Freeview: Northern Ireland "mini multiplex" (NIMM) | Digital switchover
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Northern Ireland "mini multiplex" (NIMM)

I have added information to the UK Free TV database to cover the so-called mini-multiplex that will carry three Irish channels, TG4, RTE1 and RTE2 in a very special multiplex from three transmitters in Northern Ireland.

I have added information to the UK Free TV database to cover th
Published on by on UK Free TV

A special service for 80%-90% of households in Northern Ireland will see three Freeview additional channels being available. These will be:



Some homes will be able to receive the services directly from the Saorview transmitters in the RoI (see www.saorview.ie link icon SAORVIEW - Ireland's free digital television service ), and others will, from the digital switchover date of Wednesday 24th October 2012, have a service provided from three Freeview transmitters in Northern Ireland.



Northern Ireland RTE1 RTE2 TG4 minimux transmitters

However, you will not be able to view these services using a standard-definition Freeview receiver - a Freeview HD box or set will be required. It is not known at this time if the NIMM will carry RTE2 in HD, as per the Saorview service. TG4 and RTE1 are broadcast in standard definition at the moment.

The requirement for a Freeview HD receiver is because the services are being broadcasting in "D-Book Option 11", which uses the DVB-T2 standard ("a new mode, option 11, is being planned for a multiplex in Northern Ireland. Receivers should be able to switch between these automatically", D-Book 7, DTG164 is defined in appendix G as: FFT size 32k, 16QAM modulation, 1/128 guard interval, PP7, FEC 64800). www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk link icon Digital Television - Technical guidance on the availability of TG4 in Northern Ireland after digital switchover says that Option 11 is: DVB-T2 16QAM FEC 1/2.

Update: DVB-T2 16QAM FEC 1/2 provides a bitrate for the multiplex of 12.77Mb/s.

Update: DVB-T2, QPSK modulation, FEC 2/3, 32K carriers, 9.954 Mbit/s.





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Helen
Sunday 7 October 2012 9:06PM
I have been told having researched this - For information,Company who runs TV Mast at Limavady is called - Arqiva they can be contact directly at www.arqiva.com or on +44 (0) 1962 823434.

I do hope that problem I highlighted is successfully resolved asap if any problems with switchover this is the place to contact above to report/issues/problems.
raymond dunlop
Friday 26 October 2012 8:03PM
i have lost r t e how do i regain it through limavady service. thank u.
Dave Lindsay
Friday 26 October 2012 11:02PM
raymond dunlop: Limavady does not broadcast RTÉ. However, if you received it previously via analogue, then you should probably be able to receive it via the Republic's digital service Saorview. You will need an appropriate receiver, not all Freeview receivers will work with Saorview.

Whereabouts are you? A postcode will be useful or a postcode of a nearby location such as a shop.

Do you have a separate aerial for RTÉ?
Frank
Wednesday 21 November 2012 5:23PM Bangor
Northern Ireland "mini multiplex" (NIMM)
Do I need to aim my aerial at Black Mountain or Carnmoney transmitters to receive RTE, etc. Or do I need another aerial? I have a standard aerial up on roof. At the moment I cannot get a signal in the 600s upwards but get the multiplexes from Divis - some 80 channels.
Dave Lindsay
Wednesday 21 November 2012 6:20PM
Frank: I responded to your posting on Monday:

Divis full-Freeview transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
Damian Cooper
Thursday 22 November 2012 12:16AM Newcastle
Can anyone tell me the frequencies for the NIMM (to receive the R.T.E.'s) from the Divis transmitter. As far as I know, I can pick up Clermont Carn ok, & I know it's transmitting on ch52 vertical, whareas Divis transmits between ch21+ & ch29. I want to buy a diplexer to integrate the signal from both transmitters in one downlead for distribution. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Many Thanks.
mrdtv
Thursday 22 November 2012 9:35AM
Damian Cooper: Channel 39+ from Black Mountain for NIMM. You can use your Divis aerial if you choose the diplexer carefully. Interesting you are receiving Clermont Carn in Newcastle as I thought it would have been shielded by the Mournes.
Dave Lindsay
Thursday 22 November 2012 10:37AM
Damian Cooper: Be aware that the Kilkeel relay also uses vertically.

We don't know what direction they it transmits as the powers that be won't release its radiation pattern. My guess is that it will be transmitting in the direction of Kilkeel and further up the coast to Ballymartin and Annalong. I should imagine that there is little point in it transmitting over the hills and so maybe it only broadcasts roughly between 3 o'clock and 6 o'clock
Dave Lindsay
Thursday 22 November 2012 10:42AM
Damian Cooper: Kilkeel also uses C39, although I'm not convinced that it will be an issue for you, although keep it in mind because you never know.
mrdtv
Thursday 22 November 2012 11:08AM
Dave Lindsay: Actually Kilkeel appears to radiate in a E, S and W pattern. Its new PSB transmissions are being received all along the Louth, Meath and North County Dublin areas. There have also been reports that the NIMM ex Black Mountain is being received in North County Dublin!. The other problem in the Newcastle area is that a H aerial pointed towards Divis/Black Mountain will have Moel-y-Parc E39 behind it. This could be problematic in lifts. DUK's postcode checker for Mr Cooper's supplied postcode indicates problems with NIMM reception, but why bother if you already have the full Saorview service. Aerials and TV in Sheffield sell a diplexer where the cut is made at Ch 51 which is perfect for combining an extended Group A and Clermont Carn aerial system. But as ever with digital TV the best thing is to try it out especially with the much higher power levels now used.
Dave Lindsay
Thursday 22 November 2012 11:22AM
mrdtv: The diplexer that splits at C51 will attenuate C52 about 4dB. This might not be an issue if the signal is sufficiently strong or if there is an amplifier, it might be sufficient or be able to be turned up a bit to compensate.

www.aerialsandtv.com link icon Online TV Splitters, Amps & Diplexers sales
mrdtv
Thursday 22 November 2012 11:28AM
Dave Lindsay:

Clermont Carn E52 is 160kW. Newcastle is very close to it but I am surprised he can get a signal because of the Mournes. The only way of course is to actually give it a go!
Damian Cooper
Thursday 22 November 2012 1:05PM Newcastle
mrdtv. I get your point about Clermont Carn, but I'm 4 miles north of the mountains & getting the C.C. signal through a dip to the west of the range. A guy across the road from me is pulling in C.C. on an original Newcastle Aerial (not sure of group) as it's about 4 miles line of sight. He just added a masthead amp & tweaked the aerial west by a wee few degrees. Thanks too Dave, no danger of me having any interaction with Kilkeel (Aughrim Hill), it's totally blocked to the north (Newcastle, Dundrum, Castlewellan, etc) by the mountain range. I was consodering a 21 - 37 combined with 39 - 68 (split at 38 / screened) from aerialsandtv.com. Do you think this would have the desired effect for me? Also, what aerial group is Clermont Carn? Thanks Again to both of you!
mrdtv
Thursday 22 November 2012 3:28PM
Damian Cooper: Now that we know your situation I would get the Ch51 diplexer from aerials and tv. CC is a Group C/D. Why bother with the NIMM if you get CC as it has the full Saorview package, but if you want CC and Divis/Black Mountain then the Ch51 diplexer is the right one. Kilkeel won't interfere but Moel-y-Parc might be an occasional nuisance with NIMM. Of course FreeviewHD needed.
danny
Sunday 25 November 2012 8:53AM
i am in omagh town i have bought a new tv with built in freeview and soarview for rte stations the rte stations aoe perfect right up to 5 or 6 o clock then they are unwatchable does anyone know why this happens
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