If you are experiencing picture break up or missing channels, your problem might be a reception problem and not due to interference. Therefore, you may just need to manually re-tune your television, this can often solve a number of common problems.
A manual re-tune requires you to input the frequency or channel numbers being used by the transmitter your aerial is pointing towards. Our Transmitter Checker tool will help you to decide which transmitter that is.
Finding transmitter and channel numbers
Enter your postcode in the problem assistant tool and it will show the transmitters you should be able to get a good signal from in your area. Using the maps in the tool you should be able to work out the transmitter your aerial is pointing towards. By selecting that transmitter you will be able to check for faults with that transmitter and find the frequencies you need.
Auto re-tune vs Manual re-tune
There are two types of tuning, automatic or manual. Both are done using your remote control. An auto- tune allows the television to tune to services from any transmitter that it can. Manually retuning requires you to input the frequencies individually used by the transmitter that your aerial is directed towards.
Why a manual re-tune is important
Some locations are within range of multiple transmitters. When a television set auto-tunes, it automatically starts from the bottom of the channel or frequency range and works upwards. It tunes in the first channel it comes across, even if they are weaker signals, from a variable transmitter.
What if a manual re-tune does not help?
This may be because your receiver still has the wrong channels stored in its memory. There are two ways to clear the memory:
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Perform a factory reset - from the tuning menu as described in your manufacturer’s instruction manual. Sometimes manufacturers refer to this as 'first time installation' or 'shipping condition'. Press ‘OK’ if your equipment asks whether it is OK to delete existing channels. This will clear your settings.
- Do an auto-tune with the aerial lead removed. This will clear the memory and remove the unwanted, stored channels. The aerial lead will then need to be put back in again.
- Repeat manual re-tune. Following either of the two options above, you need to do a manual re-tune.
Need more help?
If you have difficulty with these options you should seek assistance. Help is available from the Freeview advice line which can be contacted via the Freeview website or on 03456 505050.
