Freeview reception in Wicklow

gtg60

After my recent introduction to Irish DTT, I am quite interested in the possibility of receiving Freeview as 1. I already have a TV capable of receiving it and 2. there are a few channels that are not available on Freesat that I would be interested in getting (for free).

I'm located in Wicklow town with a clear view of the sea, there are a few surrounding houses that have UK aerials and from their orientation (pointing due East and Vertically polarised) I can see that they are receiving signals from the Arfon relay, now I am aware that this relay isn't transmitting Freeview yet but the switch on is due Autumn of this year, so I have a few questions that will need answering so I can look into this more or quash the Freeview idea forever! :rolleyes:

1. Is it true that DTT will work with a lower signal level than Analogue? And will DTT be transmitted at the same strength as Analogue is now?
I know that where I am now I can't receive a decent RTE/ TV3 signal yet on DTT I get them perfect.

2. What is the BEST DX (single) aerial set-up?
In my research I keep coming up with the TELEVES DAT 75 + MRD but I've also heard the claims may be slightly exaggerated
Also, does anybody know what the muxes from Arfon will be transmitted on? As this may mean I could get away with a more specific (and hopefully higher gain) aerial.

I know all these questions are pretty vague but I want to do as much research as possible before I start calling around to people I don't know just because a see a UK aerial on their roof, asking them how good their TV reception is :eek:

TIA for all and any input

lucernarian

There's a very good chance of getting freeview if teletext on the appropriate UK channels can be received with few or no errors.

Theres no freeview available yet from arfon.
Some people around arklow can get it from presely though.
Thats not possible I'd imagine in wicklow town-thanks to the head.

Arfon will only be transmitting at 2kw which is roughly what presely is at the the moment.Presely will be multiplied by 10 as it is a main tx whilst arfon is a relay.

In short-you'll get freeview probably from arfon on fine days from september when it is up and running but lose it on wet days.

Those in south wicklow and wexford should get freeview from presely even on wet days from when the power is increased in september...but and it's a big but...when MT leinster irish dtt gets into full swing a lot of the freeview channels will go because the irish ones are on the same channels.

I'd go for a combination of the foxsat hd freeview pvr and the free Irish dtt if I were you.

There are some tv's that will get both without a set top box.

gtg60

Thanks for the input Black Briar

Deleted User wrote: »

Arfon will only be transmitting at 2kw which is roughly what presely is at the the moment.Presely will be multiplied by 10 as it is a main tx whilst arfon is a relay.

Ahh, I didn't know that, that might scupper my plans then...

Deleted User wrote: »

Those in south wicklow and wexford should get freeview from presely even on wet days from when the power is increased in september...but and it's a big but...when MT leinster irish dtt gets into full swing a lot of the freeview channels will go because the irish ones are on the same channels.

You crushing the dream here;) Do you have any idea what the muxes on Arfon will be?

Deleted User wrote: »

I'd go for a combination of the foxsat hd freeview pvr and the free Irish dtt if I were you.

I assume you mean Freesat not freeview? I already have a combo unit and was just trying to supplement my channel choice

yes I meant freesat.

If I were you,I'd get that telly with the built in freesat and mpeg4 tuner.
If you have an aerial pointed to arfon,then you will sometimes get the channels from there - but you'll also get the Irish dtt service on the same built in tv epg

However arfon will only have the public service mux'es so none of the wider freeview choice will be available.

It's not just wicklow head that scuppers presely in wicklow town,it would be the high ground to the north and East of Brittas bay too depending on where you live.

The muxes will be on the same channels as analog are now

http://www.ukfree.tv/shutdowndetail.php?tx=SH476493

gtg60

Deleted User wrote: »

However arfon will only have the public service mux'es so none of the wider freeview choice will be available.

Ah well, that's that then, project scrapped! I thought I was going to be able to get Dave and Virgin 1 for free and a couple of others I can't get on Freesat but a waste of time and effort if all I can get is stuff available on Freesat anyway.

Thanks for saving me some hassle