I've been doing a lot of modifications lately to improve my Freeview WMC experience. I love the changes so I'll explain the things I've done.

1: Automatically Start Windows 7 Media Center in Live TV Mode: http://www.howtogeek.com/?post_type=post&p=10854
2: Increase Live TV Pause Buffer in Windows 7 Media Center: http://www.howtogeek.com/?post_type=post&p=12256
3: Increase Skip and Replay Intervals in Windows 7 Media Center: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/10762/increase-skip-and-replay-intervals-in-windows-7-media-center/

The first mod is self explanatory, the second one is handy for me because I used to pause a show & go & do other things, before long it would play by itself & I'd miss at least the start of the program. I've increased the buffer to around 1hr 30 minutes which makes a huge difference. The final mod I changed the skip interval so when adds come on I can hit the skip button (provided I've paused the program to get a buffer) & it will 8/10 times skip the block of adds perfectly. 

I also downloaded 'remote mouse' for my ipod touch so I can control WMC & the PC in general from my bed if I'm watching TV from there, saves me getting up to skip adds, adjust volume etc. 

I used to have an DSE indoor UHF aerial like this; http://dicksmith.co.nz/media/DSNZ/Product/300x300/L4042_0_v1_m56577569835169036.JPG I always had a hard time getting channel 3 & a few others. The other day I played around with the aerial that came with my USB TV stick, it looks like this; http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21a6IYzhviL._SL500_AA300_.jpg I wasn't picking up any signal & was about to give up when all of a sudden I was getting all channels perfectly. I was like WTF, what makes this aerial location so special, then next thing it sticks to my metal closet door hinge. So to me it was like all my Christmas's came at once, getting perfect reception, the aerial sticking to the 'reception holy grail' by itself (magnetized). I think the magnetic field enhanced the signal so magnetic fields might be something to try for those who have reception problems.