Ask our Expert

Why is my Freeview reception so bad?

Our digital TV expert says...

The digital TV switchover is basically the process of turning off the UK’s old analogue TV signal - which has traditionally provided terrestrial TV channels - and replacing it with a digital signal.

The reason for this is not only that the digital signal is stronger, meaning that almost everyone in the UK should be able to receive digital TV through an aerial by the time the switchover is complete, but also that digital TV uses less broadcast space.

This means that digital TV can offer you a greater choice of channels, features such electronic programme guides (EPGs), interactivity (such as the BBC’s “Red Button”) and services for those with audio or visual impairments.

This will also free up broadcast space for new services, such as wireless broadband, high-definition television (HD TV) and additional channels and services such as a local TV network.

However, according to Digital UK http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/, the organisation in charge of the digital TV switchover, where you live will determine what standard of digital service is currently available to you - as the switchover began in 2008 but is not expected to be completed until next year.

Has my area gone digital?

To find out if the digital switchover is underway or has even been completed in the area where you live, simply enter your postcode and house name or number on the Digital UK website.

This will obviously have a bearing on whether you can receive digital TV and what Freeview channels are available to you. Freeview is a company run by several TV broadcasters and a communications company which provides the UK with free digital TV via your aerial and either a Freeview set-top box or digital TV with Freeview built-in.

So, the Digital UK postcode checker indicates that West Chiltington uses the Midhurst transmitter, which will switchover to digital in two stages - the first on 29 February 2012 and the second on 14 March 2012 - so it has not yet begun in your area.

Despite this, Digital UK says there is a “good likelihood of receiving services through your aerial”, but it also indicates that several channels, such as Film 4, ITV 4 and Sky News, receive poor reception there at present.

These, and other channels, will be fully available once the second stage of the switchover has been completed.

So, this shows why you might get poor reception for some Freeview channels but also that you should get good reception all round within the next seven months.

Will retuning my Freeview box improve my reception?

Digital UK recommends that, if you have a Freeview television set or set-top box, you should retune it after each stage of the switchover in your area - and also “from time to time” to ensure that you are able to pick up any new channels and services that have become available.

Unsure how to retune? Then let Digitalchoices.co.uk guide you through it with our step-by-step guide, how do I retune my Freeview?

Will a rooftop aerial improve my Freeview reception?

If you’ve got a good analogue signal in your area, then you are more likely to be able to watch Freeview via an indoor aerial. However, a rooftop aerial will provide the highest quality of reception. If you’re thinking about getting one fitted, then help is again at hand from Digitalchoices.co.uk as we can help you get a TV aerial installation quote.

If you're still having trouble with your signal, check out our digital TV problems page, covering everything from broken remote controls to bad weather.

What are the alternatives to Freeview?

If Freeview doesn’t float your boat - whether you don’t want to put up with bad reception until the digital switchover in your area is complete or because it isn’t providing the channels that would bring you true viewing pleasure - there are a range of other digital TV providers for you to choose from:

• Sky (www.sky.co.uk) - a satellite TV provider, so unaffected by the digital switchover and, as well as hundreds of extra digital TV channels, can provide you with the likes of Sky Movies and Sky Sports
• Virgin Media (www.virginmedia.com) - Virgin Media TV is provided by the company’s own cable network, so again it is unaffected by the digital switchover. However, its cable TV is only available to around half of the country
• BT Vision (www.btvision.bt.com) - BT, like Sky and Virgin Media, offers its customers subscription TV channels like Sky Sports, but you will need to connect your BT Vision box to an aerial to receive Freeview channels, so it may not improve your signal
• Freesat - The subscription-free satellite TV big brother of Freeview, jointly owned by the BBC and ITV, provides over 150 digital TV channels for the one-off cost of a set-top box, starting from around £80, plus satellite dish installation

Ask us a question

If you have a general switching or provider query please email us at ourexpert@digitalchoices.co.uk