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If you find this information useful and want to thank me, why not buy one of my low-cost "eBooks" that you can download direct to your computer? My books can be read on-screen or printed out on paper. They are full of colour photos and illustrations. http://www.The-Cool-Book-Shop.co.uk | |||||
| Freesat from the BBC It seems that everyone is looking forward to the proposed "Freesat" service, which promises to launch next spring. There's even a new web site to explain it all - or rather not explain it at all! Anyway, the bottom line is that from March 2008 you should be able to watch "BBC Freesat" programmes, using your existing Sky dish, without paying a penny in subscriptions. Please don't confuse this with Sky's "FreesatFromSky" or with terrestrial "Freeview" (for which you need a TV aerial). There are around 200 FTA (Free To Air) channels broadcasting from Eurobird 1 and the Astra 2 satellites already. They include programmes to cover most people's interests. There's also many shopping channels, for those who like them! The BBC's eight channels are included, as well as ITV's four stations. Channel 4 is contracted to Sky until 2008 but is then expected to join the ranks of "Freesat" with CH4, More4, E4, and Filmfour. Five is still tied to its Sky contract for another year so I guess we won't be seeing it in 2008. For the "movie buffs" there's Movies4Men, PropellerTV, ShortsTV, Film 24, Hollywood TV, and True Movies 1 and 2. Unfortunately, Sports enthusiasts will just have to settle for Extreme Sports and the Golf Channel, unless a miracle happens (don't hold your breath). Music fans can see over a dozen channels. "Arts" programmes include Performance and its sister channel, Mainstreet, There's news in English (and other languages) from a worldwide perspective - pick France 24, CNN International, or Russia Today. The 'infotainment' channel has also come into its own on satellite, with broadcasters like Legal TV, Living in Spain TV, The Business Channel, Wine Network, the Entrepreneur Channel and Information TV. It's not certain how many of these will choose to meet the necessary technical specs for Freesat's full programme guide, (or pay upwards of £30k to be listed) but, as the platform grows, it will be in their interest to make the extra effort for an anticipated audience of several million. A company called Arqiva has been awarded a contract by the BBC to help bring Freesat, the free-to-air digital TV platform, to air by March 2008. Arqiva will support the creation of the new service, which will complement existing digital TV platforms, ensuring that viewers across the whole of the UK can access digital television without the need for a subscription, at and prior to "Digital Switch Over". The company already provides much of the infrastructure behind television, radio and wireless communications in the UK and has a growing presence in Ireland, mainland Europe and the USA. If you've never heard of it, don't be embarrassed - nor had I. Arqiva has its headquarters in Hampshire, with other major UK offices in London, Buckinghamshire and Yorkshire. It now has eight international satellite teleports, over 60 other manned locations, and around 3500 shared radio sites throughout the UK and Ireland including masts, towers and rooftops from under 30 to over 300 metres tall. The company is owned by a consortium of investors led by Macquarie Communications Infrastructure Group and has five operating divisions: Terrestrial Media Solutions, Satellite Media Solutions, Mobile Media Solutions, Wireless Solutions and Public Safety. Major customers include ITV, Channel 4, Five, the BBC, BSkyB, Classic FM, the five UK mobile operators, the RNLI and the Metropolitan Police. Arqiva will provide the BBC with an "end-to-end distribution solution for the platform management data, which will have fully-redundant back up across dual teleports to ensure maximum robustness of the broadcast signal". In order to provide this resilient network, Arqiva will implement multiple circuits between two key teleports - the primary one in Bedford (Bedfordshire) and secondary one at Crawley Court (Hampshire) - and the BBC broadcast centres in London. (Forgive the technospeak; I lifted this explanation from Arqiva's own press release.) Arqiva has been working with the BBC for more than 18 months to develop initial project plans and design a solution to meet the broadcasters' needs - both technically and commercially. After the BBC Trust gave Freesat the green light to launch, work went into full flow but testing of the platform didn't begin until August 2007. Many channel owners are now in close contact with Arqiva and Freesat in order to secure space on the new DTT platform. "We work closely with Arqiva to uplink services for our BBC DSat 3 and DSat 7 DTH platforms, which host the majority of our interactive services, so we know of the company's capabilities when it comes to supporting our satellite network requirements," said Alan Boyle, Head of Distribution Operations, BBC. "The team knows our infrastructure and the people involved, so this made it a lot easier to develop the right end-to-end solution for the Freesat platform." "This will be a major digital platform in the UK and we have worked very closely with the BBC to get it right," said John Bozza, Director of Broadcast Sales, Arqiva Satellite Media Solutions. "When we reach the time for Digital Switchover in the UK it's vital that every household is able to receive free digital TV, which is why this project is a key part of the nation's digital TV offering and supplements the new high-power digital terrestrial network that will deliver Freeview services to 98.5% of UK viewers via a normal aerial." There are already almost a million homes in the UK watching satellite TV without a Sky subscription. It's become the second fastest-growing digital platform choice in the UK, only beaten by Freeview terrestrial. But even though more than 200 free-to air channels are now broadcasting at 28'E - the home of Astra 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and Eutelsat's Eurobird satellite - you still need a Sky Digibox to get an onscreen programme guide, digital text and interactive channels. And the kind of recording functions you'd want can still be found only by getting Sky+ (or Sky-HD) with a Sky subscription. However, with Freeview on satellite you won't need a viewing card or a Sky Digibox. There will be a range of receivers to buy from different manufacturers. Like Freeview, Freesat will have an onscreen programme guide, interactive TV software, and support for digital recorders, but it will also look forward to high-definition