Freeview signal

[Brownie]

I've just bought an LCD TV for the bedroom - just a 22" which is up on the wall for when watching telly in bed etc...

Anyway, it's got built in Freeview which is great but unfortunately some of the channels have a shite reception. Obviously there must be a problem with the signal from the aerial - is there anyway I can boost the signal so I don't have any problems with it?

[odris]

Buy a signal booster, if that don't work you need an outside aerial.

[sixonway]

works best with a digital aerial
argos 20 notes

[jnp]

Originally Posted by odris if that don't work you need an outside aerial.

Seconded, freeview does need quite a strong signal for it to work. Even if your menu shows you have about a quarter signal that still won't be enough. We had the same problem when we moved in our place. We tried portable areals but to no result. (worth a try though, depends how strong the signal is your area)

Best getting someone in to fit a big areal. Sure, you might be able to do it yourself and save some cash. Best asking an electrical retailer for advice on this area and get yourself a big, big ladder.

[Brownie]

I've been looking at those Digital Aerial's but they all mention about only working in 'strong signal areas'. So basically it could be a waste of money, so not sure whether to risk it.

[captainharris]

If its not working from your current outdoor aerial then a portable one won't do any good.

You'll need to get a new stronger outdoor aerial. Although it could get better when the analogue switch off happens as that will reduce the 'noise' on the signal.
Maybe check out the Tradesmans Entrance for TV engineers, I'm sure there was one on there the other day.

[Dirk]

Originally Posted by odris Buy a signal booster, if that don't work you need an outside aerial.

A signal booster merely amplifies the signal in its condition at the input to the booster. So if you send in a signal that is full of noise, it will merely amplify the noise too. A signal booster is good if you want to extend a long cable from one place to another and the original signal is quite strong. If the input signal is shite, it will amplify the noise in the signal too.

Brownie might need a new aerial. Take a look at the outside aerial and look if its shite compared to some of the others on your neighbouring roofs.

[john23liverpool]

Originally Posted by Brownie I've just bought an LCD TV for the bedroom - just a 22" which is up on the wall for when watching telly in bed etc...

Hello mate, I used to fit aerials and still fit satellites.

You almost certainly don't need a new aerial unless your one is very old.

There are a couple of things you can do without shelling out much dough.

1) Check your aerial is pointing the right way. To do this just look at it and make sure it faces the same way as all the others in your road (you'd be surprised how many just need altering a few degrees).
2) Unscrew the Coax connector from the end of the cable and make sure it is on properly (this is a VERY common reason to lose signal, loads of people put them on wrong).

If you think your connector is shitty get one of these;
Pack of 12 F Connector Plugs for Sat Cable Digital Box on eBay, also, Cable Boxes, Satellite Cable Freeview, Consumer Electronics (end time 12-Jun-08 20:00:00 BST)

Then get one of these;
F Socket Adaptor to Male & Female Coax Adaptors F plug on eBay, also, Other Satellite Cable, Satellite Cable Freeview, Consumer Electronics (end time 14-Jun-08 15:07:16 BST)

If you need help just PM me mate, I'll help all I can.

[Stouffer]

Originally Posted by john23liverpool Hello mate, I used to fit aerials and still fit satellites. You almost certainly don't need a new aerial unless your one is very old. There are a couple of things you can do without shelling out much dough. 1) Check your aerial is pointing the right way. To do this just look at it and make sure it faces the same way as all the others in your road (you'd be surprised how many just need altering a few degrees). 2) Unscrew the Coax connector from the end of the cable and make sure it is on properly (this is a VERY common reason to lose signal, loads of people put them on wrong). If you think your connector is shitty get one of these; Pack of 12 F Connector Plugs for Sat Cable Digital Box on eBay, also, Cable Boxes, Satellite Cable Freeview, Consumer Electronics (end time 12-Jun-08 20:00:00 BST) Then get one of these; F Socket Adaptor to Male & Female Coax Adaptors F plug on eBay, also, Other Satellite Cable, Satellite Cable Freeview, Consumer Electronics (end time 14-Jun-08 15:07:16 BST) If you need help just PM me mate, I'll help all I can.

Have some rep' Senor.

Whaddaguy.

[john23liverpool]

Originally Posted by Stouffer Have some rep' Senor.

Thanks very much sir, very kind.

I just fixed the old boys telly next door to me, he had the exact same problem as brownie, low signal. Put a screw on f connector onto the cable with a male RF adapter on - voila - perfect picture.

[Brownie]

Thanks for your help mate, i'll have a look at that tomorrow.

I'd be surprised if it was an aerial problem because i'm living in a new build apartment and the aerial is brand new.

[captainharris]

Originally Posted by Brownie Thanks for your help mate, i'll have a look at that tomorrow. I'd be surprised if it was an aerial problem because i'm living in a new build apartment and the aerial is brand new.

I'm living in a (relatively) new build apartment too and when i first moved in the reception was utter shite. It took a few calls to the landlord to get the engineers out. Turns out when they'd installed the aerial they actually didn't check that it worked, they just presumed it did.