Help! Self-confessed idiot uffers poor digital TV reception

Help! Self-confessed idiot uffers poor digital TV reception

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Lighterman1

Original Poster:

36 posts

41 months

Tuesday 3rd October 2023
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Hi

Complete idiot here with no interest in AV tech (rarely watch TV, just want to watch 'Bangers and Cash without pic breaking up - if / when reception exists in first instance).

I have a modern-ish digital TV (Sony 43", about four years old bought from John Lewis). I live in Central London on first floor of warehouse type flat block overlooking Thames. Neighbours don't grouse about their reception - so assume roof aerial OK.

Do I need to buy a new aerial lead (recommendations please!) - or buy an indoor digital aerial?

When I watch blu-Ray DVDs, pic is perfect.

I've digitally retuned my TV (countlessly), to no avail.

PS I've suffered like this for years.

LordLoveLength

2,057 posts

137 months

Wednesday 4th October 2023
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Generally London is a strong area for reception so likely something wrong with the feed to your set
Firstly the TV should have a menu option (possibly in settings / tuning) that will show signal strength/ quality.

Quality is the more important one, but it could be that signal strength is too high causing problems
If strength is low then you need to make sure the outlet you are plugging into is a TV one, not a satellite distribution
It could be that outlets are plugged as required at a central patch and the previous occupants used satellite.

As you are in a flat is it not maintained by the management company? What do they say?

Lighterman1

Original Poster:

36 posts

41 months

Saturday 7th October 2023
quotequote all
LordLoveLength said:
Generally London is a strong area for reception so likely something wrong with the feed to your set
Firstly the TV should have a menu option (possibly in settings / tuning) that will show signal strength/ quality.

Quality is the more important one, but it could be that signal strength is too high causing problems
If strength is low then you need to make sure the outlet you are plugging into is a TV one, not a satellite distribution
It could be that outlets are plugged as required at a central patch and the previous occupants used satellite.

As you are in a flat is it not maintained by the management company? What do they say?
Thanks for advice, LordLoveLength - sincerely appreciated.

Couldn't find anything within the menu that referred to either signal strength or quality. I don't believe previous occupants employed satellite (I've lived here, quite happily, for over 15 years now - despite the management company being an absolute shower). Absolutely agree with you regarding signal feed, however. As such, I invested a modest sum in a Vivanco aerial cable (and threw away previous cable) and I'm delighted to report signal quality is now substantially improved on most channels (particularly London Live; however ITV4 still looked ropey).

Notwithstanding this - thanks again for advice dispensed!



megaphone

10,939 posts

258 months

Sunday 8th October 2023
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What type of outlet do you have in the flat? Is it just a single TV outlet or does it have SAT and TV and Radio outlets?

Post up a pic.

Edited by megaphone on Sunday 8th October 09:33

James6112

5,415 posts

35 months

Sunday 8th October 2023
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If all else fails

Streaming Freeview due next year!
Freely
https://www.techradar.com/streaming/what-is-freely...