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Freeview intermittent interference

When you get occasional sound loss or picture freezes

When you get occasional sound loss or picture freezes
Published on by on UK Free TV

There are several different types of interference that cause problems. This page deals with the situation where:

  • Freeview reception is perfect or near-perfect most of the time
  • The audio on TV and radio channels mutes momentarily a few times each minute
  • The picture on a Freeview channel freezes a few times each minute


There are two main causes of this type of intermittent interference:
  • 'Induction' interference
  • Mobile phone interference


Induction interference

Induction interference is caused by mains-powered household devices that contain a large motor, such as:
  • Washing machine;
  • Tumble dryer;
  • Central heating pump or combination boiler;
  • Fridge;
  • Freezer;
  • Power tools (drills, jigsaws etc)
  • Vacuum cleaners;
  • Water pumps;
  • Automatic doors


You can identify if one or more of these devices is causing the Freeview reception problem by powering off the devices.

If one of these devices is causing the problem, then the reception problem can usually be solved by using a mains filter device and use it on the Freeview boxes mains connection.



Such as device is this: Maplin: 6-Way Flat Screen and HDTV Surge Protector and Mains Filter.

Mobile phone interference

If you keep a mobile phone by your Freeview box or digital television, keep it further away!

This also applies to other transmitters such as baby monitors, video senders, walkie talkies, and portable phones.





Your comments: most recent posts are at the bottom

firstFirst comments prevEarlier comments  ◊  Later commentsnext Latest commentslast

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.

Briantist
Wednesday 4 May 2011 8:50PM
helena: No, the TV should not cause such a problem.
Mrs V Sowerby
Sunday 8 May 2011 8:22AM Holsworthy
I am writing to enquire why lately the picture seems to stop and the I get the NO SIGNAL only on the BBC, at the moment it is very bad and has ruined several programs to which I was looking forward. When this is not happenning a jarring and little blocks appear with a hopping in the dialogue. I had hoped with the onset of digital viewing would become a pleasure. This problem seems not to occur on any other Channel.
KMJ,Derby
Sunday 8 May 2011 2:28PM
Mrs V Sowerby: As the problem is only occuring on BBC channels it suggests that the signal on Mux BBCA could be weaker than that on the other muxes. Are you sure that your receiver has tuned to the correct frequency for the transmitter that the aerial is pointing at.If you are receiving Caradon Hill services (aerial pointing slightly E of due South) you should be tuned to C28+. It is possible that a weak signal from Stockland Hill on C26+ has been found instead. If your aerial is set on Huntshaw Cross (roughly NE) the correct frequency is C62-.In that case signals from Caradon or Stockland may have been found earlier in the scan.Do a factory reset to clear the channel list before scanning or manually entering the correct frequencies for your location. If the correct frequencies are stored and the problem still persists it is possible that trees in leaf are partly blocking the signal path and only affecting the BBC mux or you have interference which only affects one frequency from a device such as a 2 way radio.
dissgrunteled
Sunday 8 May 2011 2:30PM
Like you we too are having great trouble with the bbc freeviw channels.Which at the moment make all bbc is unwatchable. This is after purchasing digital televisions plus expensive ariel upgrades plus an ariel amplifiers. All other channels are ok the trouble lies with the bbc and we are with sight of the Emley Moor transmitter mast.
kevin evans
Sunday 8 May 2011 10:23PM Wolverhampton
which transmitter has the best signal for my area wv44rq wolverhampton
Mike Dimmick
Monday 9 May 2011 1:56PM
Kevin Evans: The Wrekin should give the best results. You're slightly closer to Sutton Coldfield, which will be more powerful after switchover than The Wrekin is now (having switched), but there's a hill in the way, which substantially reduces the signal levels and the probability of reliable reception.

Some multiplexes will still be a bit unreliable as they're still on low power until the end of September, but it's really not worth changing to Sutton Coldfield for six months.

If you had reliable reception from The Wrekin before switchover, and it's now become unreliable, you may have too much signal. If you have a booster or amplifier, try without it.
John Frail
Monday 9 May 2011 5:50PM
I too have been having trouble getting a picture on bbc channels. When I first tuned freeview the bbc picture was classed as good, and was reliable. As the switchovers have occurred over the east midlands the picture changed to being average, and now to either unwatchable or non existent. I thought as nearby transmitters changed over to digital the signal got stronger. In my case it seems to be the opposite.
Melanie Holmes
Wednesday 11 May 2011 9:34AM
I am also unable to watch any BBC channels on digital, including BBC3 and BBC News 24. I live in Leeds (LS17). The picture freezes and sound disappears. The setting is at 722000MHZ frequency for BBC1. Is this the problem?

