ITV 3
ITV for cultured connoisseursITV 3 is a commerical-break funded TV channel.
How to Watch: ITV 3
Regional content: National channel with no regional content or variations.
Media UK: For full details of broadcaster contacts, see the
Media UK ITV 3 page.
Official site: See the
ITV 3 website.
From Wikipedia: The channel had been available from launch on UPC Ireland, but was pulled on 22 March 2006. The channel had already been and remains available to Irish viewers on free-to-air satellite for some time, however it has not been listed in the Sky electronic programme guide since its removal on 25 January 2006. ITV3 took its channel number and bandwidth meaning all platforms could be launched simultaneously. - en.wikipedia.org
read more about ITV 3 on wikipedia (summary by
Clipped).
Freeview multiplex: ITV 3 is on
multiplex COM4 in

England

Scotland

Northern Ireland

Wales .
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Mary MartinSunday 13 May 2012 8:38PM
St. Albans Since 9th May we have been unable to get ITV3 despite re-tuning. Postcode is AL4 8QL and the TV is a Sony LCD Digital Colour TV, 32EX. Is there any reason for this?Alan LawtonSunday 13 May 2012 8:39PM
Oldham Hi,
Until recently we could watch ITV3 no problem.
The screen now says "No service" or sometimes "No signal". We live in the OL3 7EF area and our TV is a Panasonic plasma Model TH-37PX80B.
Our cheap Tv in our dining room can still receive ITV3 no problem!
We can also receive it via satellite dish.
So why can't our Panasonic Tv receive it?
Any suggestions?
Both our Tv aerials are horizontal and pick up our signals from a booster mast about half a mile away. All normal channels signal strength is good.D. McleanSunday 13 May 2012 9:09PM
The American President, transmitted 13th May 2012 from 8.00 pm is effecively unavailable. We only get short, infrequent flashes with the message "No Service" displayed. On many previous occasions we have had similar problems with this channel. All other Freeview channels are excellent. Why is ITV3 different? We are in BD10, Greengates.jb38Sunday 13 May 2012 9:41PM
Mary Martin: Indications are that you could be receiving roughly the same level of signal from either Crystal Palace or Sandy Heath, so carry out a "factory reset" or "default setting" on your TV and follow this with another auto-scan.
I would normally advise that if ITV3 still doesn't come on then try a manual tune on Ch51 if you receive from Sandy or Ch25 if Crystal Palace, but I suspect that your EX range Sony might not have a manual scan, EX covering a few models.
The reason I requested a reset before auto tuning is because that on some Sony models only a reset completely deletes everything stored in the memory, and its always advisable to scrub everything in case any corrupted data is stored.
If you have any problems with retuning then please supply the TV's full model number.
Miriam CoxMonday 14 May 2012 8:32PM
Wellingborough Hi, sorry to hear others are as frustrated as us at not being able to receive ITV3 (our favourite channel), it's such a blow to our evening's entertainment when we can't watch Poirot!
POST CODE: NN29 7QY
We haven't been able to view ITV3 since May 7th and despite re-tuning (auto & manual), channel 10 keeps showing 'no signal'(ch 51 automatically takes us back to ch 10).
We are using an ancient TV with a Clarity digi-box. All other channels we could receive before are fine, it's just ITV3, the channel we use most, that has disappeared. Does this mean we'll have to get a new aerial?
Many thanksjb38Monday 14 May 2012 9:35PM
Miriam Cox: Did you carry out a "factory reset" / "default setting" before you carried out the auto-retune, although if your box offers "first time installation" then that automatically deletes everything stored, as its when remnants of a previous retune are lingering in the memory that these problems usually arise.
I suspect that ITV3 is actually there but just under the level that you can receive it, so if that box you are using has a "manual" tune facility enter Ch51 and see if any signal strength is indicated on the display bar without pressing tune.
By the way EPG 10 for ITV3 is the same anywhere in the UK, as the Ch51 referred to is the transmitter channel that carries it, at least as far as Sandy is concerned. I am in N.ireland BT480NY and have a Bush HD Freesat box. Have just run 'first time install' and now have ITV3 up and running again. Brian SmithTuesday 15 May 2012 3:16PM
Christchurch Re lost ITV3 and your response ( change aerial to verical rather than horizontal) - before I make any change is there any other suggestion, since it was only lost within the last few weeks and was satisfactory beforehand, ergo why should the aerial be at fault?
