[jeremy.davis]

I'm considering buying my parents a FreeView box. They live in Gunnislake, Cornwall, PL18 9DA. They have sub-standard (slight snow and ghosting) analogue reception, can't receive C5, and point their arial at a cliff face rather than the closest transmitter, as they get a better signal. It's quite hilly all around the local area. Neighbours receive BSkyB OK.

Does anyone know if my parents will be able to receive satisfactory DTT, or a web site that might tell me please?

Thanks

[ProDave]

If their picture is comming from a MAIN transmitter (not a relay) then there's a fair bet it might work, but they might need a bigger aerial, as DTT signals are transmitted with a lower power signal)

If they are receiving a picture from a relay (usually though not allways vertically polarised) then no they won't get DTT, as no relays are currently transmitting DTT.

There are web site post code reception prediction sites, but in a case like this where the local terain forces them to receive a reflected signal from a cliff face, those sites won't help you.

The best thing is to try and borrow a DTT set top box from someone to try it, or buy it from a shop who guarantee to give you a refund if you are unable to get a signal.

What you might also find is that you will only be able to get some of the mux's, and therefore only some of the channels.

You can of course get a satellite system just for free to view digital television. You will get about 30 free channels, though not the same ones as you will get with the new Freeview service. Unfortunately the only way now to get the equipment for that is pay full price for it, or buy a second hand Sky digibox.

[jeremy.davis]

Thanks. I might try borrowing a friend's ITV Digital box......

[Heinz]

The OS map reference for Gunnislake is SX4371 which confirms THESE (ignore the references to ITV Digital) are potentially the available DTT transmitters for the location.

However, the novel method of analogue reception currently emplyed may, as ProDave says, means getting Sky may be their best oprion.

[jra]

Originally posted by ProDave
as no relays are currently transmitting DTT.

Yes they do. For example Hemel Hempstead.

What you might also find is that you will only be able to get some of the mux's, and therefore only some of the channels.

Yes, you need a group K or W band aerial for Caradon Hill DTT, instead of group A for ATT.

I'd definitely give Caradon Hill a go, as it's only 10 miles away.

[dronkula]

Originally posted by jeremy.davis

Does anyone know if my parents will be able to receive satisfactory DTT, or a web site that might tell me please?

Thanks

http://www.dtg.org.uk have a searchable postcode database for DTT reception.

Unfortunately, they say for that particular postcode:

"We regret that DTT reception is not yet predicted to be available for this postcode."

You can check for yourself here:

http://www.dtg.org.uk/retailer/coverage.html

[jra]

Originally posted by dronkula
http://www.dtg.org.uk have a searchable postcode database for DTT reception.

Unfortunately, they say for that particular postcode:

"We regret that DTT reception is not yet predicted to be available for this postcode."

You can check for yourself here:

http://www.dtg.org.uk/retailer/coverage.html

That database hasn't been updated since April and therefore I would say, not very reliable.

Since then two main changes have happened regarding the DTT signal.
Many transmitters have had power increases.
The transmission method has changed from 64 QAM to 16 QAM for all muxes, except mux 2 and mux A.