Thanks
Briantist
Wednesday 11 May 2011 5:31PM
John Frail: A common problem after switchover is that you have too strong a signal.

If you have any boosters or amplifiers, remove them from your system now.

If you don't then you may need an attenuator, a small device that costs a fiver, that you attach to the cable.
Briantist
Wednesday 11 May 2011 5:32PM
Melanie Holmes: Can't be 100% sure without a postcode, but please see the Single frequency interference | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice page.
Briantist
Wednesday 11 May 2011 5:36PM
dissgrunteled: Amplifiers are usually awful for digital reception. If you have an amplifier, booster or similar, try removing it from your system.
StuMagoo
Wednesday 18 May 2011 10:14PM Sunderland
Hi, I've started having major picture/sound break up over the last few weeks. Reception is perfectly fine during the day...90+% and no problems. However after around 8pm my signal seems to drop to around 75% and the break up starts, this affects all channels inc. analogue.

Think i'm on the Pontop Pike transmitter.

Postcode - SR5 5LQ

Thnaks
Briantist
Thursday 19 May 2011 11:44AM
StuMagoo: Have you checked everything at the top of the page?
Vic
Thursday 19 May 2011 7:59PM
At 7.42 every night we lose signal on both of our freeview receivers (in different rooms). They then start working about 10 minutes later. This has just started in the last 3 weeks, but you can set your watch by it. There is no streetlighting coming on at that time or any household appliances. We are in Manchester. Is there any explanation for this?
StuMagoo
Thursday 19 May 2011 9:23PM Sunderland
Briantist: yes tried the lot, currently just tv plugged in on its own, tried via the ext. lead and direct to wall socket (3 of them) started about 8.40pm tonight. Just can't figure out why it only happens in the evening?
Briantist
Thursday 19 May 2011 10:40PM
StuMagoo: If it happens at the same time each night it could be something external like a broken street light.
Briantist
Thursday 19 May 2011 10:42PM
Vic: I am sure there is an explanation, but you are really the only person in a position to work it out.
StuMagoo
Saturday 21 May 2011 8:34PM Sunderland
Briantist: Not the street lights, problem starts before they come on.
Briantist
Sunday 22 May 2011 10:03PM
StuMagoo: It could be anything on a timer if it happening at the same time each night.
StuMagoo
Sunday 22 May 2011 10:51PM Sunderland
Briantist: Think I've found the cause, there's a small block of flats out to the back of my property, directly in the line with with my aerial, looks like they have a faulty rear security light(about 15-20 meters away).
I can pretty much time my picture break up to that thing flickering on/off.

Now ,to get one of them to get it fixed....
Briantist
Monday 23 May 2011 7:38AM
StuMagoo: That sounds like an ideal candiate, there have been a number of people who have found security lights the cause of problems (once at a service station). You are probably not the only person effected.
A D WILLIAMS
Tuesday 24 May 2011 10:25AM
My main concern is with BBC digital channels
bbc1 bbcnews bbc3/4. these programmes every now and then go into freeze /pixations.
i am on the mendip transmitter.
i hope i am not the only one in this area,
with this problem.
thank you for reading this message



Briantist
Tuesday 24 May 2011 11:41AM
A D WILLIAMS: As you have provided no postcode, I can't really comment about "your area".

