FREEVIEW - where can you receive it ?

Pal

I'm interested to know where anybody is picking up FREEVIEW.

what nearest town ?

Please post the location where you can get it and see if we can build up a database of locations.


I will start with Kilmuckridge Co. Wexford

byrnefm

Hi,

it could be a bit difficult trying to build up a database - I know that digital receivers aren't terribly expensive anymore but since DTV isn't broadcast in Ireland yet, I don't think there would be many with the capability of testing for a signal! At the same time, it would be nice to have such a table. If RTÉ knew that enough people were picking up Freeview from the UK, I wonder if they'd be more inclined to roll out their own version?

On such a topic - RTÉ are considering using VHF Band III for DTV. Would UK Freeview boxes work here (if RTÉ go for the same system) or are the UK versions UHF (ie Band IV / V) only?

lawhec

byrnefm wrote:

On such a topic - RTÉ are considering using VHF Band III for DTV. Would UK Freeview boxes work here (if RTÉ go for the same system) or are the UK versions UHF (ie Band IV / V) only?

No DTT STB marketed for the UK has a VHF Band III tuner.

byrnefm

Shame!

It reminds me of a quote: "The great thing about standards is that there are so many of them"

Capt'n Midnight

Maps - http://www.ukfree.tv/maps.php
Pick northern Ireland or Wales - a few tiny dots in wexford - not looking hopeful.

Next have a look at your neighbours - if any of them have towers with TV aerials on top pointing to Wales, or for other of our dear readers NI, then you would need the same equipment to pick up the analog signal. The DTT signal is much weaker though, so you won't it without serrrrious gear, but when the change over happens (only 301 days for some parts of the UK (wales ??) but not NI) the power should increase.

next "Digital home" tab has a list of DTT recievers but not much info on them but nothing stopping you googling the names and reporting back.

Capt'n Midnight

Capt'n Midnight wrote:

Maps - http://www.ukfree.tv/maps.php
Pick northern Ireland or Wales - a few tiny dots in wexford - not looking hopeful.

Next have a look at your neighbours - if any of them have towers with TV aerials on top pointing to Wales, or for other of our dear readers NI, then you would need the same equipment to pick up the analog signal. The DTT signal is much weaker though, so you won't it without serrrrious gear, but when the change over happens (only 301 days for some parts of the UK (wales ??) but not NI) the power should increase.

next "Digital home" tab has a list of DTT recievers but not much info on them but nothing stopping you googling the names and reporting back.

Thats not an official site is it?
It's gas it is showing anywhere in Ireland getting HTV.

Of course according to it , no one outside of border areas gets UTV-shows how inaccurate it is given that most people in wicklow and wexford have HTV with a simple grid aerial.
Indeed you can get UTV in Dalkey from kilkeel with just a grid aerial.

Anyways I think what pal wanted on this thread was people to post if they were receiving freeview in ROI and to post their location.
I have it here, but not currently as i gave the box away when I got a FTV card for satelite.

Ulsterman 1690

According to the websites postcode search I cannot get ANY digital OR ANALOUGE tv reception and that those predictions are based on a rooftop aerial height of FORTY ONE METRES !

Now granted I do live in a poor area for TV reception but Im not on bloody Rockall :rolleyes:

Delboy5

I can get Freeview in County Monaghan, living just a few miles from the Border !

My freeview reception is excellent in Collooney,Co.Sligo.

Delboy5

Zorro,
Are you picking up all the freeview channels, including the Top-up-tv ones ?
Is reception perfect on them all ?

Pal

Wicklow
Wexford
Sligo
Monaghan
Leitrim

Smeagol

Keshcarrigan, Co.Leitrim, full blast, from Brougher and Divis on a 15m mast.
Ballintogher, Co.Sligo, only one multiplex (ch26) from Brougher mtn., (too much interference for the others from analogue -Castlebar- ), on again 15m.

chickey

Living in Wexford town with pretty good reception of bbc etc from wales - am visiting england next week and considering possibly picking up a set top box.

Is it likely that I would get some reception in Wexford?

What are chances that a UK set top box would work with rte digital transmissions when they start?

Pal

Wexford town you should be ok.

nava

Hi

Does anyone know if I can get free-view TV in Dublin around Tallaght.

