Lost Sky News

[hellywelly4]

After my tv retuned (?) itself because of the Freeview upgrade the other day, I have lost Sky News on channel 233 and Pick on channel 11. I've checked all the connections but no joy. I have a Humax box and my tv is a Toshiba with Freeview. Please can anyone help? I'm not technical so really basic help please!!! I don't have Sky but have always been able to get the news.

[Baldric]

Try doing another retune yourself.

[hellywelly4]

I've done two retunes Baldric, but thanks for the reply.

[Baldric]

Just a thought, you're welcome.

[bhg481]

I can still get it (from the Hannington transmitter in Hampshire).

[Buenchico]

Where (roughly) do you live? (Or do you know which transmitter serves your area?)

There's a programme of 'frequency clearing' going on with Freeview throughout this year, affecting different transmitters on different dates (and with not all transmitters affected). So, depending upon where you live, it's quite likely that you'll need to do a full re-tune on your telly (or any other relevant device, such as a Humax box) at some time this year.

In particular, anyone receiving signals from the following transmitters should have carried out a full re-tune on Wednesday of this week:
Sudbury (serving parts of Suffolk & Essex)
Tacolneston (serving Norfolk & parts of Suffolk)
Waltham (serving much of the East Midlands)
Mendip (serving Cirencester area only, with other areas served from Mendip not affected until 27 Feb)

[Buenchico]

If you're doing a retune it's important that you choose the option to 'replace', rather than to 'add' channels, if one's available. Otherwise you should look for a setting which enables you to clear all existing channel data (which might be something like 'initial setup').

[Buenchico]

I've just had a look at how channels are grouped together on the 'multiplexes' (channel bundles) that are used by Freeview transmitters. Pick and Sky News are both on the 'COM 5' multiplex, so they're transmitted on the same frequency. However that frequency will have changed if you get your signals from one of the transmitters I mentioned above and it seems likely that your aerial isn't as good at receiving the new frequency as it was the old one. So you probably need to buy a signal booster (for around a tenner from major supermarkets).

It's also worth remembering that your Humax box has its own TV tuner circuits built into it. (i.e. it doesn't record a picture from your TV). So it's important that you retune your Humax box (if it hasn't done so automatically).

[hellywelly4]

Buenchico - you are so clever, but unfortunately too clever for me! I've tried to do as you suggest but nothing has worked. I will get in touch with the shop I bought the Humax box from and see if they can help. It's a small company so they may do. On the screen it says that 'the receiver is not receiving a signal or the signal is too weak'. I can manage for now but do miss switching between BBC news and Sky News.
Thank you for your help anyway.

[hellywelly4]

I think my signal comes from Waltham.

[Buenchico]

Everything you've written suggests that your aerial isn't really up to the job. A signal booster might well fix your problems but you might need to get a decent aerial installed.

[hellywelly4]

Thanks for trying. I do appreciate your help.

[hellywelly4]

Buenchico - I thought you might like an update on my problem. I contacted the shop where I bought my Humax box and a very nice man talked me through the retuning of the Humax box over the phone. I'm pleased to say my channels are now restored. Easy when you know how! Thank you so much for your help.