We live in a poor TV reception area (really must get a new aerial!),
so the digital will often go a bit dodgy. I notice, however, that it
always pauses when something electrical switches (lights, the fridge,
the heating etc). I doubt that it's the digital box, as this has
happened with both of two independent ones that we've had. Now, it
could be simply what happens when the signal is pretty marginal, but I
got to wondering whether it says something about the state of the
wiring. Just wondered whether anyone had any bright ideas?

In message
, GMM
writes
We live in a poor TV reception area (really must get a new aerial!),
so the digital will often go a bit dodgy. I notice, however, that it
always pauses when something electrical switches (lights, the fridge,
the heating etc). I doubt that it's the digital box, as this has
happened with both of two independent ones that we've had. Now, it
could be simply what happens when the signal is pretty marginal, but I
got to wondering whether it says something about the state of the
wiring. Just wondered whether anyone had any bright ideas?

move

--
geoff

geoff formulated on Thursday :
In message
, GMM
writes
We live in a poor TV reception area (really must get a new aerial!),
so the digital will often go a bit dodgy. I notice, however, that it
always pauses when something electrical switches (lights, the fridge,
the heating etc). I doubt that it's the digital box, as this has
happened with both of two independent ones that we've had. Now, it
could be simply what happens when the signal is pretty marginal, but I
got to wondering whether it says something about the state of the
wiring. Just wondered whether anyone had any bright ideas?

move

That is to be expected in a poor signal area - it is just the brief
signal from the switching breaking through and swamping the TV signal.
It could equally be poor quality coax at fault, allowing the
interference to into the cable. Might a basic (none Sky) satellite
system be a better option than terrestrial?

--

Regards,
Harry (M1BYT) (L)
http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk

"GMM" wrote in message
...
We live in a poor TV reception area (really must get a new aerial!),
so the digital will often go a bit dodgy. I notice, however, that it
always pauses when something electrical switches (lights, the fridge,
the heating etc). I doubt that it's the digital box, as this has
happened with both of two independent ones that we've had. Now, it
could be simply what happens when the signal is pretty marginal, but I
got to wondering whether it says something about the state of the
wiring. Just wondered whether anyone had any bright ideas?

Yes, get someone in to check your aerial and the signal.

We had bad signal for a while, and on getting someone in to check the
aerial, we found that the old connections had corroded. A new aerial made
all the difference.

Paying £35 -50 for the expertise, testing equipment and new aerial (not to
mention avoiding the need to get up on the roof) was a bargain.

In article , OG
scribeth thus

"GMM" wrote in message
...
We live in a poor TV reception area (really must get a new aerial!),
so the digital will often go a bit dodgy. I notice, however, that it
always pauses when something electrical switches (lights, the fridge,
the heating etc). I doubt that it's the digital box, as this has
happened with both of two independent ones that we've had. Now, it
could be simply what happens when the signal is pretty marginal, but I
got to wondering whether it says something about the state of the
wiring. Just wondered whether anyone had any bright ideas?

Yes, get someone in to check your aerial and the signal.

We had bad signal for a while, and on getting someone in to check the
aerial, we found that the old connections had corroded. A new aerial made
all the difference.

Paying £35 -50 for the expertise, testing equipment and new aerial (not to
mention avoiding the need to get up on the roof) was a bargain.



Yes that was. Around here its nearer £200 as the digital cowboy riggers
cash in;(...

O/P, Where are you and what transmitter do you use?..
--
Tony Sayer

On 22 Nov, 00:07, GMM wrote:
We live in a poor TV reception area (really must get a new aerial!),
so the digital will often go a bit dodgy. I notice, however, that it
always pauses when something electrical switches (lights, the fridge,
the heating etc). I doubt that it's the digital box

Nevertheless, boxes do vary in their sensitivity to such
interference. Our old Pioneer On Digital box never suffers from
impulsive interference, but a Humax PVR fed with the same signal is
much worse. So whilst the suggestion to get your aerial/leads checked
and if necessary replaced is a good one, don't rule out the
possibility that a different DigiBox might help.

Richard.
http://www.rtrussell.co.uk/
To reply by email change 'news' to my forename.

GMM wrote:
We live in a poor TV reception area (really must get a new aerial!),
so the digital will often go a bit dodgy. I notice, however, that it
always pauses when something electrical switches (lights, the fridge,
the heating etc). I doubt that it's the digital box, as this has
happened with both of two independent ones that we've had. Now, it
could be simply what happens when the signal is pretty marginal, but I
got to wondering whether it says something about the state of the
wiring. Just wondered whether anyone had any bright ideas?