Thanks

Tallaght-not a hope with dtt freeview

byte

A fair bit of South Donegal can get Freeview. Including most of Pettigo, Mountcharles and Dunkineely (due to their high altitude); and some (higher parts) of Ballyshannon, Killybegs, Inver, Bundoran, Ballintra, etc.

Pal

Confirmed
Wicklow
Wexford
Sligo
Monaghan
Leitrim
Donegal


can anybody get it in Waterford ?

byrnefm

chickey wrote:

What are chances that a UK set top box would work with rte digital transmissions when they start?

I asked a question similar to this in another thread - the answer, unfortunately, is probably not. The reason is that RTÉ / Comreg are thinking of using the VHF III band for transmitting DTT, when it eventually is to happen. The UK Freeview boxes only have UHF tuners. It's a bit like the TV situation at the moment - UK TVs don't have VHF but it's used in parts of Ireland.

Smeagol

Or try a german box
DigiPal1
DigiPal2
I have the DigiPal1 (12V), it comes with RF-modulator, which works on Pal B/G, so no sound on an irish TV, only through scart. The DigiPal2 doesn't have a modulator, only scart and is cheaper, no 12V neither.
All I can say is that it works with all the Freeview muxes currently transmitting in the north, Limavady, Divis and Brougher mtn. Not so sure about EPG, last time I checked (about a year ago) it had "now and next". Must go up the hill and check again. :cool:

mickeyboymel

I have recieved Freeview in Westmeath,in Delvin, for a year and a half now,but I cannot give an update as I no longer live there, but here is a link to my original post

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=129889&highlight=freeview+westmeath

Capt'n Midnight

byrnefm wrote:

I asked a question similar to this in another thread - the answer, unfortunately, is probably not. The reason is that RTÉ / Comreg are thinking of using the VHF III band for transmitting DTT,

Great - so if you can get RTE but not TV3 or TG4 you may still get DTT ... in 2020

Mossy Monk

Capt'n Midnight wrote:

2020

that there is ambitious thinking

themessiah

I have SKY but i really want the uefa cup on channel 5 and itv 2.

Big_McE

All Muxes perfect in Cavan.

Citizen_Erased

I get it up here from northern ireland - Im in donegal

Delboy5

Big McE,
Where bouts in Cavan are you ? Do you know what transmitter you are receiving from ? I'm getting it in Monaghan but some Muxes not perfect, I'm about to build a new house so just wondering what kind of aerial you are using and what transmitter you are pointing at ?

Pal

themessiah wrote:

I have SKY but i really want the uefa cup on channel 5 and itv 2.

UEFA cup is extensively covered FTA across Europe. Get a cheap FTA sat such as LIDL system.

byrnefm

Citizen_Erased wrote:

I get it up here from northern ireland - Im in donegal

Which part of the county are you in? My folks live in the SW (a bit from Killybegs), hence my curiosity! I don't know how the TV deflector system works but I'm wondering if it happens to boost the digital stations as well as the analog ones. (My folks receive their BBC from a local licensed deflector).

byte

I've wondered that myself actually. Some deflectors basically throw out what they receive, some only output a Group (which is theoretically OK), others are channelised (they only output 22, 25, 28, etc) so would be useless. The deflector I pick up signals from is group shifted (22 moved to 50, etc) so I'm not gonna get anything

You'd need to be receiving an excellent signal from the deflector for any chance of DTT to work as deflectors by their nature tend to add noise to signals etc which can be detrimental.

A lot of places past Killybegs use deflectors - Glencolmcille, Kilcar, Carrick, Five Points etc though none of the homes I went to had a DTT box. I should take one with me next time I'm sent that direction!

Aquos76

themessiah wrote:

I have SKY but i really want the uefa cup on channel 5 and itv 2.

Get a FTV card. That will sort you out

byrnefm

byte wrote:

Some deflectors basically throw out what they receive, some only output a Group, others are channelised (they only output 22, 25, 28, etc) so would be useless. The deflector I pick up signals from is group shifted (22 moved to 50, etc) so I'm not gonna get anything

This is my concern too - I don't know which way the signals are being boosted. Why would the group shifting prevent you from picking up DTT? A 28 channel shift would allow you to still get channels up to about 40 (I think 68 is the highest TVs go in the UHF V band?).