TV. The exact date hasn't been announced, but Freesat should be live by March 2008. Who's making the kit? So far, only Alba, Humax, Panasonic and Sagem have committed to make Freesat receivers. We can expect to see both single-tuner receivers and PVPs from the beginning. It's not known if Pace and Sony will join in and nobody seems to know nor care about Amstrad! You should be able to use your existing Sky dish, since transmissions will be from Astra-2D. A FTA receiver will receive the Standard Definition broadcasts but without the 8 day EPG. Likewise the Sky Digibox, since the BBC Freesat consortium won't pay Sky to use its EPG, so the two EPGs will not be compatible. So, ideally, you should buy a Freesat-ready receiver, Freesat PVR or Freesat Integrated Digital TV. These will all (hopefully) be available early in 2008. How will the Electronic Programme Guide work? Freesat channels will broadcast now-and-next programme data in the standard FIVE format alongside their audio and video streams, but extended data for the next eight days will be sent via a dedicated transponder on Eurobird 1. Freesat receivers will switch to this channel when you access the full EPG. BBC already broadcasts a High Definition programme so it's likely that HD Freesat receivers will be manufactured and that other HD channels will appear. Well, that's my guess, anyway. And guessing is all we can do right now, since Freesat is giving away very little. One wonders if they even know! Sky+ problems It seems that the latest firmware update is causing problems for Sky+ owners. You can read the complete story here: http://www.pvrwire.com/2005/09/17/new-sky-software-problems-begin/ And here: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=278045 And Sky's suggested remedy here: http://www.sky.com/portal/site/skycom/support/products/article?contentid=1209110
Need a Christmas Present? How about a walking stick? You can order a hand-made walking stick from Or you can order a stick-making kit. Questions - a selection from this month's emails Automatic recording Hi, Saw a message from someone about a freeview box 'automatically' recording a program or at least allowing rewind back to the beginning although no program had been set to record. Just to say I noticed shortly after I bought a Humax PVR-9200T a year ago that it had the same type of function. It works along the lines of - as soon as switched on it starts recording whichever station it is tuned into on the front panel. As soon as a channel swap happens it is reset and starts recording that channel. If no channel changes happen it 'buffers up' two hours of programs. The only way to get at this buffered recording is by use of the rewind and fast forward buttons (i.e. there is no entry in the record list). This seems to be part of the 'time shift' function and I would hazard a guess that most decent dual tuner PVR's or hard disk DVD recorders would also have something similar. MP: Very likely. As far as I can see my Humax manual doesn't mention this at all(what a missed marketing oppertunity!). I would also heartily recommend one of these PVR's as I have yet to find anyone who has a PVR or DVD recorder with such an easy to use user interface or one with as much functionality, (i.e record two channels and watch another recording simultaneously!) Regards Gary MP: The Sky+ Digibox calls this feature "Auto rewind" I think. This feature can be "turned off" if you can't tolerate the continual noise of the Hard Drive spinning. My own (Apple Mac) computer uses PVR software with an ElGato EyeTV 410 Freeview box that works just like this. It secretly holds on Hard Drive everything I watch but trashes it unless I "rewind" or click the onscreen "record button" at the start of the "timeline". A rather natty feature, I agree, and one that I discovered only this week! Now I'm using it frequently when I think "oh, my wife might like to watch this when she gets a minute". Model number on label or rear panel: GDS2000 The reception of all BBC, ITV and some other channels (UK Gold etc) is virtually non-existent (very blocky, no sound), and has been so for about a week. However the Sky Sports channels, for example, work fine. Looking through some of the FAQ's I have tried to locate the BBC channel settings as suggested, but I cannot locate these. Tried running a system healthcheck but not accepting our access code. There is also a slight humming sound coming from the digibox. The label on the box also says GAG7200. Any advice gratefully received. Many thanks. Steven G. Probably just the usual simple-to-fix power supply fault. Humming indicates the large capacitor is going to pop. See http://www.satcure.co.uk/gds200.htm Model number on label or rear panel: dxr-280 I have a sky + box that seems to switch itself off after a few hours of usage. I think that it is over heating as it has to be switched off for about 10-15 minutes before it works again. I note that you stock a replacement fan for the drx 180, can this be installed on a 280 or is there another compenant used for that. your help would be appreciated. Thanks mohamed s. Hi, Mohamed. Remove the Digibox cover and aim a domestic fan inside. If this stops the problem from occurring, it's caused by overheating. If it doesn't, then it may be caused by the recent firmware update (see above). I would like to improve the terrestrial reception in the other rooms, be able to control Sky from each room. Further I have a surround sound system in the living room, I'd like to be able to watch the DVD from this in each of the other rooms, and control it. This is the list of equipment that has been recommended to me:
Does this seem like it will do what I want, is it the best way of doing it, what will it cost me? Subject to you approving the above…and the price of course…what would be availability and would you be able to produce a simple wiring drawing? Cheers Braden
Hi, Braden. The Labgear equipment is obsolete and no longer manufactured. Even if you can find a supplier I advise you to avoid it. We can no longer get replacement units or spare parts but we get requests every month (so it doesn't seem to be reliable). You don't state what quality of picture/sound you want in each room. Most distribution systems use coaxial cable to provide "acceptable" pictures and MONO audio. If this is acceptable, use a Loft Box. http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/lofthelp.htm If it's not acceptable then you may need to look at a "Milestone" CAT5 system or something even more exotic. I want to extend my cable box (Virgin Media) from the connection at on the inside wall of house to another room. Which coax cable do I need to purchase from you? Thank you Lee C.
