www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

Not really computers but this seemed like the best place to put this.

I had two identical freeview boxes, one in the kitchen and one in the conservatory, both of the remotes have got wet now and again and eventually were no longer functioning correctly.

A new remote (even if I could have found the right one) was going to cost almost as much as a new cheapie set top box.

So I bought a new set top box.

I installed it this morning and trying to view either BBC1 or BBC2 it tells me that the signal is not strong enough.

It was never a problem before; I'm using the same scart lead and the same aerial lead.

I've checked where my nearest transmitter is located and the aerial appears to be pointing in pretty much the right direction.

Viewing ITV, (works OK) and using the *info* button on the remote I can see details of the signal strength - it's @ 39% for ITV which doesn't sound good, but it's the same as on the BBC channels - although it was fluctuating from 39% to 46%. on BBC 1 & 2.

Quite a few other channels are also saying *poor signal* and are not watchable.

I need to know if this is a duff box or just a too cheap box, is there some component in a better box which can deal with the signal strength as it is? The previous Freeview box appeared to cope without problems.

the quality can vary quite a lot indeed the £20 box from lidl was moaning the signal was to strong
have you changed both boxes ??
do both boxes give you problems ??
did you do an auto tune rather than a manual tune??

big-all wrote:the quality can vary quite a lot indeed the £20 box from lidl was moaning the signal was to strong
have you changed both boxes ??
do both boxes give you problems ??
did you do an auto tune rather than a manual tune??

Only changed the one box - but they are not connected in any way except by being plugged into the same ring main for power and the same aerial for signal.

Both original boxes still work fine (Tesco - £17 about 5 years ago) - I can view all the channels on the menu - it's the remotes that are a problem with the old boxes - I can remember which buttons work and how to work around it, my wife can't.

Yes, auto tune, I've never done anything else with them, wouldn't know how.

K_E will be along to moan shortly, but from my experience when working with OEM products, TV tuners can vary from "how did this even make it into the country" to "the receiver circuit is so sensitive, the producer will shoot his load if you go near it".

I won't touch crappy branded sets, tuners, freeview boxes, etc, etc - just not worth it. Take it back, spend the extra 10'er and get something that's had more QC and development money put into it than a meal at McDonalds.

BG

Wot? Have I got myself a reputation or sumthing?

No, on this occasion I'm right behind you BG (bend over, there's a good chap ) - TBH I prefer to spend on quality products anytime it's for something 'important'.

kellys_eye wrote:
TBH I prefer to spend on quality products anytime it's for something 'important'.

Me too, but this is Telly, I could easily manage without one. (and have done for years at a stretch in the past).

I'll get in touch with the seller and see about getting my £12.99 back.

If I look for another one, what should I be looking for? Bearing in mind my original box was only a cheapie. I thought, "if it works it works", I wasn't expecting it to only be able to receive some channels based on signal strength.

my thoughts are to switch the boxes over
as you may find the signal is better/cleaner in the other room
or at least you can proove you havent disturbed any wireing if the fault transferes [only move the box and not any cables supplies]

big-all wrote:my thoughts are to switch the boxes over
as you may find the signal is better/cleaner in the other room
or at least you can proove you havent disturbed any wireing if the fault transferes [only move the box and not any cables supplies]

Switch what boxes? There's only one new box and everything comes off one aerial feed from the loft.

Whatever I plug in will be the same wherever it's put. Wont it?.

The other tellies in the house are working fine off the same aerial.

I've put the old Freeview box back on now - it works perfectly with all channels - the remote is no different though.

I have an actual compass bearing now to check the aerial against - I shall do that later this evening, (but I'm sure it's close enough already).

What box is the old one AJ - can't you get one of those crappy 'all-4-1' remotes? They are cheap as chips and work with most stuff, it's only got to do channel, guide and volume really.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/p ... :1o1|bku:1

BG

swop with other one ??
"I had two identical freeview boxes, one in the kitchen and one in the conservatory, both of the remotes have got wet now and again and eventually were no longer functioning correctly.
"
still try it in another position as you may be able to swop it over with a tv with a built in tuner

big-all wrote: swop with other one ??
"I had two identical freeview boxes, one in the kitchen and one in the conservatory, both of the remotes have got wet now and again and eventually were no longer functioning correctly.
"
still try it in another position as you may be able to swop it over with a tv with a built in tuner

I also said " So I bought a new set top box." and "I installed it this morning" - both singular BA.

There's nothing to swop with, my main telly is in the lounge, with built in freeview; it's too big to go in the kitchen even if I wanted to move it, the TV in the conservatory is also too big to use in the kitchen and they will all be running off the same aerial anyway - I can't see that it matters which room they're in or which telly has which box.

Both old Freeview boxes and the main telly with a built in tuner work perfectly off the existing aerial, the only thing not working is the new box, (and the old remotes).

It's either going back or going in the bin.

BillyGoat wrote:What box is the old one AJ - can't you get one of those crappy 'all-4-1' remotes? They are cheap as chips and work with most stuff, it's only got to do channel, guide and volume really.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/p ... :1o1|bku:1

BG

The old boxes came from Tesco, name on the front is SEG.

This one linked below looks identical, (except for the colour), I did look for one (unsuccessfully) before buying the new box but decided that the small price difference meant a cheap new box was a better buy - it would be if it worked.

http://www.genuinecopies.tv/remotes/bra ... segs7b.htm

I'll probably send this new box back and look for a better one once I find out what to look for.

Update: Ebay seller has issued a refund for the new box and told me to keep it - just shows how much it's worth really.

I tried the new box on the TV in the conservatory this morning and whilst it's marginally better it's not watchable.

I've now ordered a replacement remote for the old one.

Update to the update: replacement remote arrived this morning, everything working as normal again with the old set top box.

Bought from here, http://www.genuinecopies.tv/ I paid for it via paypal at about 12:00 yesterday and it arrived in the post this morning - under 24 hours, can't fault service like that so I thought it was worth a mention.

Anyone want a crap set top box - free? Might be OK if you have a better signal than I do.

ayjay wrote:Update to the update: replacement remote arrived this morning, everything working as normal again with the old set top box.

Bought from here, http://www.genuinecopies.tv/ I paid for it via paypal at about 12:00 yesterday and it arrived in the post this morning - under 24 hours, can't fault service like that so I thought it was worth a mention.

Anyone want a crap set top box - free? Might be OK if you have a better signal than I do.

Given that you are nearer to the transmitter on the IOW than me...no thanks..

I think you might have to actually live on the Island to be able to make use of the box.......