PACE box at BH23 5LW
Thanks
Brian Smith: I suspect that the main issue that you have is the difference between the relatively low level and the high level signals.
The Public Service Broadcaster (PSB) channels that you have (BBC, ITV1, ITV2, C4, C5 etc) are at higher power horizontally than the Commercial (COM) ones (ITV3, Pick TV, Yesterday, Film 4 etc).
Before switchover Rowridge broadcast only horizontally. After switchover, it broadcasts in both polarisations.
The PSBs are at a transmission power of 200kW horizontally and vertically, whereas the COMs are 50kW horizontally and 200kW vertically.
Whilst 50kW probably doesn't mean a "weak" signal at your location, it is probably the marked difference between the two that is causing you difficulties with your receiver.
The strong PSBs are probably acting to desensitise the receiver, making it more difficult to pick up the nearby (weaker) COMs. This can be likened to bright car headlights in the dark reducing the ability to see the darker surroundings.
You could try connecting an attenuator inline with the aerial lead to reduce the level of the signals. A variable one will allow you to adjust. Of course it would be reducing the level of all signals (the stronger PSBs and the COMs). The objective would be to find the sweet spot (if it exists) where the PSBs are attenuated enough (to increase the sensitivity of the tuner) but where the COMs aren't reduced too much that they are too weak to be picked up.
Manual tuning is helpful here. Having got the PSBs tuned, your objective is to adjust the attenuator and then try manually tuning each of the three COM channels. If there is no manual tuning, every time you adjust the attenuator, you must complete a full scan (which obviously takes longer). If there is no manual tuning, but a way of scanning for new services, then this might be the best option as it won't wipe the PSBs you already have stored.
The attenuator route is a potentially cheaper if you will have to get someone in to change the aerial. However, it's not guaranteed.
You can pick them up for £3 or £4 online from sources such as eBay and Amazon.
As for the question of why it worked before 18th April; I can only wonder if it was due to the fact that the frequencies used by the low power COMs were further away from the PSBs. Now they are on neighbouring channels (i.e. each COM has a PSB on an adjacent channel).
jb38, does this sound as if it might be right? andyWednesday 16 May 2012 6:09PM
Dunstable Since 9th May can only receive a few freeview channels (cannot get any bbc). They were all available before and I have tried 'first time installation' and unplugged aerial tuned and the replugged and tuned. Still nothing.andyWednesday 16 May 2012 6:10PM
Dunstable Should have said I am in the Anglia region near LutonPatWednesday 16 May 2012 6:34PM
Letchworth Garden City Also having problem with itv3. Fine until last week. Have done first time installation reset several times. My postcode is sg6 3ru.
Regards
Patjb38Wednesday 16 May 2012 8:47PM
Dave Lindsay: Just spotted your query as I was spinning down the list, and yes I basically agree that the problem could possibly be due to a large differential in power levels between the muxes on adjacent channels as its something that can really test a tuner to the limit, some types getting desensitized or even swamped very easily, and to be quite honest about it I sometimes wonder if the powers that be who are involved in deciding on the ERP power to be used by multiplex transmitters sited on adjacent channels actually take a minute to consider the possible effects that the creation of this type of situation could have on the receiving side of the equation, as two radically different power levels on adjacent channel frequencies is something that I have never witnessed being done anywhere else except on TV multiplex transmitters.
That having been said, it would be interesting to know the result if a box of a different manufacture was used, like for example a Humax.
Regarding the variable attenuator, although I have serious doubts about the effectiveness of these devices as in some cases the variable aspect can act more like an on and off switch, and so the first chance I get I intend to take one apart and have a look at just how crude the circuitry is (if you can call it that!), still it would be interesting to know the outcome of that test should it be done.
nickiSunday 20 May 2012 11:11PM
Waterlooville We have also lost ITV3, along with 5+1 5USA, and various others, all were working until 89th of May and we had no problems at switchover, so dont understand why we cant receive now. We are in PO7 Rowridge transmitter.Any suggestions please?jb38Sunday 20 May 2012 11:45PM
nicki: Although you are located as being roughly 20 miles away from the transmitter you could still be receiving an excessively high level of signal dependant on the aerial being used, and so if you use any form of booster then this must be by-passed.