Hi, Lee. You will need WF100 cable. However, if the distance is significant, the cable company technician may have to increase your signal level to compensate. Basically all I want to know is what would you recommend (15m of outdoor compatable cable required, 10-15m of indoor cable required and all necessary connections) and I will buy it all from you, I promise! I presume the RG6 and the connectors is perfectly fine for the indoors. I really appriciate your help. Thanks Daniel T. Hi, Daniel. It's fine indoors but we don't recommend RG6 for damp places because it contains both aluminium and copper which react together in the presence of moisture and oxygen. WC100 will last a lot longer. WF100 is even better. See http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/cable.htm I am looking to watch me sky tv in another room. Using a magic eye is a little difficult due to the wiring required. Is there a product or combination of products that will wirelessly let me view and control my sky in another room? Thanks James
How about a Videosender? http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page3b.htm I have a 1.1m dish I want to install here in the Pyrenees. The only wall I have faces 210 degs and I need the dish to face 144 I believe to get UK TV. Have you a bracket that will securely and safely do the job? Trevor A.
Hi, Trevor. I don't know what you want but feel free to have a look: http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page2a.htm#t+k (Sorry for delay but you chose to submit this under "None of the above" instead of satellite TV.) I am looking for a single gang wall plate that has an FM, TV & satellite (F type ) sockets. I have three arials (TV, FM & DAB) Please advise on what you can supply & cost inc delivery. Many Thanks Graham
Hi, Graham. If you click http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/ and look at pages 15 and 15b you'll see every wall plate that we stock. Add what you want to the "shopping cart" and it will calculate the total cost. :-) I am having a new extension built and want to install the TV [ariel] cables before having it plastered. I bought the cable from you last week. I want to make provision for receiving Sky TV and Sky HD TV. My query is: How many [ariel] cables will I need to run to my TV to the dish to receive Sky HD? [Dose] the cable (s) need to be continuous from the TV to the dish or can it be joined to make routing easier ? The cable run will be about 30 metres. Regards, Michael B.
Hi, Michael. I assume you are referring to the LNB connections and not to terrestrial aerial connections. Sky-HD has exactly the same requirements as Sky+. Both Digiboxes have two LNB inputs so two cables (or a twin cable) are required. You can certainly join cable but there's always a risk that it might cause problems. See http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/cable.htm For more information, please download our eBooks: http://www.satcure.co.uk/book.htm
I am thinking of adding amplification, probably only for use when actually needed, to my touring aerial system whose specification I have given above. It normally gives good reception but has given poor results in some places. I am considering doing this by adding a masthead amplifier, which is not a problem for me when mains power is available, but I am also seeking a means to inject 12V DC from another source, for when I am without mains power. Do you have, or would you be able to source, such an injector? Also, how sensitive are masthead amplifiers to "noise" in the power? It would be possible to manage with the 12V supply kit only if this is not likely to be a problem, as a 12V supply is always available but is too noisy for a built in radio when mains power is in use. Phil R.
Hi, Phil. Our "DC inserter" will work just fine: http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page3.htm#inserter A masthead amplifier is likely to be very susceptible to supply-borne interference. I don't know how much filtering is built in but you'd be wise to add your own and to keep the aerial and amplifier well away from the 12v power source itself and use double-screened coaxial cable with any TV plugs soldered: http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/tvplugs.htm A filter is simple enough to construct. You connect a wire coil "choke" in series with the positive supply feeding the inserter. Connect a 100nF ceramic capacitor on each side of the choke between positive and negative (ground). 100mA choke here: http://www.livinginthepast.demon.co.uk/xformer.html It might be overkill but it will definitely not let any interference through! Capacitors can be purchased from places like Maplin Electronics. Can you supply a Sky Gnome power supply please? Two 9V power supplies are supplied with the Sky Gnome - one for the transmitter and one to charge the Gnome itself. One of mine has died and I would like to replace it. Note the power supply is built-in to the moulded plug. Many thanks, Paul S.
Hi, Paul. We do have general purpose regulated DC power supplies but you haven't stated the type of connection, the minimum current rating, or whether it's AC or DC output. All I can do is point you to our power supply page: http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page5.htm#psu Can you supply a new Hard Drive for the Pace Sky+ box. The existing disc which is dead is 40gb. Terry B.
