The Knowhow
If your Freeview TV or recorder can't detect ANY channels make sure everything is connected correctly (including the aerial) and if this doesn't help we recommend performing a factory reset.
If you are missing individual channels or channels have been assigned to the wrong channel number there are a variety of potential reasons:
1. Incomplete Freeview Coverage
Not all areas in the UK can receive the full range of Freeview channels and the first step is to check which programmes are available in your area on www.freeview.co.uk/availability. In addition, you can visit www.digitaluk.co.uk to rule out any channel loss caused by temporary maintenance works on your particular transmitter.
2. Weak Signal
You can check the signal strength through the menu on your TV (refer to your TV manual for instructions). A poor signal is prone to domestic or outside interference and can affect the channels you receive as well as picture loss or freezing.
3. Aerial Problems
Roof Aerial: Bad weather can cause temporary reception problems. If this is not the case, it could be that your aerial is not adjusted correctly and you could be missing out on one of the six broadcast channel groups. When needing to make slight aerial adjustments, we recommend you use a qualified aerial installer.
Indoor Aerial: These are particularly prone to picking up electrical interference from domestic appliances inside the house and can be responsible for channel loss as well as other problems like freezing and picture loss. Try moving the aerial to another location in the house and if this doesn't help you should consider an upgrade to a roof aerial.
4. Multiple Freeview Transmitters
Some areas in the UK receive the digital TV signal from more than one Freeview transmitter, which can confuse your Freeview box as it tries to install TV channels from both areas. To avoid them mixing up the channels list, try running a manual scan.
5. Retune Your TV
During the digital switchover there have been several changes to the channel listings. It's a good idea to periodically retune your TV or digital box.
Automatic Scan: Instructions vary for each TV / Digital box; you can find exact instructions in your user guide or on the manufacturer's website.
The steps will be something like:
- Press Menu on your remote control
- Select 'Setup' or 'Settings' and choose Automatic Digital Tuning
- Select your aerial or TV type; this will frequently be digital, terrestrial or aerial
You can use manual scan to specifically search for the channels you want:
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Visit www.digitaluk.co.uk and in the 'Coverage Checker' box enter your postcode and house number. Please a tick next to Detailed view then press Go.
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In the example shown, Crystal Palace is the main transmitter. The six broadcast channel groups are BBC A, D3&4, BBC B HD, SDN, ARQ A and ARQ B; write down the multiplex channel number for each of them, e.g. 23 for BBC A, 26 for D3&4 etc...
- On your TV / Digital box go to the Menu and choose Manual Channel Scan (see your user guide for exact instructions on finding manual scan)
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Rescan for the correct transmitter using the channel numbers you wrote down in the above step
