Freeview in Newry?

Liam Cabot

Hi,

Anyone know of any reports of Freeview being available in Newry? I know that officially it’s due in 2012, but just wondering if anyone has any reports of overspill from other transmitters?

I’m attempting to find an “all-in-one” simple solution receiver/PVR for a relative there so they can receive both the UK and RTE/TV3 channels. They need the full EPG functionality on both services, so the Combo boxes don’t seem to be an option as they don’t offer full functionality. My options would seem to be:

a) Using something like a Humax HDR-Fox T2 (i.e. HD) to receive the two terrestrial DTT services (Saorview and Freeview) on the one box and it would seem from reports that the box will work with both services. However reception of the Freeview service seems to be the issue – so might have to wait until 2012?

b) Using a Humax Foxsat HDR to receive Freesat, but the problem is with the Irish channels. Does anyone know if the Saorsat service is up and running and if it is still planned for Ka-Sat @ 9E?

Thanks for you help.

Liam

The Cush

Liam Cabot wrote: »

(b) Using a Humax Foxsat HDR to receive Freesat, but the problem is with the Irish channels. Does anyone know if the Saorsat service is up and running and if it is still planned for Ka-Sat @ 9E?

According to a man in Eutelsat Ka-Sat will transmit the Irish channels, no official confirmation from RTÉ yet - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=69742688&postcount=941.

The satellite is in testing mode at the moment following its Christmas launch and is planned to go into service in May which should coincide with the national launch of Saorview that month.

Liam Cabot

Hi,

Thanks for that.

Just one more question on the terrestrial Freeview options: from what I can understand all the references are to the HD service being available in 2012 (in Newry), but does that mean the SD service is available now - or are they skipping that altogether?

Thanks,

Liam

watty

You can only get "freeview" in Newry if you can receive Divis, Brougher or I.O.M. The I.O.M. has HD also I think. If you are down in a holw in the town centre, then you may not get Freeview till 2012. The "Freeview HD" doesn't "skip" "freeview". A "Freeview HD" receiver gets both services as only a very very few channels are HD or fit on DVB-T2 Multiplex(es). The majority of channels after 2012 in N.I. and rest of UK will still be "Freeview" (DVB-T + MPEG2).



RTE or RTE NL are not giving any details yet except to affirm that Saorsat is absolutely happening no matter what.

There are a few more facts that are of only technical interest that can't be divulged at this time.

Basically people should not rush into buying "Combo" boxes of dubious compatibility, or expensive DTT only PVRs. If buying a "Freesat HD" PVR or receiver anyway for UK TV, buy one supporting Diseqc.

STB

Liam

In my opinion you should be looking at TM-6902HD Super combo. It has a DVB-S2 tuner for Satelitte reception and a DVB-T2 tuner which will recive Irish DTT, Freeview and Freeview HD (when it comes on). You can combine (sat and dtt) all in one channel list. One remote etc. You can record via a USB drive connected.

All bases covered. about STG 250. (7 day epg of freesat stations via unofficial firmware)

Liam Cabot

Hi Watty,

Thanks for that.

They are up on the hill on the north side of town. According to the digitaluk search they are most likely on Camlough “which is a relay and part of the Divis group” – but the same site lists Divis as only being enabled in 2012?

One other transmitter that seems to come up as “local” to their postcode (according to wolfbane) is Llangynog – any experience? I can’t find anything on IOM – but even if they’re not HD, would they have the SD Freeview service?

STB – does that Combo also do the Saorview EPG?

Thanks again for all the help.

Liam

STB

Liam Cabot wrote: »

STB – does that Combo also do the Saorview EPG?

Thanks again for all the help.

Liam

Yes. 7 day epg is broadcst via EIT data. Will natively load in EPG software.

MHEG5 text no. VBI text Yes.

munchkin_utd

I can confirm that freeview is available in Crossmaglen, so even further south than Newry.
Which transmitter they are picking up, I couldnt tell you, BUT they had to make no adjustments on aerial or boosters to get it, so my untrained opinion would be that it sounds like it isnt coming from as far away as divis. And definitely isnt the isle of man!!

holidaysong

I'm getting it in Knockbridge - about another 15km south of Crossmaglen.

watty

STB wrote: »

Liam

In my opinion you should be looking at TM-6902HD Super combo. It has a DVB-S2 tuner for Satelitte reception and a DVB-T2 tuner which will recive Irish DTT, Freeview and Freeview HD (when it comes on).

But no MHEG5.

In Newry prior to 2012, Freesat HD may be a better route.

I'd hold off till start of June 2011.

lawhec

I've heard that some higher parts of Newry can get Freeview from Divis, but I'm not familiar with the town city so I'm not sure where exactly. There's a few relays about there, a fairly recent one (by analogue standards) at Camlough and a couple of small ones called Newry North and Newry South.

Divis would probably only show up on the postcode check for 2012 because when the switch over takes place, DTT transmission powers will be significantly increased though wherever the commercial multiplexes will be satisfactorily received will depend on a few factors as they won't be on quite as high power as the PSB multiplexes.

