Freeview FAQ page

I have done my best to make the following facts accurate but I accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions in this FREE information page..However, the answers given are based on the vast experience of some of the TOP installation engineers in our business.

Q. Why should I buy Freeview Box in preference to Sky Digital ?

A. Because you will not need one of those unsightly satellite dishes on your home, you can vary which room you chose to watch it in and it will save you from having to buy a new Digital television set, when the present Analogue TV broadcasts cease.

Q. Can you give me any more reasons?

A. Yes - better picture quality in bad weather, C.D. quality sound constantly, many more terrestrial channels than SKY and NO maintenance is required.

Q. Any more reasons ?

A. Still yes..too many to list, but think about Games channels, interactive shopping, home banking and e-mail facilities, plus you get to chose which pay channels you wish to subscribe to, rather than having to pay for a whole bunch of rubbish just to get the one that you really want.

Q. Are there a lot of German and other channels ?

A. NO... All Freeview Box channels are in the English Language at all times. That's about 60 English programmes to select from.

Q. Why does my Freeview Box picture sometimes freeze for a second or two ?

A. This is because your TV aerial is a bit weak. The remedy is to fit the Digital TV Aerial upgrade kit that should have been supplied with your system

Q. Why does my remote control not work anymore ?

A. Probably because the batteries are flat or fitted wrongly. Also try unplugging the receiver for a moment. You may have had a "mains spike" or power cut. Otherwise faulty remote.

Q. Why am I getting no Stereo sound from Freeview Box ?

A. This is probably due to your not connecting the Freeview Box receiver to the TV with the proper 21-pin Euro Scart connecting lead. Simply plug one into the available sockets on the rear of your TV and Freeview Box box.

Q. Is there an easy way to connect a video recorder to my Freeview Box system ?

A. Yes, again with Scart lead. The sockets are clearly marked and full instructions are in your Freeview Box Handbook. No need to tune a channel on your video recorder. Just select AV position. (on the VCR).

Q. Can I send the Freeview Box pictures to other TVs in my home ?

A. YES... you need to purchase a Video Sender device. This simply plugs into the rear of any TV to receive the pictures from the "Sender" transmitter that you plug into the rear of the Freeview Box receiver.

For suitable product click HERE

Q. I notice that water has been coming down inside the cable from my TV aerial, causing corrosion at the rear connection of my Freeview Box receiver. Will this damage it ?

A. Yes! This is because your aerial has been fitted by a person who forgot to seal the top end of the cable. It will destroy your receiver unless you stop it happening NOW...Get a competent engineer to totally replace the downlead, and make sure that he seals the top end properly.

Q. I have fitted a new Television Aerial and Digital cable. Still not a perfect picture..Why ?

A. Maybe because you did this yourself without any sort of meter to align the aerial with. Don't spoil the job for the sake of a tenner. Get a local Aerial Installer to line the thing up for you !

Q. I wish to replace my TV aerial..Which one is best for Freeview Box and "normal" TV reception?

A. You need a really good quality Digital TV aerial and cable for all forms of Digital reception. Remember, you'll need one of these soon, anyway, when "normal" Analogue transmissions cease.

Q. Any tips for installing my own new aerial for Freeview Box and the new Digital Television that is coming soon ?

A. Yes...make sure that you use Digital cable and run it in a continuous length from the head of the actual aerial to the input on the receiver....That means NO joins, NO wall outlet sockets, No booster amplifiers and No other connections, anywhere in the line......also remember to seal the connections and downlead properly at the head end, to prevent water ingress.

Q. How do I uprade my Freeview Box box to make sure that I am getting all the latest channels ?

A. Follow this simple procedure;

• 1.Press MENU on your remote
• 2.Chose option 5 "Getting Started"
• 3.Chose option 3 "Add Channels"

Your Freeview Box will now be searching for any new channels. This may take quite a while.

The bar on screen will indicate how far the search has progressed.

At the end of the search, it will indicate the number of new channels found.

• 4.Press EXIT to return to normal viewing

This procedure should be carried out every few months to make sure that your system is up to date with all the new channels that are coming.

Q. I HAVE RETUNED BUT LOST MY FAVOURITES. WHY IS THIS?

A. When your receiver is retuned it 'wipes' the memory to allow new channels to be added to the list. Please install a new list of favorites - you may want some of the new TV or radio channels to be among them.

Q. I HAVE DONE A RETUNE AND I'VE GOT A PROBLEM - WHAT DO I DO?

A. Contact your Manufacturer Help lines.