A lot of places past Killybegs use deflectors - Glencolmcille, Kilcar, Carrick, Five Points etc though none of the homes I went to had a DTT box. I should take one with me next time I'm sent that direction!

Which deflector and where were you in the area? My folks live just outside of Kilcar, my relatives in Carrick / Teelin. Few (if any!) in the area would know what a digital box was - they'd probably think you were talking about Sky

My folks don't have a DTT card but if I thought there was any chance of them getting DTT, I'd probably pick up a Freeview box for them the next time I'm in the UK. Is there any way to test for a digital signal with a radio scanner? I'll be in the area over Easter.

Big_McE

Delboy5 wrote:

Big McE,
Where bouts in Cavan are you ? Do you know what transmitter you are receiving from ? I'm getting it in Monaghan but some Muxes not perfect, I'm about to build a new house so just wondering what kind of aerial you are using and what transmitter you are pointing at ?

Outside Cavan Town, Using a Hirschmann and getting signal from Brougher Mountain (Enniskillen), I am in the industry and do alot of work up round Monaghan and can recieve up there no hassles, where abouts are you in Monaghan

Delboy5

Big McE
Based just outside of Clones !
Used to live in a flat, where the aerial was pointed at Divis, could get most muxes, some better than others but couldnt get Mux C at all !
Living at home at the mo while house is being built, aerial at home is pointed at Divis, the aerial is a Triax Unix 100 A, tried getting freeview but only pulled in a couple of radio stations, probably too far away from Divis, maybe brougher would give us better signal !!??

Is Hirschmann a type of aerial ? Just wondering what the best setup would be for my new house, best aerial for pulling in all muxes and pointed at which transmitter ?

Big_McE

I have done aerials in Clones and they are picking up Freeview from Brougher ok. A triax 100A is a group A aerial, if you are using Divis you need a wideband aerial as Mux C is on Ch48. Why are you using Divis and not Brougher?

Delboy5

The guy that installed the aerial pointed it a divis cos the analogue reception was slightly better than when it was pointed at brougher, said something bout location of our house.............a hill and a forest could be impeding the signal !!?? What aerial do you suggest i get for my new house ??

Big_McE

Hirschmann's are much more superior in both gain and strength than the Triax 100 A but are also more expensive. Did he measure the signal with a meter or was it by eye, sometimes they can't be bothered experimentig on every signal and only compare ch4 on Divis and then compare CH 4 on Brougher? You will have to give me more details about your install before I can comment.

Delboy5

He just measured the signal by eye, never measured anything with a meter and yes as far as i remember he was just comparing the signal coming in from each transmitter. He could possibly have left it pointing at Divis because we can get a very grainy channel 5 from there.....................
How much are the Hirschmann aerials ? Where can i get one and what model should it be ? Any links to a website featuring them ??

Big_McE

Product description
PDF-Datasheet

---

Download
Type FESA 817 N 37
Order No. 910 866-601
Details • Coaxial or symmetrical connection using
quick clamps
• Swiveling mast mount for masts
of Ø 60 mm
• Suitable for horizontal or vertical
installation
• If horizontal installation is intended, it
is recommended to install the antenna
at the tip of the mast or on a support
(TRAG 53, see Mechanical Accessories
section)
• Suitable for horizontal or vertical
installation
• Extremely high front to back ratio
• High side lobe attenuation
• Perfectlypre-assembled
• Serrated lock
• Suitable for DVB-T (UHF IV/V)

Taken from Hirschmann.com.
First though you need to turn your Unix 100 around to Enniskillen and see what the reception is like. If your Analog reception is very good you will be fine.A group A Hirschmann would not be any addition if you are still on Divis, you will need a wideband one for that.

byte

byrnefm wrote:

This is my concern too - I don't know which way the signals are being boosted. Why would the group shifting prevent you from picking up DTT? A 28 channel shift would allow you to still get channels up to about 40 (I think 68 is the highest TVs go in the UHF V band?).

Erm, I meant a channel shift, not an entire group shift. sorry.