Another test you could carry out connected to the possibly of an over powerful signal being received is to try a test using a set top aerial, giving the TV / box a re-tune after having connected same, if though you cannot access a set top aerial then a short piece of wire (about 12" or so) pushed into the inner part of the aerial socket might get you a picture, and if it does then an attenuator will have to be placed in line with the aerial socket of whatever you are using.
Has your aerial been altered to being vertically mounted rather than horizontal?Mr & Mrs C PhelanMonday 21 May 2012 9:27AM
Your Transmitter at Midhurst is simple not powerfull enough and since the digital swith-over our TV reception is totally unacceptable. Before the switch-over we had acceptable reception with occasional drop-out of some ITV channels. Now we are lucky to get even the BBC channels. If the is any hint of bad weather especially wind, the ITV channels dissappear and BBC channels are intermittent. We live in West Chiltington wher there many tress and your transmiitter is not powerfull enough to penetrate them if they are wet or moving. The so called "digital switch-over" has been a total dissaster for us. We have a new high gain aeriel on a long pole with high gain amplifier and it has no faults. What shoiuld we do??Mr & Mrs C Phelan.Go for freesat ?! Ron Kennedy Saturday 26 May 2012 8:48AM
Live in highlands of Scotland and fed from Kingussie
Transmitter , I do not appear to have itv3 ? Any reason
Thank you Ron KennedyLesleyTuesday 5 June 2012 8:07PM
Reading My ITV3 has gone again - I expect it will be back in a few days. I would just like to know why as someone at ITV3 must know. This never happens with ITV1 or BBC. It is so very frustrating. Any information you have will be welcome.jb38Tuesday 5 June 2012 9:07PM
Lesley: Its entirely dependant on where you are receiving ITV3 (SDN mux) from, as if its Hannington then its only being transmitted on half the power of the BBC and ITV channels, and when it drops out its not so much the case that you have lost it completely, but more likely the case that it has just dropped under the reception threshold of your TV or box, this being where the use of a booster could lift it back up again.
The next time it drops out, even although the screen might be blank carry out a signal strength check on the channel and make a note of the level seen, then do the same test when its working again and compare the two readings, giving an update on the results when further advice can then be given.
By the way, if you carry out a signal strength check and see mux Ch41 mentioned that's Hannington, whereas if mux Ch25 then that's Crystal Palace. LesleyWednesday 6 June 2012 6:25PM
Reading Dear jb38
Thank you for your reply. This has happened before and the picture came back a few days later. The picture is OK upstairs but then I can only use digital radios upstairs they don't work downstairs. All the other channels in the set with ITV3 are poor but I don't watch them.
These are the settings
Signal quality 10
signal strength 10
bit error rate 3.03E 02
Berks & North Hants
frequency 634.00 MHz Ch 41
jb38Wednesday 6 June 2012 9:09PM
Lesley: Yes, it seems to be Hannington that you are receiving from, although a bit error rate being shown indicates that your signal is liable to be suffering from being intermittently obstructed along the way, this most likely being caused by trees.
Your signal level is somewhat higher than would have been expected, do you already have a booster on it? although whether you have or not carry out the signal test mentioned as soon as you lose the ITV3 picture, giving an update on your findings.
Regarding the picture being OK upstairs, is the aerial fed into both places? and if it is has this been done using a two way powered splitter, or is it just linked into the upstairs then carries on downstairs?LesleyFriday 8 June 2012 5:57PM
Reading I cannot remember whether there is a booster. There is nothing in the room. Would it be on the roof with the satellite or in the attic? We are in a slight valley but until a few days ago everything was fine. I notice there is no ITV1 either now though it was there yesterday. I cannot complete the signal test as I only ever have no picture now. There is a separate cable coming from the aerial to the upstairs tv. I cannot understand what has changed to make this happen. Back in March we had more or less the same problem but then you or a colleague told us there was going to be a better signal due to some change and this was spot on as all problems were resolved until now. Should I get a man in? Thank you for your help.LesleyFriday 8 June 2012 6:00PM
Reading Sorry JB38 I have just realised that the digital TV is received by a new Panasonic TV. The satellite is for our free to air... which are clear as a bell. Upstairs there is a digital freeview receiver and an older type tv.jb38Friday 8 June 2012 9:15PM
Lesley: A signal level check can be carried out even on a blank screen, and so referring to the Panasonic, select a programme channel that results in a blank screen and press the following: menu - set-up - select and press on DVB tuning - select and press on manual tuning, then when it opens you will see a bar at the top with a mux channel number being indicated on the right hand side, using the up / down arrows on the large round button on the remote control keep inching it up or down until you come to Ch42 but do not press it as yet, because as soon as you have reached that number the strength / quality that the mux channel 42 is being received at should be indicated on the two bars below.