Do you have a masthead amplifier? Its a little box fixed to the mast
outside about 1 metre down from the aerial. In some places the voltage
drops momentarily when something switches on. Hits me because I live at
the end of a long overhead line. This might cause the amp to stop amping
so much for a moment and cause the glitch.

Probably a good time to upgrade. If you are in a fringe area a Televes
wideband aerial (DAT 45 or 75) is probably the best bet with a Televes
masthead and PSU. Which reminds me to get out the scaffold tower and
install mine. Still in the box after four months!

Peter Scott

On Nov 22, 4:18 pm, Peter Scott wrote:

Probably a good time to upgrade. If you are in a fringe area a Televes
wideband aerial (DAT 45 or 75) is probably the best bet with a Televes
masthead and PSU. Which reminds me to get out the scaffold tower and
install mine. Still in the box after four months!

Peter Scott

I can beat that; I've got a nice branded aerial that's sat on top of
my son's wardrobe for almost 2 years now without being fitted. Maybe
next weekend....

Matt

wrote:
On Nov 22, 4:18 pm, Peter Scott wrote:

Probably a good time to upgrade. If you are in a fringe area a Televes
wideband aerial (DAT 45 or 75) is probably the best bet with a Televes
masthead and PSU. Which reminds me to get out the scaffold tower and
install mine. Still in the box after four months!

Peter Scott

I can beat that; I've got a nice branded aerial that's sat on top of
my son's wardrobe for almost 2 years now without being fitted. Maybe
next weekend....

Matt

Hee hee. There ought to be an acronym or phrase like those round tuit
badges that people used to get. Suggestions invited. Especially if it
has a kind of hermetic masonic secret ring to it, so that only we know
what it means.

Anyway I know when it'll be you'll do it. The day after you (or someone
more important in your household!) get half-way something looked forward
to and the piccy starts to pixellate. Mind you I wouldn't have minded
the Croatia game going that way.

Peter Scott

"Peter Scott" wrote in message
om...


GMM wrote:
We live in a poor TV reception area (really must get a new aerial!),
so the digital will often go a bit dodgy. I notice, however, that it
always pauses when something electrical switches (lights, the fridge,
the heating etc). I doubt that it's the digital box, as this has
happened with both of two independent ones that we've had. Now, it
could be simply what happens when the signal is pretty marginal, but I
got to wondering whether it says something about the state of the
wiring. Just wondered whether anyone had any bright ideas?

Do you have a masthead amplifier? Its a little box fixed to the mast
outside about 1 metre down from the aerial. In some places the voltage
drops momentarily when something switches on. Hits me because I live at
the end of a long overhead line. This might cause the amp to stop amping
so much for a moment and cause the glitch.

Probably a good time to upgrade. If you are in a fringe area a Televes
wideband aerial (DAT 45 or 75) is probably the best bet with a Televes
masthead and PSU. Which reminds me to get out the scaffold tower and
install mine. Still in the box after four months!

Peter Scott

Why are you suggesting that the OP gets a wideband aerial when he
hasn't told us what transmitter he uses? A grouped aerial may be more
appropriate.
Incidently, which transmitter are you intending to point your Televes at?
--
Graham

%Profound_observation%

In article , Graham.
scribeth thus


"Peter Scott" wrote in message
news:meudnYJkaLNyNtjanZ2dnUVZ8tOmnZ2d@brightview. com...


GMM wrote:
We live in a poor TV reception area (really must get a new aerial!),
so the digital will often go a bit dodgy. I notice, however, that it
always pauses when something electrical switches (lights, the fridge,
the heating etc). I doubt that it's the digital box, as this has
happened with both of two independent ones that we've had. Now, it
could be simply what happens when the signal is pretty marginal, but I
got to wondering whether it says something about the state of the
wiring. Just wondered whether anyone had any bright ideas?

Do you have a masthead amplifier? Its a little box fixed to the mast
outside about 1 metre down from the aerial. In some places the voltage
drops momentarily when something switches on. Hits me because I live at
the end of a long overhead line. This might cause the amp to stop amping
so much for a moment and cause the glitch.

Probably a good time to upgrade. If you are in a fringe area a Televes
wideband aerial (DAT 45 or 75) is probably the best bet with a Televes
masthead and PSU. Which reminds me to get out the scaffold tower and
install mine. Still in the box after four months!