Hi, Terry. No we don't stock Hard Drives. The market is way too competitive! If you'd like a cheap replacement (used) drive try Michael: (Closed Wednesdays) Dear Satcure, I hope you can help I have installed a home cinema installation into my home with all of my equipment in a separate cupboard (under stairs). I have a global 8 way amp in the loft with bypass, all tvs upstairs have a standard tvlink eye attached. they are all working O.K the problem I am having is in the lounge I have a xantech (lcd friendly)i.r system to control all of my av equipment in the cupboard this has a emitter stuck to the front of my sky+ box, this is blinking when the remote is pressed but the sky+ box does not respond. I have tryed adjusting the trimmer screw on the xantech eye and moving the emitter around but still no joy, I fitted a tv link to the rf2 output on the back of the sky box and then plugged my return feed back to my loft booster back in, I then stuck my lounge xantech emitter to the tvlink eye this then controlled my sky box from the xantech eye in the lounge. I thought I had cracked it until I noticed that then my distribution amp in the loft must had lost its 9 volt supply from the sky box when I fitted the tv link eye into the back of the sky box. Do I need to purchase a 12v bypass link, to solve this problem. PS does sky+ have a higher i.r code than most devices is this the problem with controlling it from the front panel. HELP!!!! THANKS DAVE...
Hi, David. I've never heard of a "12v bypass link". However, the tvLINK itself can be modified to pass the 9 volt supply, as shown near the bottom of this page: http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/tvlink2.htm Ref. number: TE90120
Sorry I havent completed much of the above information, but hopefully you can help without it. I live in a block of flats and the each aerial feed covers three or four flats. My wall plate has an In and an Out inside and needs replacing. I have been told that there are various ones available which give me more or less of the signal and forward the rest to the next plate. I only have one more flat after mine and they have cable, however I do not wish to remove their freeview signal altogether. Could you supply me with a suitable wall plate, with the best possible signal strength? At present when I try to watch freeview on my LG television, my freeview recorder saps all the signal as soon as it powers up to record something! Please either e-mail or call me on 0777 xxx xxxx. Your assistance is very much appreciated. Thanks in advance, Jeremy S. Hi, Jeremy. I've never heard of wall plates going faulty or needing to be replaced - unless you've bashed it with a hammer. The available signal to each dwelling is normally set by fitting an electrical "tap" which has a value of attenuation chosen, dependent on its distance from the signal "launch amplifier". The tap feeds the "tapped off" portion of the signal to the wall plate "out" socket. The "in" socket can feed (say) your Digibox output to a bedroom. Your building management would take a dim view of any messing with the tap.
At present when I try to watch freeview on my LG television, my freeview recorder saps all the signal as soon as it powers up to record something!
Well, it's not designed to do this so it must be faulty. Take it back. More likely, it's not "sapping signal" but radiating interference. Make sure all cables are fully-screened and move the recorder as far from the TV as possible. If you think you have insufficient signal, have you checked the most basic component? The "fly-lead" connecting equipment to the wall socket. This is a frequent source of problems, which is why we sell so many. More info on the web site. http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/freeview_problems.htm My location is: Spain Equipment made by: Pace Sky Model number on label or rear panel: none Hi I have recently bought a property in southern Spain near Malaga with poor Sky reception. The box I inherited is an old grundig. Would a new Pace box make a significant difference to reception and if so could you deliver one to my address in Spain. Thanks Denis
Hi, Dennis. Unfortunately you've given no model numbers, no information about your dish, LNB, cable and only a vague idea of your location. Therefore I'm simply going to direct you to this page: We can deliver anything we stock to Spain. Ref. number: TE90119
Freeview Reception Problem My location is: IG7 I keep losing ITV channels on Freeview. Could it be I need screened cable. How do I know what screened cable looks like? or does the signal strength vary in my area I always get bbc channels. Is their broadcasting strenthg higher I have a Samsung 40" inch freeveiw TV Many thanks norman b.
Hi, Norman. Yes, the BBC multiplexes are generally stronger. It sounds as if your aerial system is faulty. We sell only double-screened cable. See http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/cable.htm You don't say which transmitter signal you are using. If it's Crystal Palace then, at your postcode location, you should have a log-periodic aerial, not a Yagi. See http://www.wolfbane.com/cgi-bin/tvd.exe?DX=L&HT=10&OS=IG7 and http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/logperiodic.htm For more information, see our "Freeview Bible" eBook: http://www.satcure.co.uk/book.htm#freeview My location is: braco perthshire Equipment made by: Thomson Model number on label or rear panel: none I have bought a second hand satellite receiver for my brother and the message he receives when switched on is insert card. As we have no card! how do we buy one apart from ebay do you have a number for sky direct ? or other linda. llinda h.
Hi, Llinda. If it's a Sky Digibox, you don't need a card. Simply press the programme number (e.g. 101 for BBC1). Or press [tv guide] [select] [select]. You'll have hundreds of Free To Air (FTA) programmes available. If you'd also like to watch the small number of Freesat programmes (CH4, Five etc.) you can buy a £20 Freesat card from Sky. See http://www.sam-radford.me.uk/ftv.htm I recommend you download and read our eBook "Understanding Sky Digital TV". http://www.satcure.co.uk/book.htm#under Ref. number: TE90118
Hello, I am hoping that you may be able to advise me on a problem I have been experiencing for approx 8 weeks. I have an integrated digital television, a Sony, model number KD-28DX40U that I have had for nearly 6 years. The problem is that I have poor or no signal for ITV and Channel 4 channels except ITV1+1 and E4+1, all other channels including freeview are fine. I have tried re-tuning, and retuning analogue but it comes up saying "ariel not connected". I managed to re-tune the digital and the ITV and Channel 4 channels dissapeared completely. I have neighbours who have a digital set top box who are not experiencing these problems. I am based in a block of 12 flats that share the aerial. I have tried a booster system and tried a new aerial cable, both have no impact. I have also tried the T.V in a different area (my parents in N15 3SX) and there are no problems. The problems start when I have my TV switched on at home. It was working fine 8-9 weeks ago and I cannot understand what the problem could be or how I go about fixing it. I would be grateful for any advice you could give as no one else seems to know what to do? Many thanks and regards Helen.
