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18 months ago I got a new TV - HD, ready for digital etc, and with 'Freeview' incorporated. Reception of Freeview is dreadful in warm weather, due mainly I understand because:
1. I am on a 'communal' aeriel.
2. Virtually surrounded by trees.
3. Atmospherics.
I have been told that the solution to these problems is to get Sky TV who have on offer until 31st May a free Sky+ box for anyone signing up for one of their TV packages.
The functions of the Sky+ box sound incredible and so simple to use. Anyone out there got one?
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Smithy, We have a Virgin+ box, which works the same way as Sky`s. The difference being that our signal comes via cable and yours via satellite dish.
I would say with certainty that changing your box won`t solve your problems as the three problems you have listed will still be present. Until those are resolved, I`m afraid viewing is going to be impaired. Trees are a real problem, reception being perfect in winter then rapidly falling off as the leaves begin to grow.
As for the + plus box, they really are great. Recording two different programs whilst watching a third all at the same time is a real plus (pardon the pun). The ability to rewind live programs is also a bonus when those anmnoying phone calls or door bells interrupt. The hard disk also stores 72 hours of programs. This may sound excessive, but we have already amassed about 12 hours of unwatched films etc.
Jim
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Thanks for info. Jim. Its so frustrating, as I did have great reception for 'freeview' for about 4 months in winter, then nothing for several weeks now (trees in full leaf). Re resolving the 3 problems - communal aeriel to be upgraded this year in readiness for digital but I am not convinced that it will help very much, as there were 50 flats and bungalows using it, several of whom have now bought their own aeriels ; the trees here are main problem, and protected by Tree Preservation Orders so not a lot can be done there.
The +boxes sound fantastic, so I'll do a bit more delving and see what I can do.
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Good news Jim...last week my next-door neighbour was having Sky installed, so I had a word with the installation engineer about problem with trees round here, in particular a large clump of them at the back where the dish would be fitted - good news is that the dish points to the left of the trees to receive the signal (and not through them), so I acted quickly last Thursday so as to qualify for free Sky+ box. Installed this morning...brilliant, reception perfect! Engineer did say that some residents here cant get Sky as dish has to face south-east....I'm one of the lucky ones - no trees to the s.e. Incidentally, the engineer this morning said that he qualifies for free Sky but cant have it because of tree problem.....so he has cable.
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Smithy, Glad it`s worked out OK for you. Will you let me know how you compare your HD picture with the normal one? I ask this because we stepped up to HD from digital and there wasn`t a terrific amount of difference. That was because the digital reception was so good. I suppose that analogue to HD in one step is where you will see the biggest difference.
Jim
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Nice to hear you had a happy outcome, Smithy!
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Thanks Linda. Having no children, I've usually been slow on the uptake when it comes to new technology (and regretted it later) - its only 4 years ago that I got my computer and realised what I had been missing!! So through the Forum (and a neice who is very good at nudging me in the right direction) I am delighted with the outcome.
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Smithy, Regarding the quality of your HD TV reception , I have finaly fought my way through several `script reading` Indian ladies in the Virgin control centre and have got a home visit booked from a technician on Wednesday evening.
I was lead to believe that the difference between DTV and HD was greater than that between black & white and colour - some hope!!!!
Last night, whilst watching the Euro Cup Final, I toggled between BBC1 and BBC HD and to tell the truth, neither Marjorie or myself could spot any difference between the two. I have to say that both were superb programs - but that`s not the point is it?
Hopefully I can report a miracle cure (or not - as the case may be).
Could it be that we have yet to view the wonders of HD?
Jim
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