Make a note of what's indicated on Ch42 and then inch the channels up until Ch47 and likewise note the indications on it, as these two channels are the ones that are under your TV's reception threshold as far as resolving a picture is concerned.
The channels used by Hannington are: 45(BBC) - 42(ITV1) - 39(HD) - 41(SDN /10-ITV3) - 44(ARQA /11-Pick TV) - 47(ArqB /12-Yesterday ) and so using that procedure you can compare the strength / quality of the channels you see with those that you don't, and you only require one indication from each mux channel.
The indications seen on these two should be somewhat less than on the others that you can see, so maybe you could indicate what the difference is "particularly on quality" using only a couple for an example, as that would give an idea if a booster would assist or not, as if there is a large difference then it wont.
LesleySaturday 9 June 2012 2:39PM
Reading Hello JB38 and thank you for your answer
I realise that when I said signal strength 10 - I was looking at the 10 on the right hand side of the measure and this is always there and is what the full strength would be. Because of this I will express the length of the signal in tenths which I will estimate as there is no measure underneath.
CH 42 642 MHZ
Signal quality - the red indicator bar is at about a 10th or less of the line
Signal strength - the white indicator bar is at about nine tenths of the line
But they both disappear altogether every few seconds
CH 43 650 MHZ
signal quality zero
signal strength zero
CH 44
Signal quality zero
Signal strength - appearing and disappearing every second when it is there it is about 2 thirds of the length
CH 45 666 MHz
Signal Quality - green bar going half way but shooting back to a third and then up to 9 tenths
Signal Strength - white bar going 9 tenths of the way across
CH 46 674 MHz
Signal Quality zero
Signal Strength zero
CH 47 682 MHz
Signal quality red bar one 20th of the way across
Signal strength - white bar nineteen 20ths of the way across
I hope I have done what you suggested.jb38Saturday 9 June 2012 6:17PM
Lesley: Unfortunately I could only use the check you carried on Ch45 & Ch47 on this test plus Ch41 from your previous posting, as although you did succeed OK in using the TV as a signal tester, Panasonic's being excellent for that type of thing, but you had only inched the channels up one at a time rather than repeatedly pressing the arrow button until you had reached each of the channel numbers shown on the list, excepting Ch39 that is unless your TV is capable of receiving HD, and its NOT just an HD Ready type which cannot.
By the way, this test that you carried out is about first thing that anyone called in to investigate the reason for poor reception would do but obviously using a signal strength meter rather than the TV, as signal strength / quality tests on each of the six multiplex transmitters that the station uses is the only way to assess the possible reasons for poor reception.
However, although it would have given a more complete idea of your reception if the readings obtained on Ch42 & Ch44 (+Ch39 if an HD set) had also been made, but the results on Ch47 is inclined to indicate intermittent problems being caused by trees, trees and Freeview signals not really mixing, and on a study around your area I noticed that its seemingly one where installers have pointed some aerials at Crystal Palace whereas others being directed towards Hannington, aerials mounted on tall masts coupled them facing in different directions always being an indication of a reception problem area.
The fact of you having lost ITV1 but not the BBC could be an indication of "same channel" interference from another transmitter, as the weather / atmospheric changes has already caused problems in some areas, and this is something that there is no cure for.
