menuMENU    UK Free TV logo Archive (2002-)

 

 

Click to see updates

All posts by Paul

Below are all of Paul's postings, with the most recent are at the bottom of the page.


Well as Digital switch-over approaches in a few months time, I would like some confirmation that we will definately receive the ITV/Channel4 Mux without it breaking up. I have read much about the switch-over and laugh at sales people saying you can receive all channels perfectly well from the Olivers Mount Transmitter in their endeavours to sell you some form of Freeview/set top box etc. There is a Road Show this Saturday in Scarborough and am doing some research into this problem before I speak with the organisers. I simply cannot believe the lack of information on any web site about this problem - you really have to search hard to find anything. My understanding is that once the switch-over is complete over a 2 week period in August, the Transmitter will then transmit at full power as it isn't doing at the moment because it's still concentrating on Analogue - correct? My research supports an upgrade from 100Kw to 1500Kw - an increase of 15x - this shows that on the ITV/Channel 4 Mux at least the people responsible for O/Mnt don't give a damn about Digital. particularly because of the lack of information about it. I haven't dared ask these "sales people" what the score is with HD Freeview! Please can some experts throw some light on the problem and give me some piece of mind that after August we can watch uninterrupted ITV/Channel 4 (and a whole pile of others) coverage. I live in the East Ayton area

Cheers

Paul

link to this comment

Hi Brian

I work shifts, which is why I have only just read your response. Can you please explain your response please - I have had a whole pile of mixed messages these past few years - why do I need to switch to Emley Moor - why not switch now - what are the reasons exactly behind your recommendations. I need fact backed up with some technical detail please. I am also speaking with Digital UK - to my mind all the mixed messages we have received in our area only serve to confuse, and you haven't addressed my post in all it's detail.

Hope to hear some more

Paul

link to this comment

I appreciate your response but it is so brief that I wish now I had not posted. The site you refer me to is as clear as mud and your view of switching over to Emley Moor is definately not shared by Digital UK.

As I originally posted I have received mixed messages and these continue. To be honest, I really don't think anybody knows (so called experts included) what the situation will be in our area after switch-over.

This whole thing is disgraceful especially as many people in our area suffer from these problems are faced with less than honest sales people trying to flog you a set top box. Oh well - I will take your response to Digital UK's Roadshow tomorrow and see what they make of it on the ground.

Given the rather brief response to my post, don't expect me to update this further.

link to this comment

Right - the first phase of switch-over is now complete at Oliver's Mount and although the reception of ITV seems marginally improved it is still hopeless. I know the secon and last phase will be completed on 17th August (2 weeks today).

Precisely when will the power be increased to allow me to receive trouble free reception of the ITV channels? I seriously hope that the increased power will be activated on the 17th, as if it has already, I will be complaining in the strongest way because I have been so badly let down already, as have the residents in our area (East/West Ayton).

I await some more comments

Paul

link to this comment
GB flag

Well that is something then - phew!!! I presume therefore that the "marginal" improvement being seen now is because the channel that ITV are transmitting on, has moved up the range?

Paul

link to this comment
GB flag

Interesting - just wish we knew "exactly" what was going to happen yesterday and on the 17th. There is no doubt in our household that reception of ITV has improved - normally viewing was poor up to around 09.15am then deteriorated to hopeless, where it stayed the rest of the day. It's currently acceptable (08.30) and assuming it stays like it did yesterday then I would say it will deteriorate to poor. In other words a marginal improvement. I regret I cannot measure the signal strength. Anyhow thank you for the information - I will however be looking for a serious improvement come the 17th, after the second re-tune.

Paul

link to this comment
GB flag

Will it increase to 2900W or 1500W as it says on this web page, just above where the posts start? Will we see an immediate improvement on 17th or will it be somehow "phased in"?

Paul

link to this comment
GB flag

Sorry to be a pain, but I am having difficulty fathoming that out - could be so kind as to explain in lay-man's language please?

Paul

link to this comment
GB flag

Mike Dimmick: Brilliant explanations - most helpfult, thank you.

Ok I will now sit back and await the 17th for hopefully superb Digital Broadcasts all round :)

Paul

link to this comment
GB flag