Hi, Helen. The Freeview channel line-up was changed a few weeks ago. I suspect your TV hasn't kept up with the changes. You will have to use the TV menu system and ERASE all channels. Then scan for new channels. The method of doing this varies from model to model so read your user instructions or ask your dealer how to achieve it. If all else fails, try scanning with the aerial disconnected, then scan again with it connected. Do you sell an F connctor which has a female coax socket at the end where the cable is normally "screwed" in? If so can use advise the order number as I can't locate one in your catalogue. Many thanks. Douglas T.
Sorry, I've never heard of such a combination. Why not simply make up a short lead with an "F" plug one end and a male TV plug at the other? Then add a gender converter. Ref. number: TE90117
Hi, I am planning to purchase a TRIAX 333112 DDU unit for loft and In main room 304202 C12843 TR96AC Plate 4 Gang White with 304264 C13897 TR96LA Quad TV/Radio/Sat/Sat White and 2x 304274 C16056 TR96RA CAT5E RJ45 Ethernet white In remote rooms (for future flexibility) I plan to use 304264 C13897 TR96LA Quad TV/Radio/Sat/Sat White with 304201 C12826 TR96AB Plate 2 Gang White Plus the normal complement of triax digi eyes and H109F100BL cable. I was all ready to order when I saw on the triax site that they produce versions of their modular plates for the irish republic market which is where I will be installing. The characterisitcs are somewhat different:-
Could you explain what I would be missing if anything ? And if I really need the irish version can you supply it ? Rgs Paul
Hi, Paul. I congratulate you on doing your homework. Unfortunately, the wholesalers that supply our goods do not deal with the ROI market so we can't easily obtain any non-UK parts. In addition, for me to do the research necessary to answer your questions is certainly beyond the scope of a 2 minute reply, so I'm not going to offer that. You may be able to get help here: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=55 I do recommend you look for a supplier in the ROI who specialises in supplying or installing the specific equipment you need. I have a Comag SL 65/12 digital satellite receiver and 2 Dishes ( 1 for Astra 2 and 1 for Astra 1 . Can you recommend a suitable coax switch that will allow me select either dish? The Comag receiver does have DISEqC function Thank you Anthony M.
Hi, Anthony. Without DiSEqC, the only way to do this is by using our Sadoun S-SM21V 0-12 volt L.N.B. switch: http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page1b.htm#switch You'll have to run a (thin, insulated) wire to it and connect this via a switch to a battery or DC power supply of between 6 and 12 volts. If you understand electronics, you can derive this voltage from inside the receiver. If you use an external supply or battery, its negative connection goes to the receiver chassis. Now, how about a video on assembling those wretched F connectors? I still can't stand them! Most of my stuff is BNC and N-type these days....
Your wish is my command. Movie added to the page. (Try not to laugh at my amateurish attempts to make a movie!) :-) http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/fconn.htm Model number on label or rear panel: TDS470N What I want to know (plus any other relevant information): I had standard sky TV box. That worked 2 TVs in seperate rooms, using a TV link and coax cable. This worked well and I could change chanels in both rooms. I have changed now to sky+ and now I cannot change the chanels on the second TV using the same set up, The box indecates that RF2 is on and the light on the link is on. I get a good picture but am unable to change chanels. Is there anything I can purchase from you to help sort out this problem. Thank you Kenn. Kenneth G.
Unfortunately, we don't have a magic solution. If rebooting the TDS470N doesn't solve the problem, then it's probably one of incompatibility. Now, if you have changed the 2nd TV, that might be transmitting interference. Move the tvLINK well away from the TV. Otherwise, all you can do is to try various other makes of "SkyLink" until you find one that works. We offer several and people have reported good results with the "Vision" one. http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page3.htm#vision Tell you what - order one of each type and return the unwanted ones within a fortnight of receipt and we'll refund the purchase price (provided you report your results to me). Equipment made by: Pace Sky Model number on label or rear panel: Multimo Have a Multimo Mini satellite which links to a Pace Sky box via a cable and Zender satellite finder. For the last two years I have used this combination with my caravan, on an ad hoc basis, very succesfully. Up until now the satellite finder has helped final locking, with the finder emitting a sreeching noise. I have a schedule showing angles etc for various locations and have used the kit abroad. The last two attempts to lock on to a satellite have been unsuccessful as I have been unable to get any reaction from this devise despite it being operational (a green light comes on when the sky box is powered up). Question, Is there any way in which I can confirm if the satellite dish is still operational. How can I check it, and or the cable between the dish and the finder. I have checked that the sky boX works by linking it to another dish. Thanks for any advice that you can give. Chris S.
Hi, Chris. The dish doesn't fail but we've had at least two reports of LNB failure in the last year. There's no simple way to check it. I recommend you contact Zehnder for a replacement. Our last customer ended up getting a free (I think) replacement from Zehnder because they wouldn't reply to me - despite the fact that I'm fluent in German! They do speak/write reasonably good English but please keep sentences short, simple, and use no abbreviations (apart from "LNB") or colloquial terms. Email form here - http://www.zehnder-sat.de/mailform.php3 I think it's pretty obvious but "Vorname" is first name, "Strasse" is street, "Postleitzahl" is postcode, "Ort" is place/town and "Absenden" is Send. The page heading says "All bold fields must be completed". Do let us know how you get on.
