freeview box problem

[tootall64]

Why has my digital tv freeview box stopped transmitting itv and channel 5 stations? could it be aproblem with the box or the ariel?

[Buenchico]

This is a classic symptom of an insufficient signal strength from the aerial. (If the signal drops, certain channels start to disappear. The ITV stations, together with Channel 5, are usually the first to go).

Before doing anything else, step outside and take a look at your aerial. The recent high winds will have moved many thousands of aerials out of their optimal position and it's very likely that yours is one of them. If it's clearly pointing in the wrong direction, it's time to fetch a ladder or call an aerial fitter.

If there's no obvious problem with the aerial, try re-tuning the Freeview box. That sometimes seems to work. (NB: If you're offered a choice between adding channels or replacing them, it's important to choose the 'replace' option).

Even if retuning works (and your aerial appears to be OK), it's likely that the problem will occur again because the signal strength is obviously 'borderline'. You might be able to sufficiently improve the signal by using a cheap signal booster but the best solution would be to upgrade the aerial and the cabling. The aerial which is most frequently praised and recommended, here on AB, is this one:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criteria=P T18U&DOY=22m1

Chris

[sarah_louise]

When I had exactly that problem it was the aerial. As I was going to pay anyway for it to be realigned I got them to fit a high gain aerial. All the stations were better and less clicking noises and freezing up as well