FAQs

What's happening at the Sheffield transmitter?

On Wednesday 17 March 2010 changes are being made to the Freeview TV service from the Sheffield transmitter. Everyone with a Freeview TV or box receiving signals from the Sheffield transmitter needs to re-tune. Satellite, cable and analogue TV services are not affected.
The technical work takes place in the early hours of 17 March and is expected to be complete by 6am. Viewers can re-tune anytime after 6am.

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Why is the Sheffield re-tune happening?

The re-tune is required as part of the technical preparations for the launch of Freeview High Definition services from the Emley Moor transmitter in the Yorkshire TV region.
Freeview HD is being rolled out in stages across the UK. Leeds and Bradford will receive Freeview HD in Spring 2010. Sheffield and the rest of Yorkshire will receive Freeview HD in 2011 and 2012. For more information on the rollout of Freeview HD see www.freeview.co.uk.

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Why is this re-tune just in Sheffield?

As part of the technical preparations for the rollout of Freeview HD, changes will need to be made at the Sheffield transmitter. Freeview viewers will need to re-tune their TV or box to continue receiving their digital services.
The changes are occuring to prevent interference from neighbouring transmitters.

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Who is affected?

Viewers with a Freeview TV or box (including homes with Top Up TV and BT Vision) who get their signal from the Sheffield transmitter, will need to re-tune their equipment on or after Wednesday 17 March (Viewers can re-tune from 6am on 17 March).
Satellite, cable and analogue TV services are not affected. Any Sheffield viewer finding channels missing on or after 17 March should re-tune their TV or box.

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What do Sheffield viewers need to do?

Viewers with a Freeview digital TV or box (including homes with Top Up TV and BT Vision) who get their signal from the Sheffield transmitter, will need to re-tune their equipment on or after Wednesday 17 March (Viewers can re-tune from 6am on 17 March). To find out which transmitter you watch use the postcode checker on this website.
On this website you will find easy-to-follow re-tune guides for popular makes and models which can be printed or emailed, or call the TV re-tune advice line on 08456 05 11 22.

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I have satellite or cable services, do I need to re-tune?

Satellite and cable services such as Sky, Freesat and Virgin Media are not affected by this re-tune.

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Are you missing subtitles, recordings or your "favourite list"?

After re-tuning, you may need to reset your personal settings such as subtitles, scheduled recordings or your “favourites”. Refer to your instruction manual for how to do this.

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How do I remove the on-screen messages?

To remove the messages from your screen you need to press the yellow button on your remote control. If you don’t, they will disappear after one minute. The on-screen messages will appear each time you change channel to a different broadcaster, for example, if you move from a BBC channel to an ITV channel. However, if you move from BBC1 to BBC2 the messages will not appear again.
They will also appear each time you switch off your Freeview TV or box, or leave it on standby. These messages will stop on 17 March.

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Will I need to re-tune again?

It is good practice for Freeview viewers to re-tune their TVs or boxes from time to time, to receive the latest channel line-up. In addition, viewers will need to re-tune at each stage of the digital switchover. Put in your postcode and house number above to find out your other re-tune dates.

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Where can I find more information on re-tuning?

The vast majority of viewers with a Freeview TV or box find re-tuning straightforward and have no difficulties. You should be aware that the menus for each Freeview box, TV and recorder differ slightly.
On this website you will find easy-to-follow re-tune guides for popular makes and models which can be printed or emailed. Friends or family may also be able to help you, or speak to your local eletrical retailer. If you need any further assistance, an automated advice line will also be available on 08456 05 11 22. Alternatively, contact the manufacturer who should be able to provide advice.

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My Freeview TV or box has stopped working following a re-tune - what can I do?

A limited number of early Freeview TVs and boxes may fail when re-tuned. A list of models affected is available here which includes manufacturer phone numbers. If you discover your equipment is affected, Freeview recommends you contact the manufacturer. 

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When will Freeview High Definition be available in Sheffield?

Viewers receiving TV services from the Sheffield transmitter will be able to receive Freeview HD from switchover 2011. For more information on the rollout of Freeview HD see www.freeview.co.uk.

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I have followed the steps above - why are my BBC digital services still missing?

From 17 March 2010 the power of the signal from the Sheffield transmitter will increase for BBC digital services. This is extremely unlikely to cause any problems, but if you have an aerial amplifier or booster, its “gain” may need to be reduced, to find the point where satisfactory signals can be received on all services. Please contact a local aerial installer if you need advice on how to do this.

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Why am I experiencing interference on BBC TV Services from the Sheffield Transmitter?

At Sheffield, the power used to transmit BBC services is being increased from 17 March 2010. Homes on the fringes of the Sheffield transmitter coverage area who use an aerial amplifier or booster may experience picture breakup on BBC TV services. A local trusted installer will be able to provide advice on your options.

Digital UK recommends that you use a you use a Registered Digital Installer (RDI) identified by the “digital tick” logo. To find a RDI in your area please visit: www.rdi-lb.tv . If there is no RDI available in your area at present you can look for an aerial installer in the Yellow Pages who is a member of the Confederation of Aerial Industries (CAI).

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