Freeview intermittent interference
Brian Butterworth published 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.
Help with Freeview, aerials?
Friday, 3 February 2012
J
jb3811:38 AM
Paul Johnston: That indicates that the same thing has happened as before insomuch that you are picking up the same station from two sources, try carrying out a reset as was previously mentioned in my reply then a manual tune but "only" on Mux Ch54, then leave the tuning menu and check if you are receiving anything on EPG50/54.
You can find out where the HD on 800 etc is coming from by carrying out a signal test whilst on the channel, because as well as viewing the signal strength scale the multiplex channel associated with it will be shown which can be used for cross checking with other transmitters.
Needless to say carry out this procedure before the reset etc.
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J
jb3811:55 AM
Paul Johnston: Just to add to that said, the reason I request you try this procedure is that you have a number of low powered relay stations close to you, two for example being Manchester Hulme @ 2mls / Stockport @ 3mls although neither is predicted to be receivable on your p/code, but another PSB only station called Haslingden @ 19mls is, so if Mux Ch29 is seen on a signal check that's where its coming from.
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J
jb3812:25 PM
Paul Johnston: And another possibility to keep in is that the signal you are receiving is too strong and this can block reception, or if received is likely to suffer from continual glitches, so if you use any form of amplification on your aerial you will require to by-pass it, or use an attenuator in line with the aerial socket if you cannot like in the case of a mast head amplifier.
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M
Mazbar4:47 PM
Paul first unplug the aerial and then do an auto tune to get rid of all the channels. Then do a manual tune using the channel numbers 54, 55, 58, 59, 61, 62. After this has beem done switch off the auto update so you dont get the message telling you there are new channels. Hope this helps
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Tuesday, 7 February 2012
P
Paul Johnston9:34 AM
Manchester
Thank you JB38. I carried out a factory reset and then autotuned and now have all HD channels again between 50 -54 as they should be. Your help is much appreciated.
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Paul's: mapP's Freeview map terrainP's terrain plot wavesP's frequency data P's Freeview Detailed Coverage
J
jb384:49 PM
Paul Johnston: Thanks for your update on the situation and pleased to have been of assistance.
Regards / JB38
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Wednesday, 8 February 2012
S
SUE6:53 PM
Trying to help my mum and dad with their freeview tv - the picture is great, I have scanned for new channels so this is up to date, however the sound breaks regularly and the signal strength is about 78%. They have also lost BBC1 but have BBC1 Wales instead. Can you help?? Thanks
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S
SUE8:00 PM
Wirral
When is a new digital hi gain compatible aerial needed?
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SUE's: mapS's Freeview map terrainS's terrain plot wavesS's frequency data S's Freeview Detailed Coverage
J
jb389:53 PM
SUE: The problem you might be having is that you are predicted to be able to receive signals from three different stations, Winter Hill being the main one but with Moel-y-parc a close second and Storeton Wales last, so you are possibly receiving a mixture from the two main sources.
You should carry out a factory reset (or maybe called default setting) on the TV followed by going into the set up menu / tuning / manual tune and entering the following mux channels one at a time, storing what's received after each scan then repeating the operation.
Ch62 - 59 - 54(HD if applicable) - 58 - 61 - 55.
Do not auto-tune.
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