Solution to interference on Freeview?

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Hello all,

Have just bought a Panny 42"PZ85 and a Sony PS3. At
the moment I'm just watching Freeview with a Sagem Hard Drive box. When
I try to connect my PS3 the Freeview channels experience interference
on the box and the TV Freeview, lots of blocky pictures, and then when
I rescan for the channels lots are missing.

So removed the PS3
and its pretty much back to normal after re-scanning for channels a
number of times. So I tried even just connecting the HDMI cable
(Monster M1000) just to the back of the TV and got interference from
that too (without the PS3 connected).

So I know its probably just
down to a poor reception, so can anyone recommend a solution?
Unfortunately theres no way I can get up to the aerial, but as I say
reception is good otherwise.

Do I need a booster box (which I don't know much about) or is it something to do with 'dirty power'? (just using a cheap multi connector)
Any help appreciated, thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Sounds like a signal strength issue, easy to fix by buying a booster. They are quite cheap.
Whilst you are at it why not buy a tacima x6 block to plug everything into, improves the picture and sound nicely.

 

[Anonymous]

Here is my suggestion to track down the problem.

Connect the TV only to the aerial. Scan for digital channels and then using the TV's inbuilt strength and quality meters check the quality and strength from each MUX. If you get strength of 8+ and quality of 8+ then you should be home free for Freeview.

Next If you are using a pass through aerial connection or a splitter for the Sagem box put that into the scheme and repeat the above test. If you lose any strength or quality then either the Sagem box (or splitter) or the aerial might be at fault. It's quite cheap to have the aerial checked out.

Next Try connecting a different HDMI cable to your TV to see if you get the problem you mention with the monster cable. If yes then your TV may have a fault. If no then you almost certainly have your answer.

Signal amps can work but bear in mind they amplify distortion/ interference as well as the signal. I'd avoid if at all possible.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Trevor and welshboy for your time.

I think there may be a problem with the wiring in my aerial socket. With the aerial plugged direct into the TV it got very slightly better, showing around 30% signal strength and 60% quality. Then I fiddled with the aerial connection into the wall (simply spun it around in socket) and the picture improved to around 55% strength and 95% quality.

I then connected it through the Sagem box and lost a little signal quality but i think thats just because of a male to female adaptor to connect the aerial lead into the box (sorry, dont know the correct terminology).

I then connected my PS3 via the HDMI and again after a little twiddling on the aerial socket got the strength and quality back up to 55% and 95%. When i get a little time I'll get into the socket and check it out.

welshboy........ with the signal quality being so high and the signal strength being only 50%, do you think it will be worth connecting a booster, if after checking the socket all is ok? and is it worth paying a little extra for the power multi adaptor as Trevor suggests? and any recommendations?

Thanks again

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Paul

Ok first thing to try is to open the wall plate where the aerial is and check all is secure. (assuming you are competent to do so) Might even be worth replacing the wall plate with a new one. If this does not fix the problem the your next step is an aerial specialist. It could be the aerial, the coax down from the roof or both. If you are using the original aerial you had for analogue TV you might need to get a wideband aerial fitted as well. Make sure you get an installer who knows what he is doing and one who will use good quality kit. The CAI logo or "Registered Digital Installer" are the things to look for (although not always infallible and there are some good guys out there who are not registered). If you Google either phrase you'll find a list of installers in your area.

Boosters are only used by the pro's after the basic installation has been checked and shown to be as good as it can be. TBH if your aerial has been up more than 10 years chances are the coax on the outside is shot by now. If you need a booster get a masthead one fitted for preference by your installer.

As regars mains conditioners - you pays your money and takes your choice. I would certainly get the signal side sorted out first then think about a conditioner. If you do get one - get it sale or return and try it out. One thing that I think is worth having is a surge protector (a lot of conditioners have these built-in), they are not infallible but do offer a degree of protection. The protection is determined by the joule rating which is usually in tiny letters on the packaging somewhere - bigger the better, or choose a reputable brand.