Mr. Rabbit

watty wrote: »

But no MHEG5.

In Newry prior to 2012, Freesat HD may be a better route.

I'd hold off till start of June 2011.

Might be a better route post 2012 as the Newry transmitters (as well as Camlough) are all going to be Freeview Lite.

I assume Saorview from Clermont cairn is receivable in Newry ?

Digifriendly

Mr. Rabbit wrote: »

Might be a better route post 2012 as the Newry transmitters (as well as Camlough) are all going to be Freeview Lite.

I assume Saorview from Clermont cairn is receivable in Newry ?

I'm picking up Soarview loud and clear in Moira (just c15 miles SW of Belfast) so would think most of Newry has no problem receiving it.

Mr. Rabbit

Digifriendly wrote: »

I'm picking up Soarview loud and clear in Moira (just c15 miles SW of Belfast) so would think most of Newry has no problem receiving it.

That's what I would have thought digi.

MACHEAD

No one as yet from Newry has confirmed reception of the service. I can confirm that I'm about 20K's NE of Newry and am getting nada! Though I am in a bit of a hollow which doesn't help things. Not sure if I'm patient enough to wait untill 2012, may look at Saorsat as an option when it's up and running. Either way, looking forward to the day when I can ditch Sky.

Sam the Aerialman

lawhec wrote: »

I've heard that some higher parts of Newry can get Freeview from Divis, but I'm not familiar with the town city so I'm not sure where exactly.

I can confirm Freeview reception in Newry Town, granted with a huge rig (Ross Thompson site had a Unix 100 then an Antiference XG) and a decent 2 stage masthead. Even at that a couple of the muxes were just slightly above the noise floor.

lawhec wrote: »

There's a few relays about there, a fairly recent one (by analogue standards) at Camlough and a couple of small ones called Newry North and Newry South.

Contrary to local belief Camlough doesn't cover Newry and many of the local riggers have tried, the 16 cardioid stack that's on the top of the Camlough tower puts a main lobe to to the south/ south east to fill a gap in reception that existed for years caused by intervening terrain. The relay was over powered at 600w, Newry South has two tiers of logs putting two lobes into the hallow below Camlough Mountain and Newry North seems to be filling a dip that is covered by Divis. I'm not entirely sure what the IBA was planning for Newry, perhaps they couldn't get a single high enough site.

MACHEAD

MACHEAD wrote: »

No one as yet from Newry has confirmed reception of the service. I can confirm that I'm about 20K's NE of Newry and am getting nada! Though I am in a bit of a hollow which doesn't help things. Not sure if I'm patient enough to wait untill 2012, may look at Saorsat as an option when it's up and running. Either way, looking forward to the day when I can ditch Sky.

Just copped on i've confused Freeview with Saorview!! Yes Freeview is available here (about 5.5 K's east of Rathfriland) down in a bit of a hollow.
Using a 15 element X Grid (Grp K) with a good quality mast head amp.
Reception not bad, only get occaisional breakup on average 2 or 3 times a night. Which I can live with ok. Mind the X Grid is now missing a couple of elements, (stripped off by the wind).

Mr. Rabbit

Isn't there a low powered RTE/TG4/TV3 relay situated in Carlingford (is it receivable in Newry ?). Will it carry Saorview post DSO ?

lucernarian

Sam the Aerialman wrote: »

Contrary to local belief Camlough doesn't cover Newry and many of the local riggers have tried, the 16 cardioid stack that's on the top of the Camlough tower puts a main lobe to to the south/ south east to fill a gap in reception that existed for years caused by intervening terrain. The relay was over powered at 600w, Newry South has two tiers of logs putting two lobes into the hallow below Camlough Mountain and Newry North seems to be filling a dip that is covered by Divis. I'm not entirely sure what the IBA was planning for Newry, perhaps they couldn't get a single high enough site.

That's a good one, I could never understand why all of the aerials I've ever seen in Newry were pointing to one of the two town relays and not Camlough. Camlough TX itself has line of sight with most of Newry so I thought with the right antenna setup and radiation pattern it could cover Newry.

As for the relay out towards Greenore, it doesn't cover Newry. It probably gives reasonable coverage to places between e.g. Warrenpoint and Kilkeel but then Three Rock and Kippure would give better coverage. Some places can also see Clermont Carn through a gap in the mountains.

Liam Cabot

Hi,

Thanks for all the feedback. I was actually up at my relative’s house in Newry yesterday and had a good look around. As Sam points out, there’s nothing pointing at Camlough!

In my relative’s case, they’re on the hill to the North, so are on Vertical polarisation and pointing at Newry South relay. Very frustratingly, about 100M further up the hill (distance, not height), the aerials all suddenly swing around to Divis and are Horizontal.

I think any Relay TX station will only carry about 15 of the Freeview channels following switchover (instead of the full service), so it looks like most of the town/city will only get the limited service?

Sam - how high is that aerial down in the town?!!

I think the best option to get the full range of UK channels is to go Freesat HD and then hope that Saorsat can be added into the mix at a later date?

