query involving reception without knowledge of a persons location, this preferably in the form of a post code, or at least one from nearby such as a shop etc.
theresa spenceTuesday 8 May 2012 8:43PM
i live in the g40 postal code if this helps Theresa Spence.A full post code preferably does help,or a nearby location as such.Unless you provide one or the other,we cannot be of valuable assistance to you ! jackie123Sunday 13 May 2012 1:36PM
We have a 37LG60 TV. It has worked reosonably well for last 2 years getting all freeview programmes. THere is a TV 67320 DTR recorder connected as well. Apart from the odd bleep all was well until last week....
It kept losing signal and I disconnected recorder but that made no difference. there was no picture OR picture broke up instantly. I checked 2 other tvs (in bedrooms)and they were more or less the same. Then after 24 hours picture miraculously came back although it has been breaking up a lot. Then this morning picture failed again. Not sure what to do. Tried booster to no avail.
Any commentsjb38Sunday 13 May 2012 2:06PM
jackie123: As your question involves a reception issue then no one can really give advice without knowledge of your location, pref: post code or one from nearby (a shop etc) as this would then enable the signals expected in your area to be assessed as well as the transmitter they are coming from. derrick milnerTuesday 15 May 2012 7:59PM
my nokia digi box has received eurosport analogue for many years,untill end of april when transmissions became digital hence now there is no signal.What are my options to continue to enjoy international cycling eventsjackie123Sunday 20 May 2012 9:22AM
jackie123:
UPDATE PICTURE STILL BREAKS UP INTERMITTENTLY. MY HUSBAND SAYS IT HAPPENS WHEN I WALK INTO THE ROOM (NO I DONT HAVE A MOBILE PHONE OR ANYTHING ELECTRICAL ON ME). WHAT I HAVE NOTICED IS THAT I CONTINUE TO LOOSE SIGNAL COMPLETELY AT THE WEEKENDS ONLY. HENCE THIS MORNING (SUNDAY) SWITCHED ON TV AND NO SIGNAL - BIZARRECB1Monday 21 May 2012 10:13AM
Camberley Unable to get any BBC channels on Freeview. Had them for a while on Saturday night, but when we turned tv on again on Sunday they'd gone. No amount of re-tuning has brought them back. Perfect picture on all other channels (88 odd tuned in). TV is 6 month old Samsung. Receiving signal from Crystal Palace transmitter. Any ideas?Adam BatesMonday 21 May 2012 9:44PM
Retuned and ever since BBC channels keep disappearing and breaking up. Live in Midlands.
BBC - Blogs - Internet blog - What'…
Ofcom to crack down on sloppy subti…
The quality of live subtitling Impr…
Half-way mark for digital radio lis…
DTG :: News :: Talk Talk reports ne…
BBC iPlayer - Help - Frequent quest…
Aereo gets set for Atlanta debut - …
Are you really watching free TV in high definition? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice with a checklist. 
Show: 
