poor reception via digital box

[Trinny]

we have a digital box, but sometimes the reception is very poor. Any tips? Could it be a problem with the freeview box? We have an arial in the loft btw.

[vehelpfulguy]

Digital TV (Freeview) requires a better aerial than Analogue TV did.

If you have an old aerial it may not be good enough to pick up digital signals. More here

http://www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk/global/faq _home.html#6

You may also be on the edge of the digital range. Check your postcode here:

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

[heathfield]

Digital TV suffers much more than analoge when it comes to any obstruction of the signal. With your aerial in the loft, the roof will be absorbing and reflecting quite a bit of the signal. If you can, fix the aerial outside, and you should see a big difference. An alternative might be to fit a signal booster in your loft beside the aerial, (which works for me).

[Bronson]

You have an aerial in your loft, and not an 'arial'!

Some types of roof tiles will reduce reception signals significantly, perhaps up to 17dB.

Get a decent aerial fitter in your area to reposition your aerial above the rooftop. You might need a new run of cable, of CT100 grade or better.

Alternatively, consider getting Sky Digital.

[Figi]

Sometimes just changing the position of the Freeview box works - our signal disappeared but when we angled the box slightly it came back again!

[Trinny]

thanks for your help everyone. And Bronson, I cant spell ok! :)