Why do I lose ITV channels on digital TV

[kelfoan]

I regularly get 'channel not programmed or unavailble' on ITV1 to 4 on digital TV. I have tried auto tuning without any success. The channels reappear again without any adjustment after a few hours or sometimes the next day. Why do I keep loosing them?

[Buenchico]

In an ideal world, the measurements for the elements of TV aerials would be perfectly matched to the frequencies that they have to receive. The only way to achieve this, however, would be to have a different aerial for every channel. Obviously, this is impractical, so all aerials are a compromise. Some aerials will be better at getting one group of stations while others will work best on different channels. It seems that your aerial isn't particularly good at bringing in the ITV channels. (Your next door neighbour, on the other hand, might have an aerial which is weakest at picking up BBC stations). So, when atmospheric conditions reduce signal strengths at your location, your aerial will lose the ITV signals, while still being able to bring in other stations.

You could try an aerial booster but you probably need a better aerial. The one which has been repeatedly recommended (and praised by those who've bought one), here on AB, is this one:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?TabID=1&criteria =48%20element%20aerial&ModuleNo=22523&doy=27m3

Chris

[BillyNoMates]

The ITV 'family' of channels is transmitted using a slightly different encoding method than those of the BBC. It is more susceptable to interference such as atmospheric conditions.

It may be worth investing in an aerial/cable upgrade. All depends on where you are in relation to your transmitter you are, what type of aerial/cable you currently have.

Worth a look here ; http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/forumdisplay.php?f=13

Post any questions in the sub-forum for a better explanation/understanding and recommendations on solutions.

[pinus]

A couple of months ago, with weekly regularity, ITV3 disappeared from Freeview on Sunday afternoons from about mid-day to mid-evening. I never sorted out why.

There's been no problem lately. I just put it down to gremlins.