Peter Scott

Why are you suggesting that the OP gets a wideband aerial when he
hasn't told us what transmitter he uses? A grouped aerial may be more
appropriate.
Incidently, which transmitter are you intending to point your Televes at?

Bill Wright reckons an Antiference 18 element is as good that those
thelves bling things!...
--
Tony Sayer

Graham. wrote:
"Peter Scott" wrote in message
om...

GMM wrote:
We live in a poor TV reception area (really must get a new aerial!),
so the digital will often go a bit dodgy. I notice, however, that it
always pauses when something electrical switches (lights, the fridge,
the heating etc). I doubt that it's the digital box, as this has
happened with both of two independent ones that we've had. Now, it
could be simply what happens when the signal is pretty marginal, but I
got to wondering whether it says something about the state of the
wiring. Just wondered whether anyone had any bright ideas?
Do you have a masthead amplifier? Its a little box fixed to the mast
outside about 1 metre down from the aerial. In some places the voltage
drops momentarily when something switches on. Hits me because I live at
the end of a long overhead line. This might cause the amp to stop amping
so much for a moment and cause the glitch.

Probably a good time to upgrade. If you are in a fringe area a Televes
wideband aerial (DAT 45 or 75) is probably the best bet with a Televes
masthead and PSU. Which reminds me to get out the scaffold tower and
install mine. Still in the box after four months!

Peter Scott

Why are you suggesting that the OP gets a wideband aerial when he
hasn't told us what transmitter he uses? A grouped aerial may be more
appropriate.
Incidently, which transmitter are you intending to point your Televes at?

Talcolnestone. Go on. Your are going to tell me it's no good for that!
Aaargh! At least I haven't fitted it yet.

Peter Scott

GMM wrote:
We live in a poor TV reception area (really must get a new aerial!),
so the digital will often go a bit dodgy. I notice, however, that it
always pauses when something electrical switches (lights, the fridge,
the heating etc). I doubt that it's the digital box, as this has
happened with both of two independent ones that we've had. Now, it
could be simply what happens when the signal is pretty marginal, but I
got to wondering whether it says something about the state of the
wiring. Just wondered whether anyone had any bright ideas?
Do you have a masthead amplifier? Its a little box fixed to the mast
outside about 1 metre down from the aerial. In some places the voltage
drops momentarily when something switches on. Hits me because I live at
the end of a long overhead line. This might cause the amp to stop amping
so much for a moment and cause the glitch.

Probably a good time to upgrade. If you are in a fringe area a Televes
wideband aerial (DAT 45 or 75) is probably the best bet with a Televes
masthead and PSU. Which reminds me to get out the scaffold tower and
install mine. Still in the box after four months!

Peter Scott

Why are you suggesting that the OP gets a wideband aerial when he
hasn't told us what transmitter he uses? A grouped aerial may be more
appropriate.
Incidently, which transmitter are you intending to point your Televes at?

Talcolnestone. Go on. Your are going to tell me it's no good for that!
Aaargh! At least I haven't fitted it yet.

'fraid so Peter. All Tacolneston channels, pre and post switch-over are
at the top end of the band, and a Group C/D aerial is best.
That means you can achieve the same or better gain and directivity
with an aerial a fraction of the weight, wind-loading, and, of course,
price.


--
Graham

%Profound_observation%

Graham. wrote:
GMM wrote:
We live in a poor TV reception area (really must get a new aerial!),
so the digital will often go a bit dodgy. I notice, however, that it
always pauses when something electrical switches (lights, the fridge,
the heating etc). I doubt that it's the digital box, as this has
happened with both of two independent ones that we've had. Now, it
could be simply what happens when the signal is pretty marginal, but I
got to wondering whether it says something about the state of the
wiring. Just wondered whether anyone had any bright ideas?
Do you have a masthead amplifier? Its a little box fixed to the mast
outside about 1 metre down from the aerial. In some places the voltage
drops momentarily when something switches on. Hits me because I live at
the end of a long overhead line. This might cause the amp to stop amping
so much for a moment and cause the glitch.

Probably a good time to upgrade. If you are in a fringe area a Televes
wideband aerial (DAT 45 or 75) is probably the best bet with a Televes
masthead and PSU. Which reminds me to get out the scaffold tower and
install mine. Still in the box after four months!

Peter Scott
Why are you suggesting that the OP gets a wideband aerial when he
hasn't told us what transmitter he uses? A grouped aerial may be more
appropriate.
Incidently, which transmitter are you intending to point your Televes at?
Talcolnestone. Go on. Your are going to tell me it's no good for that!
Aaargh! At least I haven't fitted it yet.

