Retuning a Sky Digibox, Freeview Box & Video Recorder

Retuning advice Sky TV Digibox, Freeview box & VCR

This retuning guide helps you to re-tune your Sky TV Digibox, Freeview Box, PVR or VCR to resolve interference problems caused by the addition of new terrestrial digital TV channels in the UK.

We describe retuning procedures for adjusting the UHF channel used by a Sky Digibox or Freeview Set Top Box to avoid causing patterning interference to existing analogue TV channels. We also help you solve interference problems caused by poor Sky TV installations and UHF DVB-T multiplex channels.

Digital TV, Set Top Box & VCR Retuning Advice

Before you can re-tune your TV equipment, it is necessary to identify free UHF TV channels which are not used by analogue or digital TV in your area. You can then adjust the UHF modulator of your Sky Digibox, Freeview Box or VCR, to use these channels thus avoiding interference.

In the UK, TV frequencies are split into separate UHF TV channels the lowest UHF frequency being designated channel 21 and the highest channel 68. Nowadays, with many additional TV channels being used for Freeview DVB-T digital multiplexes, finding a clear UHF channel for your Sky Digibox or Freeview receiver UHF modulator can be a real challenge.

To assist, you first need to identify which UHF TV channels are used in your area for both digital and analogue TV services. You must then avoid these channels when adjusting the UHF modulator channel of any Sky Digibox, Freeview Set Top Box, PVR or Video Recorder. Start by obtaining all of the digital (DVB-T) and analogue TV channels used in your area by clicking here.

Then adjust the UHF channel modulator of your Freeview box, Sky Digibox, PVR and VCR to be at least two channels away from any analogue TV channel in your area and at least one channel away from any DVB-T digital TV multiplex. When adjustment is complete, check all analogue TV pictures and your VCR channel (often Channel 0 on your TV) are free from patterning interference with all set top boxes and peripherals powered on.

If TV patterning interference is still present on any TV channel after re-tuning, we recommend adjusting the UHF modulator to alternative, unused UHF channel number/s for your Sky Digibox, Freeview Set Top Box and Video.

Example: Newbury, Berkshire

Here in Newbury, Berkshire, our local TV transmitter is Hannington with reception also possible in favourable locations from Crystal Palace and Oxford. Therefore, the UHF modulator channel used for Freeview or Sky Digiboxinstallations around Newbury should be adjusted to avoid all of the UHF channel numbers listed below for the Hannington TV transmitter and depending on received signal levels the Crystal Palace and Oxford UHF channels may have to be avoided too.

If your get TV reception from the Oxford or Crystal Palace transmitter (London) you'll also need to avoid the analogue andDVB-T digital multiplex UHF channels used by whichever of these transmitters serves you, when retuning the UHF modulator channel for any Freeview box or Sky Digibox.

Berkshire Analogue TV and Freeview Channels

A complete list of all current UHF TV channels used for Freeview digital TV and analogue TV channels in Berkshire is givenbelow. A "D" suffix against a channel number indicates that it is used to transmit digital TV:-

Hannington TV Transmitter

35 (CH5 Analogue), 39 (BBC1 South Analogue), 40D, 41D, 42 (ITV1 Meridian-N Analogue), 43D, 44D, 45 (BBC2 South Analogue), 46D, 50D, 66 (CH4 South Analogue).

Crystal Palace TV Transmitter

22D, 23 (ITV1 Analogue), 25D, 26 (BBC1 London Analogue), 28D, 29D, 30 (CH4 London Analogue), 32D, 33 (BBC2 London Analogue), 34D, 37 (CH5 London Analogue).

Oxford TV Transmitter

29D, 34D, 47 (Six TV Oxford Analogue), 48D, 49 (CH5 Oxford Analogue), 51D, 52D, 53 (CH4 Oxford Analogue), 57 (BBC1 Oxford Analogue), 60 (ITV1 Oxford Analogue), 63 (BBC2 Oxford Analogue), 68D.

Sky Digibox UHF Channel Adjustment / Retuning

To adjust the UHF modulator channel of a Sky Digibox, turn on the receiver and press "Services" on the Sky handset. Then press "4" to enter "System Setup". Then press thefollowing keys on the handset one after the other in quick succession: "0" then "1" then "Select". This will make the Sky Digibox enter the "Installer Setup".

Then press "4" for RF Outlets to access the menu to adjust the modulator RF channel number. The default channel number at Sky Digibox installation is 68 (the highest channel number). This is rather stupid as higher channels have the most signal loss. To get the best picture, try to choose a free UHF channel number which is as low as possible and away from any analogue or digital TV channels transmitted in your region. Enter a new UHF channel number with the Sky handset and save the changes by pressing "Select" before quitting the menu.

I use Channel 52 or 56 in Newbury, but another UHF channel may be needed in your area! Read our Digital TV re-tuning procedure for help in finding a clear UHF TV channel suitable for your Sky Digibox modulator.

When in the Installer Setup menu, do not turn on the RF Outlet Power Supply unless you are using a Sky TV distribution amplifier or TV Link and Remote Eye connected to RF Outlet No. 2 which requires 12 volt power from the coaxial cable.

UHF Modulator Adjustment on Video Recorders

Older Video Recorders (VCR's)

It is imperative that the UHF modulator channel of a video recorder is adjusted to an unoccupied TV frequency, so as not to cause interference to your own analogue and digital TV reception. Some older video recorders have a screw adjustment to adjust the UHF modulator frequency. These older video recorders (VCR's) usually have a restriction on the range of UHF channels (frequencies) that can be tuned. Modulator adjustment is normally possible between about UHF CH31 and 40). Click here for an example UHF frequency adjustment on the back of a Sony video recorder. Similar adjustments are present on most old video recorders.

Set your TV to an unused TV channel in your area and then adjust the video recorder's UHF channel adjustment screw carefully with a small screwdriver to get an interference-free picture from the video recorder for tape playback. When the re-tuning is completed, check each of your analogue TV channels (BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5) for signs of patterning interference with the video recorder playing a pre-recorded tape. If interference is present on any analogue TV channel, slightly re-tune the video modulator adjustment screw to minimise it. Use the UHF channel adjustment screw to re-tune the video recorder UHF signal away from the frequencies used by analogue TV channels and digital TV multiplexes.

Recent Model Video Recorders (VCR's)

The UHF modulator channel adjustment on later video recorders is carried out with the video recorder handset using the on-screen installation menus with adjustment possible between Ch21 to Ch68. (see your particular video recorder manual for adjustment details). Again, pick a clear UHF channel for the modulator.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this digital TV retuning guide is provided in good faith and is accurate to the best of our ability. No guarantees are offered concerning accuracy of information provided. Use this information entirely at your own risk. We cannot be held responsible for any personal injury or equipment damage arising directly or indirectly from using knowledge gained or advice given in this website.

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