Having recently had to return a faulty box (not a Sharp), because of the "no signal" message on most channels, this Sharp TU-R160H box is so much better, but it seems to "skip a beat". That's the only way I can explain it. Again and again it seems to freeze for about 1 to 2 seconds, which is becoming most annoying. I have fitted an attenuator, which seems to have no effect. We had a digital aerial fitted (VWX52 with heavy duty fixings) on 31 August this year, thinking that our old analogue aerial was the problem with the previous box, so the aerial and fittings are new. If you can advise a remedy, it would be most appreciated. Many thanks Ken P.
Hi, Ken. As you will know, there's no such thing as a "digital aerial". A search for "VWX52" came up with no results. So I'm hoping that whatever you've had installed is suitable for Freeview. A wideband aerial of 12dBd gain or more, with a balun, should be fine. If there's an amplifier, you forgot to give its specification. Also you didn't say why you tried an attenuator, where you fitted it, or what its dB value was. Nor have you stated whether the "newish cable" is double-screened or whether it goes to a shielded wall plate with a double-screened fly-lead connecting to the Freeview PVR, or direct (no wall socket). What you describe could have many causes, including too little signal, too much signal or interference from just about anything (including your TV set). If an attenuator plugged into the Freeview aerial input had no effect on the signal indicator, this indicates that your signal is way too strong and more attenuation might be needed. I recommend you read this page: http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/freeview_problems.htm Dave
Hi, Dave. It's because you aren't pressing the complete sequence. Just press [services] 401 [select] quickly. http://www.satcure.co.uk/digifaq2.htm#menus Model number on label or rear panel: none I currently have sky with multi room and a cable from one box to my daughters bedroom, we are going to buy my son a TV for Christmas and will send the signal from the other sky box to this TV, problem is how does the wife get to watch her programs on one of the main television. I was thinking if I put the scart lead from the sky box into a switchable multi scart socket first then through to the TV set. if I then got a free view box and plugged that into position two of the multi scart box would this allow the wife to watch her programs on the main tele or can you come up with a way of stopping world war 3 breaking out. Thanks Keith Mcg.
Hi, Keith, unfortunately I don't understand what you are trying to do. What are "her programmes"? Are these programmes which she has recorded on VHS or DVD or programmes which are broadcast as analogue, Freeview or satellite? What do you mean by "one of the main television"? (One of the main television channels? BBC, BBC2?) I'm afraid that I'm totally confused by your description. I recommend you make a sketch showing your equipment layout then upload it to [deleted]. Follow that up with another message explaining in detail what you want to achieve. Philip H.
Hi, Philip. I'm not familiar with VMDTV but you should be able to determine what you need by reading our technical section, starting with "22. Which plugs to use?" http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/ Please note that if it's cable TV, the signal level is usually set by an attenuator box near the point of entry. This may need to be adjusted and you are not allowed to touch it. Do you have any suggestions? Would be most grateful. many thanks Clare
Hi, Clare. Look here: http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/freeview_problems.htm Work through the full check list, one by one, under "Problem just began?" That will definitely lead you to the cause.
Hi, I brought a new supergain 18 element 14.5dB group e aerial from you last week along with new ct100 cable, Your order SAT021530 was for WC100 cable. That's the equivalent type. dab aerial and various other connectors. I don't have my order number as I am sending this from my work email address. We live 8.5miles from the Sudbury transmitter with no notable buildings or bad topography between us and the transmitter. We have a clear view of the transmitter from our chimney where the aerial is fixed. We have had freeview for 3 years at our current address with the existing aerial (a rusty 10ish element wide band form the look of it) and standard coax cable going through a 'y' splitter. The signal strength used to be about 60% with 100% quality This is exactly right and will produce the most reliable reception. as told on the humax box with little variation over channels 49, 54 and 68 (these channels have the main prog's we watch). On the weekend I replaced the old aerial (same position) and the coax cable in a single length with no connections from the aerial to the freeview box. These are the only elements in my system that I have changed. I am a little confused as to why the reception has now decreased to a signal strength of 30 - 45% (channels 49, 54 and 68) and now occasionally going blocky. I expected with double screened better quality coax and a grouped aerial the signal would improve. This is a clear sign that the analogue signal is overloading the tuner and "blinding" it to the digital signal. Your system is now far too efficient. The system would probably be fine after analogue "switch-off" but, for now, I recommend you fit an attenuator to the Humax aerial input (preferably using a short fly-lead to avoid straining the socket). I'd guess you'll need something between 20dB and 30dB. Adjust for 100% quality and around 60 - 70% signal. See http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page15a.htm#uhfatten You might like to try a 20dB variable attenuator with a 12dB (fixed value) in series with it. This arrangement will provide an adjustment range of around 15dB to 32dB. If you don't want to order from us, you might obtain something similar from your nearest Maplin shop and I think they offer a refund if you take goods back in "unused" condition (as we do also). I'm sorry you've had problems. Please let me know how you get on with this. Based on your description, I'm fairly sure my diagnosis is correct. paul K.