Which deflector and where were you in the area? My folks live just outside of Kilcar, my relatives in Carrick / Teelin. Few (if any!) in the area would know what a digital box was - they'd probably think you were talking about Sky

I have been everywhere in the area tbh though I haven't been sent down that direction in some time (part of the job). I think one or 2 of the deflectors throw out the signal same as it comes in except with vertical polarity, but it would still depend on the amplificatio used. They may used channelised amps which only amplify 22, 25, 28, 32 for example, rejecting everything else. I have never been near the masts themselves so I don't know what equipment is being used.

The only thing you could do is try getting the loan of DTT box and trying, though I'd say the chances are very slim.

DMC

Pal wrote:

Confirmed
Wicklow
Wexford
Sligo
Monaghan
Leitrim
Donegal

Can I just say on this, its very simplistic to just say counties, rather than actually towns/villages/hinterland. Not everyone in these counties can get Freeview. I'd soon have this list in terms of County, then Town

i.e.

Donegal
Ballintra
etc.

Then we can really have a good definitive list.
Good work so far.

Pal

Confirmed FREEVIEW can be received in these places

Wicklow
Arklow

Wexford
Kilmuckridge, Wexford Town, Blackwater, Ballygarret, Courtown, (possibly all Wexford coastal area)

Sligo
Cooloney, Ballintogher

Monaghan
Clones, Border areas

Leitrim
Keshcarrigan

Donegal
Pettigo, Bundoran, Mountcharles, Ballintra, Dunkineely, Ballyshannon, Killybegs, Inver, Inisowen, South Donegal

Westmeath
Delvin, Mullingar

Cavan
Cavan Town

Louth
Confirmed. No location specified

Waterford
Not confirmed

Besprechen

what would also be nice is to know the type of box these folks are using? I believe that some receivers are better than others in poor signal areas, so what boxes are you using peeps?

byte

I've only seen in use, Triax and Daewoo "Setpal" STB's so far. I was told these were good in fringe areas but I've not used any others so cannot be sure of that.

This link might be of help:
http://www.dttboxes.co.uk/reviews.html

Smeagol

I have the TechniSat DigiPal1
and it allows me to watch Freeview in the car, a good signal provided. And it has UHF and VHF, just in case

byrnefm

Smeagol wrote:

I have the TechniSat DigiPal1
and it allows me to watch Freeview in the car, a good signal provided. And it has UHF and VHF, just in case

Are you able to use the regular antenna output or are you only able to use it via SCART to catch both the picture and sound (seeing as it comes from Germany, where they use PAL B, I think)? Just curious!

chickey

Using an alba receiver in Wexford town - bought in Argos, UK, for £35. May be my aerial or weather/location buy get bbc4 and bbcparliament, cbeebies very well nearly all the time - with other stations reception varying greatly day to day.

Smeagol

@byrnefm
Yes, you're right. bought my box in Germany and the rf modulator's only capable of PAL B/G, so no sound on irish/british TV's. I just sent out an e-mail to Technisat to enquire about PAL I, 'cause I heard somewhere they started manufacturing boxes for the british market, so I'll let you know.

Pal

Goodmans Box - Good EPG. rarely freezes.

signal usually about 75%

dmm1000

Pal wrote:

Confirmed FREEVIEW can be received in these places

Wicklow
Arklow

Wexford
Kilmuckridge, Wexford Town, Blackwater, Ballygarret, Courtown, (possibly all Wexford coastal area)

Sligo
Cooloney, Ballintogher

Monaghan
Clones, Border areas

Leitrim
Keshcarrigan

Donegal
Pettigo, Bundoran, Mountcharles, Ballintra, Dunkineely, Ballyshannon, Killybegs, Inver, Inisowen, South Donegal

Westmeath
Delvin, Mullingar

Cavan
Cavan Town

Louth
Confirmed. No location specified

Waterford
Not confirmed

pal

to the Donegal freeview collection add townland of Glenfinn - in the highest part of it (between Ballybofey and Glenties)

also get Channel 9 (Derry - Analogue)

cheers

Pal

seems the edit function died.

I reckon best to wait for a few more places to become known and do a new list

(with Glenfinn of course)


success in Roscommon too
http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=74061