This topic

TV reception!

BarryT33 — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 15:44:57 GMT

Hello. we're new to BT FF and TV package, and until two days ago were happy with TV reception etc. THEN we got very bad pixilation, noticeably of "Quest" channel which I watch a lot!!

I've looked at on-screen info and re-tuned several times but have now lost quite a number of channels....???

I found that removing the TV aerial from the BT box and plugging into the TV direct gives me back "perfect" Quest.... no interference.. Yet as I say pixilation via the box.

Can anyone offer any assist?

I have no idea why TV packages include terrestrial TV, yet you get them via your aerial and don't need the box/package anyway...

Re: TV reception!

BarryT33 — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 17:00:57 GMT

Update/addendum. Re-scanning produces 133 and 119; we used to get 148? and have lost stuff like Quest....

Re: TV reception!

NigelB72 — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 17:31:45 GMT

The BT TV boxes can be very sensitive to a signal that is too weak or too strong. Check the signal strength and quality on one of your channels because you may need an attenuator. These are freely available for under £10

Re: TV reception!

BarryT33 — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 18:04:26 GMT

Thanks Nigel, I'll have a look around the site to see how easy it is to order said kit!

Perhaps if this is the case, then attenuators should be built into the boxes??

Re: TV reception!

BarryT33 — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 18:10:25 GMT

Nigel.

Looked all over this site, then searched "Attenuator". all to no avail.
Please tell me where I can source

Thanks

Re: TV reception!

BarryT33 — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 18:11:20 GMT

Any ideas as to why re-tuning would loose channels.....

Re: TV reception!

NigelB72 — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 18:13:01 GMT

If the signal is too strong, it can be just as bad as a weak signal. Both of which can lose channels on a retune.

Re: TV reception!

BarryT33 — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 18:18:27 GMT

So an attenuator can lower a strong signal, but doesn't increase in the case of a weak signal, and I've no idea which I've got, except the fact that until a few days ago, everything was fine, only very sporadic pixilation.

Wouldn't the re-tune show all channels, but prevent actually watching some in clear view?

I'm still lost as to a solution.

Re: TV reception!

Keith_Beddoe — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 18:30:16 GMT

As @NigelB72 has said, the signal level is quite critical as unlike a TV, there is not automatic level control. Too much signal and the decoder cannot detect the change between a digital level 1, and zero, so the decoding results in lots of errors.

Try.

Philex Variable TV Signal Attenuator. £3.99 on Amazon, but may be cheaper elsewhere.

Variable Attenuator

Re: TV reception!

BarryT33 — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 20:40:13 GMT

Hi Keith

Thanks for the input.
I'll source said kit, and report back, if these messages stay around.

BTW: Anyone:- another query, I never get a "chat" window in my BT log on page????

Thanks again to Nigel as well..

Re: TV reception!

Anonymous — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 21:20:14 GMT

Also worth checking your local transmitter status:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/reception/check-for-transmitter-faults/#/undefined

Re: TV reception!

Anonymous — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 06:21:15 GMT

Also, depending where you are in the country, it's possible that high atmospheric pressure is the issue.

https://www.freeview.co.uk/help/service-updates/high-pressure-could-affect-reception-Southern-England-Wales

Re: TV reception!

TimCurtis — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 08:43:49 GMT

@BarryT33

Before you order an attenuator have you actually checked the signal strength on the main TV channels?

You're looking for 100% quality and strength in the range of ,say, 80-93.

Re: TV reception!

Devonboy — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 13:36:51 GMT

I am getting the same issue. Perfect picture on TV but only 48% signal strength on BT TV. Odd as the TV is connected through the BT TV box. Will try an attenuator.

Re: TV reception!

Keith_Beddoe — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 13:49:46 GMT

@Devonboy

An attenuator would not help in your case, its only any help if the signal level is showing 95% or above, and usually 100% (it cannot display an overload status).

TVs are designed to work over a very large signal range, and they can also tolerate higher error rates as most do not have to record the data stream.

Re: TV reception!

Devonboy — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 14:04:53 GMT

Thanks Keith, does that indicate a fault with the BT TV box?

Re: TV reception!

Keith_Beddoe — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 15:10:20 GMT

Not really, you probably do not have a strong enough signal from your aerial.

Re: TV reception!

TimCurtis — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 15:18:54 GMT

@Devonboy

What level of strength & quality does your TV show?

It may seem odd but if your signal strength is very high it can actually overload the tuners and they then show a low strength figure. This isn't too likely in your case but getting the TV's figures could clear this up.

Re: TV reception!

BarryT33 — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 19:38:26 GMT

Guys.

I found the way to check signal strength, 63ish /100 ish (Ch 12 not 114) but alas, having already re-tuned and lost signals, can only get low quality, (not HD) so I'm rather hoping that the "high pressure" goes away and when I next re-tune they (HD channels) come back!! I guess something may have happened to my account and my HD being turned off?? So I may check on that (only just thought that MAY be a reason...)

I took up (HD) with BT:: What's the deal with having to pay "extra" for HD reception? When were NON HD TV's last made, quite some time back, I'm assuming.

I still never get a CHAT button on my BT homepage??

Re: TV reception!

NigelB72 — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 21:13:56 GMT

Sky and Virgin charge extra for HD but this shouldn't affect terrestrial channels on BT as they're broadcast via Freeview.