Help with Freeview

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halcon

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#54026 15-Dec-2009 12:09

Hi. I just got my freeview. Its a Sommet Digital SHDNZ1. I connected it via the coax in the wall. I used an HDMI cable to connect the freeview to my plasma.

Great.

I turned it on, and set it up immediately via the on-screen prompts. Reception was received...and channels 1-8 are perfect.

Unfortunately...I don't receive any other channels! I don't receive:

Base FM
Radio New Zealand Concert
Radio New Zealand National
Chinese TV 8
Parliament TV
and most importantly PRIME!!!!

I can access the EPG, and see whats on the 8 channels I do receive, and click it to watch those channels. With the channels listed above, I can access the EPG, see whats currently on, but clicking it does absolutely nothing.

I live in Auckland CBD, so its not as if my reception should be poor.
I have gone through all the freeview FAQs, and reset my Sommet numerous times. No change.

Am I doing something wrong? Is there something to which I am not yet privy to?

Any help would be appreciated!

Jaxson

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#282644 15-Dec-2009 12:22

halcon: I live in Auckland CBD

First up: Are you in a managed apartment block with a common aerial for many apartments?

halcon

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#282647 15-Dec-2009 12:33

Jaxson:
halcon: I live in Auckland CBD

First up: Are you in a managed apartment block with a common aerial for many apartments?

Yes!

cyril7

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#282659 15-Dec-2009 13:02

It quite probable that your apartments MATV headend is not configured to pass all the DTT channels, in particular the Kordia mux on Ch45. You may need to ask your body corp or building manager if the company responsible for servicing your MATV system can check it out.

Alternatively if you have a clear view to Waitarua then maybe an indoor antenna will work, if you are close to Sky Tower you could also try the repeater there, but be aware that Waitarua is Horizontal (Ch29,33,45) and Sky Tower Vertical (Ch28,32,40).

A simple antenna like the one linked below would work, but you only need the yagi part, rip the telescopic VHF elements off.

http://www.dse.co.nz/dse.shop/4b26d2ba00c47e002744c0a87f3b06bf/Product/View/L4017

Cheers
Cyril

Jaxson

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#282668 15-Dec-2009 13:06

Well you have you work cut out for you then.

Often there were filters applied to the aerial networks in those buildings to block out signals outside the desired TV channel range. (simplified description there). You're now trying to receive the digital channels and these are broadcast on other points, so most probably the aerial filters are allowing some channels through but are blocking some others. It's common and has been covered here quite a bit.

A) Talk to your building manager / landlord etc. Get them to update their aerial/signal distribution systems.

B) Purchase your own flat panel or similar type aerial and try your luck receiving the channels you need from within your own apartment.