how accurate?

[lepers]

is the post code thingy to see if u can receive freeview or not?

[bloodycheap]

I think they are predictions and preety much 9 out of ten times they are correct. Best to see an aerial installer for advice if you question the prediction.

[spaced]

i used it to find out if I could have freeview - said I could. Ive had freeview for 2 yrs, no probs.

[wideboy]

If you can get channel five, you can usually get Freeview. I was told in a shop that my postcode wouldn't allow us to get Freeview but we are on a hill and had no problems.

[Buenchico]

The 'postcode thingy' tends to be over-cautious. Fred, who lives at Number 2 Acacia Avenue, might have a basic TV aerial linked to his set by some 'bog-standard' coax. Joe, who lives at No.4, has a 48-element aerial and some decent low-loss coax. They both have the same postcode and they both put it into the 'thingy'. Because the thingy knows nothing about their aerials it makes its prediction based on Fred's basic set-up and (correctly) reports that he can't get Freeview. Unfortunately, Joe is provided with the same answer despite the fact that his equipment is good enough for Freeview reception.

When I got my Freeview box the 'thingy' told me I could only get the same channels as on analogue TV (i.e. it said I should be able to get BBC1 and BBC2 but not BBC3 and BBC4). Knowing that I'd got a decent aerial and cabling, however, I decided to give it a go and I've always been able to get all channels.

If the 'thingy' says that you'll get some sort of digital signal and if you've got, say, a 48-element aerial (�30 from Maplin Electronics) you'll probably have no problems.

Chris

(PS: Just to follow up Wideboy's answer. Very few people around here can get analogue reception of Channel 5 but this doesn't mean that people can't get Freeview).

[wideboy]

Thanks Buenchico, it's only one criteria we used to apply - nice to know that some can get Freeview in such a situation.

[Tim B]

The post code advice is crap. It is an exteme generalisation. Get an aerial installer to measure your signal or go for an antenna and/or amp and try yourself. Channel 5 advice is not reliable, for instance CH5 midlands is broadcast from Lichfield and the rest from Sutton Coldfield, not too reliable if you point your high-gain at S/Coldfield.

[spaced]

look, if the site says that your area can accept freeview, then just buy a box - only �29.99 from comet. If it dont work, just take it back mate! Your plain and simple reason for refund tyo comet, or whoever, is that Freeview website stated that it would work, it doesnt, so I want my money back.

That's it! Dont see why this is an issue. If you dont trust freeview telling you wether you can receive in your area, then dont get a box. End of

[lepers]

lol was just wondering why they have it as it seems like a pretty vague system

[spaced]

Sorry lepers, didnt realise it was u asking the question - yeah, it is pretty vague, but I would trust it. Like I said, when u buy ur box, tell the bloke that you have checked that ur area can receive, and if there are any probs can u return it. Get his name and make a note, so if it dont work you have a 2 pronged attack - freeview said it would work and Argos/comet employee said u could return it if it didnt work. Anyway, Argos are pretty cool with returns mate, just keep the receipt. would be a bit more dubious of comet/currys/dixons.