'fraid so Peter. All Tacolneston channels, pre and post switch-over are
at the top end of the band, and a Group C/D aerial is best.
That means you can achieve the same or better gain and directivity
with an aerial a fraction of the weight, wind-loading, and, of course,
price.

I knew it was C/D but didn't see why a wideband should be a problem. You
seem to be agreeing except for the factors you've listed. I don't think
the long C/D aerial I'm replacing is any lighter nor less liable to wind
pressure. So I guess I'll go ahead and use the Televes, which is
shorter. What do you think of Televes amps? The one I've got has three
variable gain inputs (UHF, VHF and DAT) that it multiplexes down to one
feed cable. Feels well engineered.

Peter Scott

In article , Peter
Scott scribeth thus


Graham. wrote:
"Peter Scott" wrote in message
om...

GMM wrote:
We live in a poor TV reception area (really must get a new aerial!),
so the digital will often go a bit dodgy. I notice, however, that it
always pauses when something electrical switches (lights, the fridge,
the heating etc). I doubt that it's the digital box, as this has
happened with both of two independent ones that we've had. Now, it
could be simply what happens when the signal is pretty marginal, but I
got to wondering whether it says something about the state of the
wiring. Just wondered whether anyone had any bright ideas?
Do you have a masthead amplifier? Its a little box fixed to the mast
outside about 1 metre down from the aerial. In some places the voltage
drops momentarily when something switches on. Hits me because I live at
the end of a long overhead line. This might cause the amp to stop amping
so much for a moment and cause the glitch.

Probably a good time to upgrade. If you are in a fringe area a Televes
wideband aerial (DAT 45 or 75) is probably the best bet with a Televes
masthead and PSU. Which reminds me to get out the scaffold tower and
install mine. Still in the box after four months!

Peter Scott

Why are you suggesting that the OP gets a wideband aerial when he
hasn't told us what transmitter he uses? A grouped aerial may be more
appropriate.
Incidently, which transmitter are you intending to point your Televes at?

Talcolnestone. Go on. Your are going to tell me it's no good for that!
Aaargh! At least I haven't fitted it yet.

Peter Scott

Taccy?, Where are yew in darkest Narfolke?..
--
Tony Sayer

tony sayer wrote:
In article , Peter
Scott scribeth thus

Graham. wrote:
"Peter Scott" wrote in message
om...
GMM wrote:
We live in a poor TV reception area (really must get a new aerial!),
so the digital will often go a bit dodgy. I notice, however, that it
always pauses when something electrical switches (lights, the fridge,
the heating etc). I doubt that it's the digital box, as this has
happened with both of two independent ones that we've had. Now, it
could be simply what happens when the signal is pretty marginal, but I
got to wondering whether it says something about the state of the
wiring. Just wondered whether anyone had any bright ideas?
Do you have a masthead amplifier? Its a little box fixed to the mast
outside about 1 metre down from the aerial. In some places the voltage
drops momentarily when something switches on. Hits me because I live at
the end of a long overhead line. This might cause the amp to stop amping
so much for a moment and cause the glitch.

Probably a good time to upgrade. If you are in a fringe area a Televes
wideband aerial (DAT 45 or 75) is probably the best bet with a Televes
masthead and PSU. Which reminds me to get out the scaffold tower and
install mine. Still in the box after four months!

Peter Scott
Why are you suggesting that the OP gets a wideband aerial when he
hasn't told us what transmitter he uses? A grouped aerial may be more
appropriate.
Incidently, which transmitter are you intending to point your Televes at?
Talcolnestone. Go on. Your are going to tell me it's no good for that!
Aaargh! At least I haven't fitted it yet.

Peter Scott

Taccy?, Where are yew in darkest Narfolke?..

Thas roight bor

We keep it's joys a secret so that not too many people want to move
here. Some one suggested that as there's only about 5 km of Norfolk
border that isn't a river, we ought to build a wall or a moat. Trouble
is we can't afford that as we need the money to stop the sea washing
some of us away. I was outraged to see agricultural land described as
'low value' in some boneheaded politician's drivel excusing the neglect.
Ask 99% of the world's population what land is most valuable and they'll
say land you can grow food on. What weird ideas the great deep thinking
ones have got!!

Unfortunately the glitterati seem to have discovered where I live in
North Norfolk. They'll go away before long I expect.

Peter Scott