Hi, Paul. No, we don't stock that and I can't advise who to try, although your nearest garage that handles exhaust systems for lorries might have something suitable. Make certain that 1.5m will be long enough - bearing in mind that 1 metre needs to be embedded in the concrete block. Please download the mounting information here: http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page2.htm#huge Duncan F.
Hi, Duncan. You'll have to ask Sales about the cable. I believe they can handle only up to a 20 metre cut length but they might manage 30m. http://www.satcure.co.uk/sales.htm You'll need the connectors stocked as "WF1FPLUG". http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page7.htm#fconn Cable is here: http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page8.htm#WF100 Barry H.
Hi, Barry. It's certainly possible but you may not get enough signal. I recommend going up at least one dish size on what is considered "normal" for your location. Use WF125 cable for the main run. (You'll probably have to connect WF100 for the indoor section as WF125 is rather inflexible). You'll need at least one "equalised slope" LNB amplifier around 50 metres from the LNB and possibly a second one at 100 metres. Try it first before burying the cable in suitable conduit. Duncan F.
Hi, Duncan. If you can handle a pair of "side cutters" you should be able to manage it. See our tools page for a picture: http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page6.htm#cutters Equipment made by: Pace Sky Model number on label or rear panel: none I bought a SKY digital box in Menorca which works fine for the free channels except Ch4 & Ch5. I have therefore bought a Freesat card from Sky for £20. As I am in England at the moment and the box is in Menorca my question is ..... does the card have to be physically in the box when I request activation? (i.e. do I need to take the card to Menorca and ring SKY from there?) Or can I activate the card here in the UK? (I know the serial number of the box)and then when I go out to Menorca (in about 3 weeks time)just put the card in the box? Many thanks in anticipation of your response. Lol N.
You must insert the card into the relevant sky Digibox (connected to a working dish system) and phone Sky with its details (from the menu screen) to get the card activated. If you phone from outside the UK, Sky will not activate the card if they realise. If you get the card activated in a different Sky Digibox, it should still work in your own. My best advice is to buy a 2nd hand Pace BSKYB2600, connect it to a dish system, make sure it's working, and get the card activated in that. Take it back to Menorca. This method should minimise problems. Sean P.
See http://www.satcure.co.uk/digifaq2.htm#grainy Many thanks Kate
Yep. You missed the part of our instructions which says DO NOT plug it directly into the Digibox or TV set. Always use a good quality Fly-lead to prevent damage to the socket. I am thinking of installing a loft box for distibution of AV & Rf signals to 8 locations around my house using a Labgear HDU681S OR TRIAX DDU112 system. What I do not have is a Sky digi box which both of these system seem to require to allow remote control which my wife would like!!!! I would like to remote control a digital Humax PVR(duovisio 92001) and a Sony DVD(DAV-DZ410). Will the Blue delta Smart Eye and Smart Blaster system work with either or both of thes loft boxes? If not do you have a better solution? Pipng it around the house seems to concentrate on sky boxes for this or have I missed somthing?
Ian M.
Hi, Ian. You will need a Triax Digital eye (with the DDU112) and a Global TVLink Plus with power supply: http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page3.htm#tvlink-plus I would like to add to the system a Humax PVR 8000T Hard disc recorder and would like to split the aerial into the two receivers.I have looked through your catalogue but not being an expert I am not sure which cables and fittings to buy, I would like high quality as I appreciate that there is a fair loss when splitting the signal( I am in a good are for signal strength). Is it possible for you to recommend all that I would need to achieve the above? I would be very grateful for your help Regards Eric P.
Hi, Eric. Unfortunately it's not possible to make a recommendation. You may be able to "daisychain" the equipment or you might get away with a passive splitter or you might need a masthead amplifier with a Y splitter or one with multiple outputs. See http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/amps.htm#booster but have found that I cannot obtain a good signal from BBC [ITV etc. okay]. The info. from the TV is telling me that the bit error is high and the strength is only about 10%. - thus causing picture breakup. Prior to this I used a set top box and had no difficulties. I live in a good area for receiving transmission but am baffled. The TV people tell me that there is no maintenance work going on. Thanks. fred w.
