Best way to test coverage

Forums › Freeview (DVB-T/DVB-S) › Best way to test coverage

adam77

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#23279 24-Jun-2008 14:27

Is borrowing a set top box the only way to find out if one has DVB-T coverage?

Thanks.

nzkc

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#140176 24-Jun-2008 14:39

I wondered into my local freeview store and asked. They said "yes, very probably". But also gave me contact details for a local installer who came around and did some tests for me. He too confirmed I could. It did cost me $50odd for the convenience of getting someone to test my aerial...but that is cheaper than buying a set top box.

mentalinc

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#140177 24-Jun-2008 14:45

if you can recieve prime you can get freeview. if you are in a freeview city.

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adam77

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Geek

#140178 24-Jun-2008 14:49

@nzkc
thanks, i was wondering if installers did that

@mentalinc
i get poor prime reception but good maoriTV reception. I understand they're both transmitted on UHF as is DVB-T, so not sure what to conclude from that.

itey

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#140211 24-Jun-2008 16:50

AFAIK Dick Smith have a 2 week return period (?), where by you can return a product you don't want any more and they refund you - so long as it is still in pristine condition.

So you could buy a dvb-t stb, and see if it works or not

cyril7

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#140230 24-Jun-2008 17:36

i get poor prime reception but good maoriTV reception. I understand they're both transmitted on UHF as is DVB-T, so not sure what to conclude from that.

What city/suburb are you, it may be that prime and MaoriTV are on differnt sites in your region and your antenna is pointing at the wrong one. Also what antenna do you have, what kinda condition is it in.

Cyril

adam77

46 posts

Geek

#140290 24-Jun-2008 20:09

i'm in northland/thorndon wellington

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argo

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#140331 24-Jun-2008 22:17

Here's a $90 option: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?ForumId=83&TopicId=22349

Assumes you have a Laptop & UHF aerial. :-)

cyril7

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#140368 25-Jun-2008 07:56

OK, so you specify probably one of the more fickle coverage areas in a central city. Depending on where you are and if you can see out of a valley, should you be in one, there are two sites that will provide you with coverage, KauKau which requires a horizontal polarised, and Fitzherbert (on the Hutt hills directly above NaeNae) and is Vertical.

To determine where your good MaoriTV is coming from KauKau is Ch44H and Fitzherbert Ch54V, so between that and which polarisation your antenna is on and where it is roughly pointing you can piece some options together.

Cyril