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FREEVIEW TELEVISION

Changes are being made to the way some channels are broadcast on Freeview

If you are receiving your Freeview television from the TACOLNESTON transmitter the changes will take place during 2018.

Changes will be made to the transmitter at Sandy Heath in July. Should you be revceiving signals from Sandy then you too will have to re-tune at some stage.

On-screen messages will let you know when changes to Freeview signals are taking place in your area.

When this happens you may need to retune your Freeview TV or set-top box to continue receiving programmes, and to ensure that you can receive all available channels. If you find that some channels are missing after the change - then retune.

If you receive your Freeview TV from the Belmont transmitter, the most likely situation, note that there are currently no technical changes to Freeview TV signals in your area.

However, it is recommended retuning from time to time to get the most up to date channels in your area.

For more information see the Freeview website here

Most people are probably aware that the process of switching national television broadcasts to digital systems is now complete in this area, though some parts of the country are still to be converted.

All the transmitter groups in this area, Sandy Heath (in April), Belmont (in August) and Tacolneston (in November), have converted to digital broadcasting during 2011.

The old analogue system is no longer available.

You are likely to have received a booklet - 'Your guide to switchover' which describes the steps that are required to convert your equipment so that it continues to receive broadcasts.

To receive digital broadcasts you must either have a TV set with a digital tuner installed, or a suitable set top box - Freeview or Freesat or Sky. Freesat and Sky require a satellite aerial/dish.

BY now you must have re-tuned receivers - that is TV sets or set top boxes -to maintain your TV reception.

However retuning is not required on satellite systems.

Note that you may not receive ALL possible channels. Not all channels are broadcast at full power and if your conditions are not ideal then you may not receive the 'weaker' stations.

But since 23rd November, the transmitters are broadcasting at increased power. This may mean that you are now able to receive stations that were not available before. You will need to re-tune your Freeview TV or set top box.

It may be that an improved aerial system is required - consult one of the aerial erecting companies for advice.

See above for guidance - HOW TO RETUNE

However, if you receive your television via satellite - Sky TV or Freesat - or via Virgin Media - then you need to do nothing.

For further information visit http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/

At switchover a limited number of digital boxes and TV receivers will stop working and you will need to replace them. To see a list of the affected equipment visit:-

http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/troubleshooting

BOTH STAGES OF THE SWITCH TO DIGITAL BROADCASTING FROM BELMONT, SANDY HEATH and TACOLNESTON HAVE NOW BEEN COMPLETED.

Sandy Heath Transmitter. The changeover to digital was completed on 13 April 2011.

If you previously received your TV reception from Sandy Heath you should have completed your changeover to digital by 13th. April.

Belmont Transmitter. The changeover to digital was completed on 17 August 2011.

If you previously received your TV reception from Belmont, you should have completed your changeover to digital by 17th. August 2011.

Tacolneston Transmitter. The changeover to digital was completed on 23 November 2011.

If you previously received your TV reception from Tacolneston you should have completed your changeover to digital by 23 November.

The Switchover Help Scheme can help you make the switch to digital TV.

You may qualify for help to convert your TV to digital if you:-

• • are aged 75 or over; or

  • get or could get Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance,

  • Constant Attendance Allowance or mobility supplement; or

  • have lived in a care home for six months or more; or

  • are registered blind or partially sighted.

• Check now to see if you could be eligible

HOW TO RETUNE

You will need to do a complete re-tune of your equipment.........

Full re-tuning

A full re-tune should only takes a few minutes and can be done with your remote control. Here are some guidelines for how to do it, but bear in mind every model of digital TV or box will be a little bit different.

• • Make sure your Freeview TV or box is on and in digital mode. Press 'menu' on your remote control.

  • Select the 'set up' or 'installation' option. If you see picture icons, select the tool box, satellite dish or spanner.

  • If you are prompted for a code, try 0000 or 1234 - or check your TV/set top box manual.

  • Select the full re-tune option. This is sometimes called ‘first time installation’, 'factory reset', 'default settings' or 'shipping conditions'. Do not select 'channel update' or 'add channels'.

  • Press ‘OK’ if your equipment asks if you want to delete all your channels. Don't worry this is normal

  • Channels will automatically be installed. This may take a few minutes and your equipment may shut down and restart.

  • Should this not prove to work we suggest that you consult the manual for your equipment, or visit

• Learn how to retune your equipment

  • You may be able to download a retuning guide - or even the handbook for your particular equipment. Be ready to enter the type of equipment (digital box, digital TV or recorder), the manufacturer and the particular model of your equipment.

Note: Even after retuning you may not receive ALL possible channels.

Not all channels are broadcast at full power and if your conditions are not ideal then you may not receive the 'weaker' stations.

It may be that an improved aerial system is required - consult one of the aerial erecting companies for advice.