Question from a Freeview numpty

[Simpo Two]

I have a Sony Freeview box and when it works it works well. When I switch it on it over-rides the current TV input and I can see the Freeview channels.

However, if I don't use it for a few days, this doesn't happen. No Freeview picture appears and I have to 'reboot' it by pressing the on/off button in and holding it for a while until the LED glows orange, then start all over again. And even then large chunks of the EPG say 'no info'. What's going on please?

[JustinP1]

Are you leaving it on standby or turning it off completely?

[Simpo Two]

It's on standby (as there's no other switch and the mains plug is buried behind the TV)

[Simpo Two]

Anyone?

[cjs]

They all do that Sir! Quite common for freeview boxes to 'lock up'. Make sure you have the latest firmware for your box, check on the Sony website.

The EPG needs to refresh when you reboot, leave it on BBC1 for a while, it will be quicker. It does take a while compared to a Sky box.

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

Yup. Complex hardware and software always made on the cheep with predictable results I'm sad to say. I've had 3 different boxes since Freeview came out and they've all had issues one way or another. Now that they have those tuners bolted into the TV's I see trouble ahead.....

Bizarrely the only Freeview tuner I've never had an issue with is the USB stick one that's in my media PC. Saying that it's probably going wrong as I type this now....

[Simpo Two]

Thanks folks, I suspected it was some fickleness caused by over-complexity that plagues us all. However the Sony was about the most expensive model, almost £100, so I had expected better.

Just think, once upon a time you could just stick a bit of metal on your roof and pick up TV signals even when it rained - and a piece of metal never needs 're-booting'!

I shall continue to keep digital for emergencies when 1-5 are really dire.