Hi, Fred. If the Freeview receiver was OK, you have to ask yourself "has anything changed apart from that?" Perhaps in the swap, the fly-lead or the wall socket got invisibly damaged? You need to check to see if theFreeview receiver still works. Anyway, please follow our checklist here: http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/freeview_problems.htm Replies to questions posted in September review. Hi Martin, I thought that I would attempt to answer Ian's questions regarding Sky + Can I play DVD's on it, CD's with stored digital camera photos and MP£ songs etc. if I ever work out how to do so and even but a player and throw out my hi fi box of tricks. No. There is no CD/DVD drive. This system can only record and replay from the built in hard disc drive. Whats the limitations of the hard disk in the thingy? Depending on the option installed you can store up to 40 or 80 hours of programmes. There is an additional 40 hours worth of capacity that you cannot record on, Sky uses this to periodically download a selection of programs to for you to view. This selection is referred to as 'Sky anytime' You can only view Sky anytime programs that come from channels that are included within your subscription package. What happens if I want to keep the film I eventually manage to store? Can I 'burn' it onto a DVD? You can only copy a program to DVD or VHS by using a recorder connected to the Sky + box through a SCART or S-Video plus audio lead(s). I believe that you can only copy programme material that has not been copy protected by the broadcaster. However, I have not tried this. Sky have provided the facility whereby you can copy a selection of programs to you DVD/VHS recorder one after the other. Before the recording of each selected programme starts a descriptive caption is copied onto the DVD/VHS. These copies can only be done in real time. How much heat does it generate and should I therefore throw away the glass door on the cabinet? My Sky + box (I don't have the model number to hand) seems to run significantly cooler than my old Amstrad digibox. However I would be wary of enclosing any device such as this within a non ventilated cabinet &endash; especially if it is co located with other heat producing equipment. You will probably find that a glass door would also interfere with operation of the remote control, although there is a workaround that you could employ. Is there an on screen display that tells me what I am doing via the remote? As well as the standard EPG there is a 'planner' which shows your stored programs and facilitates your management of them by the remote. When you press pause then a 'pause' symbol is displayed at the bottom left of the screen. If you have paused a live broadcast then the number of minutes that you are behind 'real time', is displayed and updated until you take the pause off. If you have paused recorded material then the number of minutes of the pause point from the start of the recording is displayed. If you are 'fast forwarding' or reversing play then the speed at which you are playing (2 to 30 times) is displayed at the bottom left of the screen. - oh by the way is it ANOTHER remote anyway. It is different from and incompatible with the old digibox remote. It has the same basic layout as the old digibox, but with the additional keys required for recording, pausing, fast forward etc. As with the old digibox remote, it can also control the TV. I Hope this helps, Regards, Paul McC. Subject: RE: Order: SAT021977 Dear Nicola, I am just writing to express my sincere thanks in your efficient service. Although my first order was shipped short you ensured that the missing item was sent without delay which arrived in the post after only one day. It's rare these days where quality customer service is still shown, as we are all just a number with some companies. Please also pass this on to Martin who also replied on my query email, his Freeview Bible is invaluable wealth of information for anyone who is considering installing their own aerial system. With Best Regards, Ken J. Equipment made by: Grundig Sky Model number on label or rear panel: GS300 Martin Not a question realy, just 2 mins to say a really big thank you for again providing such a superb, reliable and totally brilliant service ( not too over the top eh !! ) I had the time old problem on my GS300 Grundig Sky Receiver of loosing channels, freezing, locking up and the standby power on problems. I also had a problem with some channels ( Sky Premiere, Premiere +1 and Tru Movies ) being very poor reception and pixelating badly. I ordered the power supply REL kit, extra cap and the fan kit, which arrived with two days ( fanstastic ).I then started to fit all 3 kits and on power up the problems were all cured as expected, however the bad reception on some specific channels remained. Back to the Satcure site and in the forums I found the solution for free - I had a DECT phone near to the sky receiver. Powered off the DECT phone and channels all now work. Final fix - relocate the DECT phone and harmony returns to the complete household ! Cheers Martin and the Team - another total solution supplied and via a fast and extremely hard working group. Keep up the great work Jon H. Hey Guys, Fast and efficient service you were great. Got my stuff, all installed and works perfectly. Going to order more stuff soon. Thanks Ian R. I would like to just say thanks for such an excellent service, I would say it is the best service I have had from an Internet company ever. I will highly recommend you to friends and will use you again. Ordered yesterday at 13.30 received today before noon, many thanks again. Regards Doug Further reply to Martin: Thank you for your kind attention. Good old fashioned service. I have just placed the order, reference SAT021150. Regards Steve Equipment made by: Grundig Model number on label or rear panel: gds300 Hi, Changed all caps in the RELKIT 33b, seems to work a treat, picture stable and the continous warble gone from behind the sound. Many thanks. Regards, Don C. Most Freeview "set top boxes" have to be connected direct to your TV set with a Scart lead. This is OK until you need to connect it to your aged parent's TV which has no Scart socket, or you want to feed the output to your bedroom TV via coax cable. Suddenly your cheap supermarket box needs an expensive (typically £20 plus postage and VAT) external RF modulator! We have the solution. The CDST900 made by SEG* has an RF modulator built-in so you can connect it straight to your TV set with a coaxial cable and tune in the TV to watch Freeview. Simpler than buying an external modulator and maybe a little cheaper, too. *(Superseded by the T5000.) It comes with a printed manual - which isn't bad as Chinese translations go! But, during testing, I noticed several mistakes relating to operating the box so I have rewritten it, complete with (colour) screenshots, and provided this PDF version for download to purchasers. The tuner is supposed to be "extremely sensitive". However, since my own Freeview signal is 100% (I'd be embarrassed if it wasn't!) I can't vouch for that. But if I get time I'll connect up an attenuator and see what happens when I reduce the signal that way.* A Christmas present? We are taking orders up to Thursday 20th of December. *OK, I've done some tests to compare it with my EyeTV410 Freeview tuner (which is pretty darn good). I started with an 18dB attenuator and increased it in steps of 3dB. There was no effect until I reached 33dB Attenuation CDST900 Signal EyeTV410 signal 33dB 100% 99% 36dB 100% 0 no picture 39dB 30% 0 no picture 42dB 0 no picture 0 no picture Free eBooks! Two new eBooks are available from my friends over at Satalogue.com http://www.satalogue.com/tech/page8.htm Please note: SatCure has no connection with Satalogue (except that it's run by friends of mine). If you have any problems or questions about their site or products, please contact them direct. Latest SatCure eBooks (The introductory offer prices have now ended.)
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