Maybe though you could complete the test by carrying out a check on Ch42 & Ch44, as 42 is on double the power of 44, and whilst you are at it try a check on Ch23 which is Crystal Palaces BBC1, although as its being partially received on the side of your aerial (Hannington 236 degrees / Crystal Palace 89 degrees ) it may be very weak, but it would be interesting to know if anything is received from it as its on 200Kw compared to Hanningtons PSB's 50Kw. LesleyThursday 14 June 2012 6:03PM
Reading Dear JB38
I have decided to call someone out but one thing I have noticed is that if I call up my Sony DVD recorder I can watch ITV3 with a perfect picture and no problems. Does this give you any more clue as to what the problem is? Thank you for your advice so far.jb38Thursday 14 June 2012 11:33PM
Lesley: Yes, that would assist if whilst you are viewing ITV3 on the Sony you carry out a signal check on it for purposes of noting the mux channel that ITV3 is associated with, Ch41 if its from Hannington whereas Ch25 if from Crystal Palace, which I may say does indicate as providing a slightly better signal, and should this same signal be fed into your TV then I cant see why it shouldn't operate in a similar fashion to the Sony.
On that point though could you indicate what model number of TV you are using? as "if" you have already mentioned it in a previous posting I am unfortunately unable to check this at present.
LesleyFriday 15 June 2012 6:31PM
Reading Dear Jb38
Thank you for your reply
The readings are
CH21
474000 KHZ
8MHZ
Signal Strength 76% good
Signal quality 100% good
The TV is a Panasonic TX LA4ZE5B
jb38Saturday 16 June 2012 8:53AM
Lesley: Thanks for your latest test, unfortunately though Ch21 does not come into the equation as far as it being a channel associated with anything receivable in your area and so I am afraid is an error.
On the subject of the Sony DVD recorder though and you having said it has perfect ITV3 reception, are you sure that this isn't because its via its satellite box input and not the normal aerial? because "if" it was from its aerial input and you take that same aerial lead and connect it "directly" into the TV, then there is no reason whatsoever that it should not likewise give a good picture on ITV3, that is "if" the TV is tuned (manually if necessary) to the same mux channel as the recorder.
With regards to getting someone out, I really do think that someone on-site to see your installation first hand is the only way forward, as a strict methodical procedure is necessary to check exactly what is connected to what as well as the station that your aerial is actually pointing towards, because as was previously mentioned aerials in your area are seen to point to Crystal Palace as well as Hannington, this usually always being an indication of an iffy reception area where signals can vary over short distances.
I would be interested in knowing the result of any on-site visit, so maybe you could give an update as far as this is concerned.
LesleySaturday 16 June 2012 4:58PM
Reading Dear JB38
I have looked again and it does say channel 21 on the Sony DVD recorder.
The Man is coming out to see us a week on Monday so I will cross examine him and give you an update.
Best wishes
Lesleyjb38Saturday 16 June 2012 5:49PM
Lesley: Yes, please do! and maybe you could ask about Ch21 being seen, as that is the starting channel number seen when an auto-scan is about to take place, and not whats generally seen when checking signal strength via "manual tune" whilst actually viewing a channel, at least not from Crystal Palace nor Hannington anyway.
Nick CleaveSunday 24 June 2012 8:21PM
Dartmouth Hi
I can't get ITV3 at my address TQ6 9DG with my freeview PVR Topfield 5800. I have tried retuning with no success. Another neighbour has the same problem. Can you suggest anything?
Nick CleaveNick Cleave: Where does your aerial point? If it is directed to the Dartmouth relay transmitter (which appears most likely) then it does not broadcast ITV3 or any of the other Commercial multiplexes.
Refer to the list of Freeview services by multiplex (those with a bullet in the "E"/England column apply):
DMOL Post-DSO Multiplex Channel Allocations
There are six multiplexes, including PSB3 which is the HD one (and is therefore unavailable for non-HD receivers).
The Dartmouth transmitter on Waterpool Road only carries the Public Service (PSB) multiplexes and isn't ever likely to carry the COMs because those Commercial broadcasters don't wish to invest in the small transmitters because they don't see it as worthwhile. G.urquhartMonday 25 June 2012 10:41PM
Why am I getting TMC French programme which has blocked us out of itv3 in the middle of a programme called "the reckoning". What is the problem? Where does it go? How long is this going to go on? We seniors are getting very tired of retuning or is this yet another plot to get us to use paid cable tv?G.urquhartMonday 25 June 2012 10:44PM
Ps, does anyone really know the answer or even care or reply?G.urquhart.The reason why nobody knows the answer or even cares to reply to your second text is because your first text three minutes earlier made wee sense whatsoever.Most of us including myself didnt understand what you mean.
