Not all Freeview channels are available from my transmitter
We’re occasionally asked why a person’s local TV transmitter does not show all of the Freeview channels. In most cases, we get this question from people in rural locations that are served by what’s known as a ‘relay transmitter’.
When the Digital Switchover got underway, the estimates were that over 98% of homes would be able to get the main TV channels via Freeview by the end of 2012. Only around 90% would be able to get all of the Freeview channels – in other words, not all of the Freeview channels will be available to everyone, especially those using a small relay transmitter.
What is a Relay Transmitter?
Unfortunately, not all Freeview channels are available everywhere in the UK, and the problem is worse in rural areas, as well as in areas with lots of hill, mountains or valleys.
Land-based TV transmitters need what’s known as “line of sight” between the TV transmitter and the TV aerial. If there’s something in the way, such as a mountain or a hill, or you live in a dip or a valley, then you may not be able to get a signal from the main TV transmitter.
Freeview TV signal blocked by a mountain
In some areas, “relay transmitters” are installed, to provide service where it’s not possible to get a signal from the main TV transmitter.
During the Digital TV Switchover, priority was given to upgrading the larger transmitters first, meaning that some relay transmitters not upgraded that quickly, or could not be upgraded to show all of the Freeview channels.
Limitations of a Relay Transmitter
Old analogue relay transmitters used to broadcast BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. In many cases, when the relay was converted to a digital service, the relay transmitter could only be upgraded to carry the most-watched channels, as opposed to the entire range of Freeview TV and radio channels.
Many smaller relay transmitters only carry around 18 of the Freeview channels. These include BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, as well as channels such as BBC Three, ITV2 and E4. This is because the relay transmitter would only be upgraded to support three of the multiplexes, known as the Public Service Broadcast multiplexes.
Although it would in theory be possible to upgrade a relay transmitter to get all of the Freeview channels, in many cases, it’s not cost-effective to replace the relay with a transmitter that can cope with all of the Freeview channels. The aim is to ensure that the main TV channels are provided (as before the switchover), plus the more popular digital channels.
Alternatives?
If your relay does not offer all of the Freeview channels, and you can’t get a signal from a transmitter that does offer more channels, then one option is to consider satellite TV. These get signals from orbiting satellites, and things like hills and mountains are generally less of a problem.
The Freesat service is available without subscription, or if you’re looking for more channels, in return for a monthly payment, there’s pay TV from Sky.
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