However, please can you see www.ukfree.tv link icon Single frequency interference | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice ?
R Bryan
Tuesday 24 May 2011 1:08PM Oxford
I live in Oxford and until recently I have had good digital reception via freeview. The last two evening all channels have been imposssible to watch due to pixilation, freesing and loss of sound. I have not changed anything or installed any new electrical equipment in the house. Please help
Tara Hayes
Sunday 29 May 2011 8:40AM
Briantist, your a star for trying to help us all but in the last two years this is about the third time it has happened, I've spent a small fortune on aerial guys looking at reception, aerial, signal. After about six months of 'being patient' it comes back. Three months later it goes again. Our TV is unwatchable, and it's unacceptable that we can't do anything about it. Never get this with Sky and at least we have one sky tv. I think waiting until September is ridiculous!! Soooooo frustrated!!!!
Tara Hayes
Sunday 29 May 2011 8:41AM
By the way, know it's not your fault, just letting off steam!!!!
Jurate
Thursday 2 June 2011 6:27PM Lincoln
hello,
I want to watch free channel. I have satellite dish, sky+ satellite receiver and i check cable and change lnb, but still I don't get any signal. I really don't khown what to do. can you help me? I pay Tv license.
S
Saturday 4 June 2011 10:38PM
I have a Freeview box and indoor aerial in the spare room, which has been fine for years. Since the Switchover this week (Scotland), I'm now having trouble getting a picture on bbc channels.
Briantist
Sunday 5 June 2011 5:35PM
Jurate: Your TV Licence doesn't pay for your reception equipment. I would expect your dish is no longer correctly aligned.
Briantist
Sunday 5 June 2011 5:42PM
S: Yes, that sounds about right. You should use a rooftop aerial for reliable Freeview reception.
Bill
Sunday 5 June 2011 6:20PM Isleworth
I live in Osterley West London TW7.
For the last 3 days I have had no signal quality on ITV 1,2 snd its related multiplex channels.
I share a communal roof arial that has been upgraded to accept digital and my neighbours are not suffering any problems.
All connections appear fine.
Help
george forbes
Wednesday 8 June 2011 7:43PM Dunfermline
According to bbc news our analogue signal was switched off at midnight last night. I have retuned my stb as a first time set up and now receive all stations with 95% clarity with the exception of all bbc channels, none of them are watchable. I have reset mannual scan and auto scan all to no avail. I have a loft aerial I will have to reposition my aerial in the loft. I was also informed that there will be another change on the 22 June 2011.
KY12 7XU
finn
Thursday 9 June 2011 5:05PM
Hi there,
Whenever I reset my digibox, then do a full scan all channels work fine for about 2 minutes then a box pops up saying '10 new services added' and all channels display 'NO SIGNAL'. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
saltydog
Saturday 11 June 2011 4:36PM
I am experiencing sudden losses of all digital channels, as well as a sudden degradation in analogue quality. What I see is that reception is fine, with good clear pictures and sound, and then suddenly I get a total loss of reception, for sometimes up to a day at a time. Freeview channels show "No signal" and analogue reception is very poor. the problem started about four weeks ago.

I had a new aerial fitted last year, and I am sure all hardware is OK. Any ideas?
Postcode RG2.


Jm F
Saturday 18 June 2011 4:11PM
saltydog: there are several things to conisder / check...
Is the TV (or digibox) faulty? It does happen, even with quality brands, and under guarantee. Easiest check is to substitute a known good digibox and see how that runs.
Is the flylead from the TV (or digibox) to the wallplate OK? A duff lead can behave exactly as you describe.
Is the wallplate OK? I've seen cheap wallplates that use a printed circuit board behind the socket - the solder joints fail making the socket loose and dodgy for signals.
Does the loss of signal occur after rainfall? If so, you may be getting water in the coax cable (which gives high signal loss). Also, on your new aerial, sometimes the lid on the connector housing disappears, and allowing the box to fill with rainwater - does it look to be intact?

Nick B.
Tuesday 21 June 2011 10:39PM Solihull
Hi - can you help me - I have been having intremittent problems recieving Freeview channels - pincipally ITV related - as a number of people have reported - it is worse in the evenings. I have upgraded to a large wideband Labgear aerial from Screwfix - still in the loft but reception seems to come and go !?!? Argh
Post code is B90 1HB - pointed at sutton C. Transmitter
Penny
Wednesday 22 June 2011 7:08PM Aylesbury
We appear to receive transmission from the Oxford transmitter (looking at the map guide)and using a Freeview box but have Meridian news. For a while now we have had screen freeze and broken speech. This isn't all the time just during parts of the day and sometimes in the evening, at present we switch to analogue when it becomes too frequent. When the channels are not freezing up the pictures are very clear. We are getting the reminders at the bottom of the screen to channel search in Sept. It is appreciated that work is being done on the transmitters leading up to the change over. It seems that people are buying new aerials, TV's etc and still no better off. What problem will it cause if no action were taken until the 'changeover' has occurred? (apart from not being able to get the channels initially). When we channel search now, after the search is completed there is the option to accept or change, we accept incase we lose the channels we already have.(this being the main channels BBC 1,2. ITV3,4,5 plus freeview channels). Will this option not be available after the changeover? (assuming that the aerial won't be fault).
Danny Ivatt
Friday 24 June 2011 9:04AM
I have a problem with major interference when ever I use my mobile phone in the house either for calling or texting. It doesnt matter where in the house I am it happens and even when I am not using itI think when my neighbour is on theirs it sets it off too. This only does it when I a watching tv through my BT Vision box and does not do it through my normal tv freeview channels. I had the aerial guy out yesterday and checked all signals and reception and said there was not a problem. I have a digital loft aerial installed. Any suggestions please
jb38
Friday 24 June 2011 11:48AM
Danny Ivatt: I think its really BT you should have consulted rather than the aerial people, as although loft aerials can be more susceptible to picking up interference emanating from sources below where they are mounted, its not generally anything connected with a mobile phone.

