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Early Freeview boxes become obsolete

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  • Posted at 12:02pm
  • 30 August 2008
  • by DoctorDigital-RT
  • 5 comments

Q Could you explain why thousands of set-top boxes are apparently no longer able to receive digital signals?
Brian Collins, Yeovil

A A number of Freeview boxes did stop working recently. Over to a Freeview spokesperson for the details: "It's a consequence of technology evolving. In 2002, when Freeview launched, there were around 30 TV channels. Since then, DMOL , the company that manages technical changes to the Freeview platform, has made enhancements to the infrastructure, and Freeview now offers up to 48 TV channels plus digital radio and red button features.

"As a result, some early digital boxes (made before the "digital tick" was introduced) have unfortunately stopped working and viewers will need to replace them. The models in question are: Daewoo DS608P and SV900, Labgear DTT100, Triax DVB 2000T, Portland DP100 and Bush IDVCR01. This timetable of work is complete: only the boxes listed above are now obsolete, and no further network enhancements of this kind are planned.

"We estimate that approximately one per cent of all Freeview equipment sold to date will be affected if still in use. We have so far received around 2,500 calls, indicating that a smaller number have actually been affected. As Freeview is a subscription-free service it doesn't hold viewers' names and addresses, but prior warning was given by notifying local press and speaking to regional radio. Those affected should call the appropriate manufacturer who will advise them of the best-value replacement. More information and telephone numbers can be found at www.freeview.co.uk."

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Comments

  • Posted on 16 November 2009
  • at 1:26pm
  • by Dennis Riding

I have 2 "PACE" Free to View adaptors and although re-programming them I still do not get a digital signal for BBC 1 and BBC 2. Is this because the units are old. My other Boxes, namely SEGA are working perfectly after the changeover. Than you.

  • Posted on 06 October 2009
  • at 4:30pm
  • by DoctorDigital-RT

FAO: those who have lost Five since the retune

Freeview's guide to the retune doesn't specifically mention loss of Five as a possible result of retuning. They do say "coverage of Five will increase. More than 500,000 Freeview homes will be able to receive Five for the first time". They don't promise that the overall percentage increase won't still mean some homes losing Five.

Freeview go on to say that "these improvements will ensure that Five will be available to all Freeview homes at the point of switchover [my italics]". Since some regions are not undergoing full digital switchover until 2012, it could be that they risk losing Five until then. To see when your region is due to switch over, go here: http://freeview.co.uk/freeview/Digital-Switchover.

Of course, this is purely speculation on my part. I also get the impression from RT.com users who have been in touch with Freeview themselves that some of the problems were as much a surprise to Freeview as they were to everyone else…

  • Posted on 06 October 2009
  • at 3:00pm
  • by Michael

Until the retune on the 30th Sept I received Channel 5 now all I get is invalid channel. I am told that is because my LCD tv is over 5 years old your comments please.

  • Posted on 21 September 2009
  • at 9:29pm
  • by getting-sick

Not only do weak digital signals break-up, but so do strong ones - the slightest bit of interference from electrical apparatus, including a freeview PVR turning on,even with filters, and ignition interference will kill the sound and break-up the picture.

All that investment in NICAM sound for analogue TV and now we are getting an inferior sound spectrum and poorer sound-staging from digital whilst NICAM is superior. I say let's keep analogue for those who want it; yes, digital displays a bright picture and has bells and whistles but it can't do motion without blurring (watch the grass go fuzzy in sports events, compared to analogue).

  • Posted on 20 January 2009
  • at 5:13pm
  • by hismasters

I live in SW Leicestershire about 25 miles from Sutton Coldfield (Staffs/W.Midlands) with 1000 Kwatts Analogue, but 8 Kwatts Digital - in heavy rain the picture breaks up to crap on all stations but good old fashioned Analogue stays strong clear and true on the four from Sutton' and one from Litchfield (C5), as for Satellite in heavy rain that's gone completely ! - you call this progress??? Digital terrestrial signals to avoid this must be transmitted with stronger/higher power or folks will just keep complaining and/or go to cable, exactly what power will they be transmitted at after Analogues shut down?

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