Liam

reboot

watty wrote: »

You can only get "freeview" in Newry if you can receive Divis, Brougher or I.O.M. The I.O.M. has HD also I think. If you are down in a holw in the town centre, then you may not get Freeview till 2012. The "Freeview HD" doesn't "skip" "freeview". A "Freeview HD" receiver gets both services as only a very very few channels are HD or fit on DVB-T2 Multiplex(es). The majority of channels after 2012 in N.I. and rest of UK will still be "Freeview" (DVB-T + MPEG2).



RTE or RTE NL are not giving any details yet except to affirm that Saorsat is absolutely happening no matter what.

There are a few more facts that are of only technical interest that can't be divulged at this time.

Basically people should not rush into buying "Combo" boxes of dubious compatibility, or expensive DTT only PVRs. If buying a "Freesat HD" PVR or receiver anyway for UK TV, buy one supporting Diseqc.

I can see the IOM and have tried everything to receive Freeview HD,am a lot closer than newry and would be grateful for any reports on other peoples success.

Souriau

I thought Clermont Carn DTT is Null toward the North, I been trying on various different places and nothing.

Digifriendly

Souriau wrote: »

I thought Clermont Carn DTT is Null toward the North, I been trying on various different places and nothing.

Signal must not be totally nulled to the North but on lower power for as posted earlier I live in Moira and I'm picking it up loud and clear (52 element Triax with masthead amp). Only get sound due to different MPEG format but clear sound nonetheless. Am waiting for cheaper Freeview HD PVR to come out so can get vision as well as sound.

lucernarian

Short of installing lead panels no direction can be completely nulled. Any northwards reception is coming from the back of the panel antennas that are directed SW from Clermont Carn. The northwards ERP is probably down 20dB or more on the southwards ERP. That equates to trying to pick up a freeview signal from a site with ERP of 400W and with uneven coverage at that.

Digifriendly

To_be_confirmed wrote: »

Short of installing lead panels no direction can be completely nulled. Any northwards reception is coming from the back of the panel antennas that are directed SW from Clermont Carn. The northwards ERP is probably down 20dB or more on the southwards ERP. That equates to trying to pick up a freeview signal from a site with ERP of 400W and with uneven coverage at that.

Thanks for that . Makes very interesting reading - my aerial setup must be pretty powerful as I rarely get breakup on sound of Saorview.

reboot

reboot wrote: »

I can see the IOM and have tried everything to receive Freeview HD,am a lot closer than newry and would be grateful for any reports on other peoples success.

Do yourself a favour,forget trying to receive IOM HD,beat yourself up.
I have been at this for weeks and can see IOM,SD is 100% but HD zero,for reasons discussed at length on threads,(DTT aerial myth).
Seems that work will be carried out at the Tx in May,keep your fingers crossed.Consensus seems to be that interference may be a factor,and some esoteric and interesting suggestions have appeared.I should almost see the Carn,Ch 53 V really confuses the Sony Bravia tuner,but it gives up,moves on and brings in CH 54 Kippure or 3 rock.

lucernarian

Digifriendly wrote: »

Thanks for that . Makes very interesting reading - my aerial setup must be pretty powerful as I rarely get breakup on sound of Saorview.

I'm not sure what the current state of affairs is on Clermont Carn but the coverage map on RTENL's website suggests that the coverage of much of Co. Armagh and Down is more than what would come out the back of DTT panels. Perhaps the DTT feed is now being combined with the analogue feeds or maybe there's been an antenna replacement. I know RTE have to replace the antenna panels on Clermont Carn before ASO.

reboot

To_be_confirmed wrote: »

I'm not sure what the current state of affairs is on Clermont Carn but the coverage map on RTENL's website suggests that the coverage of much of Co. Armagh and Down is more than what would come out the back of DTT panels. Perhaps the DTT feed is now being combined with the analogue feeds or maybe there's been an antenna replacement. I know RTE have to replace the antenna panels on Clermont Carn before ASO.

Just wondered if the reasons for nulling the Carn signal North are strictly Engineering decisions,(Or am I allowed to say,) Politics?
Particularly as the same channels romp in here from Kippure or 3 rock.

Souriau

reboot wrote: »

Just wondered if the reasons for nulling the Carn signal North are strictly Engineering decisions,(Or am I allowed to say,) Politics?
Particularly as the same channels romp in here from Kippure or 3 rock.

I think is for now till the DSO is complete then all Null will be removed.

reboot

Souriau wrote: »

I think is for now till the DSO is complete then all Null will be removed.

Thank you for that,I will calm down and patiently wait for the Carn and IOM to work their magic,still life in the MOU yet!

The Cush

Souriau wrote: »

I think is for now till the DSO is complete then all Null will be removed.

I agree. Legally all analogue transmissions are protected from DTT interference, from neighbouring countries, until ASO or Jun 2015 at the latest.

See the RTÉNL coverage checker - http://www.saorview.ie/make-the-switch/coverage-checker/coverage-map/, areas in red will have Saorview coverage at the end of 2012.