I would try a test of switching everything off then pulling out each plug in turn and immediately re-inserting it, this suggested just in case its a bad earth connection on some of the coupling cables.

If this doesn't cure the problem I suspect that there could be a fault on the BT Vision box itself.



Mike Dimmick
Friday 24 June 2011 5:57PM
Penny: Digital UK's prediction for you is very good across the board, so you really shouldn't be having problems. Some people found that the replacement aerial at the transmitter resulted in *more* signal than they had previously, and therefore had to remove boosters and/or add attenuation.

Oxford gets ITV Meridian news ever since they closed down the short-lived ITV Thames Valley service in 2009.

If it's only Mux 2 that's affected, it could be a cabling issue. If water has got into the cable, the loss in the cable increases, and loss at higher frequencies is greater than at low ones. This can happen if an outside junction box, masthead amplifier, or the connection box on the aerial is not properly sealed, or if the insulation on the cable is damaged, either by rubbing against brickwork or tiles or simply perished due to UV exposure. Cables should be properly secured about every 15cm with cable clips as they travel over tiles and down walls, they should not be able to move.

You could also be suffering from impulse inteference, which is more of a problem in the 64QAM mode used by Mux 2 and Mux A. Check whether the problem occurs when a thermostat or motor switches on, for example central heating pump or hot water heater. If so, get a heating engineer to check the pump. Mobile phones can also cause problems - keep them well away from the TV and cables. Better-quality cables (usually termed 'satellite-grade') are less susceptible to picking up interference.

At switchover, you must do a full reset on both days as the channels are all moving to different frequencies - they replace the analogue transmissions. Analogue channels are completely switched off - it is all digital from now on.

Penny
Thursday 30 June 2011 1:38PM Aylesbury
Mike, Many thanks for all suggestions regarding query,all noted as possible cause of problem. TV seems to be a mine field of complexities (I thought computers were complicated). We have now received a leaflet through the post about the change over, giving guide lines on 'what to do' when the time comes. Doesn't cover the amount of detail/info achieved on this website though.
Ian
Friday 1 July 2011 5:16PM Eastbourne
Moved to Eastbourne just over a year ago and have been barely able to get an analogue signal let alone a sniff of digital. That was until yesterday (30th June 2011) when to my surprise my weekly scan came up with 24 channels. Ok some appear to be intermittent but one must not complain. Any ideas why I have been suddenly so blessed?
Rod
Tuesday 5 July 2011 11:31AM
Help! Recently I have periods where the picture freezes for a second and this repeats several times, usually sound is unaffected. May last a few minutes then normal.Not predictable as to when it happens. New HDTV connected to freebox(HUMAX)the latter to roof aerial via wall socket. Aerial shared by other flats - no reported problems from them. Is a mains filter the answer? I would appreciate your comments!
Rod
Thursday 7 July 2011 2:07PM
Since last post I bought a filter but no change. Not sure aerial is shared with 3 other flats as they have dishes on roof. So is it an aerial problem?
jb38
Thursday 7 July 2011 9:11PM
Rod: It would be of considerable assistance in diagnosing possible reasons for your problems if you indicated your location, plus what the signal strength/quality is showing as being on the worst of the affected channels, this info obtainable from the tuning menu area's on both Humax and TV.
Stuart Fyfe
Friday 8 July 2011 12:21AM
Every 7 seconds, poof! Turns out it's the radar sweep from nearby military airfield, only in use when they fly a few days a week. I fixed it by re-tuning the VCR RF output.
Rod
Thursday 14 July 2011 5:14PM
jb38: Have been away hence lack of thanks for reply! I live in London, and this freezing effect occurs on all channels. I'm not very technical but will try to ascertain signal strength. Today watching BBC2 there was a period of 1-second freezing then total freeze. Normal service after switching box and TV off and on again.
anne graham
Friday 15 July 2011 9:12PM
S.We have done the programe scans several times but nothing helps.ince switch over freeview recordings are almost unwatchable due to stopping and starting of the picture as if it was being played frame by frame and /or freezing for minutes at a time.Sometimes sound continues,sometimes its broken up too,Now live programmes are doing it too this started off mainly on BBC channels but is now happening on all channels



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