Freeview - what channels and what set top box

olkiny

Hi all,

I've been looking through posts here but I'm still a bit confused. I live in Longford and have an aerial on the roof (no idea what sort - think there's an amplifier in the attic). I thought I'd have to get a satellite dish but am delighted that I can now pick up the Saorview channels and BBC 1-4, ITV 1-2, Channel/E/More 4 (27 in all) on a TV Star set top box. Sometimes it breaks up a bit but it's definitely watchable.

I thought I'd get Film 4 or the BBC HD channels - just wondering if this is not available or it's something to do with the set top box. (The box says it's HD)

Also, I understand the TV Star isn't Saorview approved (bought in a hurry before DSO) so would I be better off buying something like the I-Can Freeview HD set top box? I don't know what I'm missing

Thanks!

Capt'n Midnight

You need a box with a T2 tuner to get UK HD channels.

Might be an idea to get a second antenna for the UK channels as it may be pointing the right way.

coylemj

If he's in Longford what he needs to check is that the aerial is pointing at NI, probably Brougher Mountain. A rooftop aerial in Co. Longford will pick up the Saorview channels from Cairn Hill regardless of which direction it's pointing so he shouldn't need two aerials.

Peter Rhea

olkiny wrote: »

I can now pick up the Saorview channels and BBC 1-4, ITV 1-2, Channel/E/More 4 (27 in all) on a TV Star set top box. Sometimes it breaks up a bit but it's definitely watchable.

I thought I'd get Film 4 or the BBC HD channels - just wondering if this is not available or it's something to do with the set top box. (The box says it's HD)

The TVStar receiver isn't compatible with the Freeview HD standard.

Film 4 is carried on a commercial multiplex (mux), along with the likes of Dave, Quest & Pick TV. These are broadcast at lower power, particularly at the Brougher Mtn. transmitter (the likely source in Longford) & Brougher's commercial muxes share channels with the much more powerful public service muxes at Divis (Belfast), so will be subject to interference from there, which will only add to problems caused by the power deficit.

olkiny

If I'm picking up BBC and ITV, isn't the aerial already pointed in the right direction?

Peter Rhea

If you're in Longford town, Brougher Mtn. & Cairn Hill are much the same direction. You'd be unlikely to get anything from NI without a dedicated setup. Cairn Hill would be no problem, as it's much closer & considerably more powerful than Brougher.

coylemj

olkiny wrote: »

If I'm picking up BBC and ITV, isn't the aerial already pointed in the right direction?

In all probability yes, Longford town is 80 kms from Brougher Mountain which is likely to be the source for your BBC & ITV so the aerial is probably aligned to BM.

olkiny

Thanks for the replies. So, am I correct in thinking that if I buy a new STB (Freeview HD - any recommendations welcome) then I should be able to get the Freeview HD channels? But I shouldn't expect to receive Film 4 because the signal isn't strong enough?

Capt'n Midnight

saorview http://www.ukfree.tv/maps.php?key=subregion&c=101

These two should be the same - the three main transmitters have all channels - the smaller relays may not
UTV http://www.ukfree.tv/maps.php?key=tblITVsubregions_ID&c=12
BBC NI http://www.ukfree.tv/maps.php?c=6

Peter Rhea

olkiny wrote: »

So, am I correct in thinking that if I buy a new STB (Freeview HD - any recommendations welcome) then I should be able to get the Freeview HD channels? But I shouldn't expect to receive Film 4 because the signal isn't strong enough?

You might be better off getting your aerial system checked out first, since you already have some breakup with the channels you are receiving.

OldRio

Hi,
We live in Leitrim, not to far from ye and receive most of the NI channels most of the time.
The reception of the HD channels is fantastic.
Unfortunately the reception on one of the commercial muxes is variable.
The reception from this mux depends on conditions. We can live with that.
BTW Aerial is pointing towards Brougher.