For a start you didnt leave a full postcode or a nearby location as such,how can any of us know you got a French programme which blocked you out of ITV3 in the middle of "The Reckoning".
If you have a problem with what you mentioned in your first text,i would suggest you take it up with the broadcaster concerned,that being ITV3 itself. EsmeWednesday 27 June 2012 3:09PM
Weymouth hylanderThursday 28 June 2012 8:28PM
Hi, we have the same problem as many others now no ITV3 since change over it was Ok before, Mums favourite and it`s my fault.
We are in Staplehurst mid Kent just paid £200 for a new digital aerial which points towards Dover (East).
Ok on sky but not on freeveiw any Idea`s
LesleySaturday 7 July 2012 9:00AM
Reading Dear JB38
Sorry for the delay in the update. The man came out and said the aerial was pointing in totally the wrong direction and our signal was ridiculously weak. He pointed it towards London and now we have a very good signal and picture. I think we will stick with these particular aerial people in future.
Thank you for all your help.ReesharSunday 15 July 2012 9:46AM
I've come to this page because we too are having problems with a Sony Bravia KDL-19L4000 TV receiving certain channels on the SDN mux. This is the only TV in the house that can't receive those channels and my gut feeling is that it is due to the way that those channels have been encoded not being accepted by the TV and that maybe the firmware needs an update.
I've reset the TV, I've scanned and done a manual scan of UHF Channel 25 - it says it's found 31 Freeview channels - yet these don't all seem to be installed.
The Freeview channels I *can* get include 23, 27, 31, 39, 92, 99 - I've not bothered looking further!ReesharSunday 15 July 2012 10:13AM
Sorry, I should also have said that I'm in the Crystal Palace area and that I've tried using an attenuator but to no effect.jb38Sunday 15 July 2012 4:44PM
Reeshar: Although you have carried out a reset on the TV that only resets the visual side of the TV to the "out of the box" condition and not anything concerned with the tuners memory, the very area that what you want cleared.
If you haven't already carried out this procedure then remove the aerial and carry out an auto-tune without it connected as that "might" blank out anything stored, to check whether it has or not once the blank scan has completed press the guide button to make sure the EPG list is not indicated.
Follow this action by carrying out another auto-tune after having reconnected the aerial, and after completion of the auto-tune trying out some SDN channels again.
If this still doesn't cure your problem then you will have reset the TV via the service menu, this info supplied dependant on the results of the test.
By the way to my knowledge there isn't any firmware updates in the pipeline for your model nor is the problem you are having mentioned in the service notes. ReesharTuesday 17 July 2012 5:00PM
Thanks jb38, I'll give it a whirl! Annie3Thursday 20 September 2012 8:16AM
Dingwall Hi,
Mine and my neighbours ITV 3 reception has deteriorated vastly over the last month. It is breaking up continuously, whereas for many years we have received it fine at IV16. My friend who lives 2 streets away has remained with good reception. Yesterday I installed BT Vision thinking this would improve things, but no. I have just tried doing what you have told others to do, disconect ariel, clear tuning, retune, but alas no better. Sony Bravia tv, good new arial with booster, ALL other channels fine. Please help. Annie3NigelThursday 4 October 2012 3:43PM
Bedale I live in the Tyne-Tees area and receive my signal from Bilsdale. We switched over on 26 Sept 2012. Prior to the switchover I was receiving a very good signal for ITV3 (which is a great channel and I used to watch it a great deal). Since the switchover, it does not even appear EPG list. Please can you tell me what has happened and how I can receive it again. I have done all the resetting and retuning procedures several times, including wiping all the channels by tuning without the aerial.MichaelThursday 4 October 2012 5:05PM
Nigel: Do you receive channel 11 (PickTV) or channel 15 (Film4) at the moment? Did you receive them before the switchover?MclauchlanSunday 7 October 2012 10:02PM
Have lost ITV3. Has worked for months and can receive all other free view stations