Smithsonian Channel 99

[pastafreak]

I retuned my tv not long back so that I could get this channel and also PBS America(91). Now, according to RT, both are listed as HD only. When I get to 91 or 99, there is no signal, and neither channel is with other HD channels. Do I need to retune again?

[aelmpvw]

just tried channels 91 and 99 and have them here?

[gingejbee]

...and presumably you do get other channels in HD?

[pastafreak]

Yes...I've got other HD channels.
When I go to 91 and 99, I get "weak or no signal" ..."check aerial cable connection and saved channels"
I had no problems when I first retuned about 6-8 weeks ago.

[derek-33]

yes i have both here 99 / 91 from emley moor trans:

[Buenchico]

The signal strengths of TV transmissions at your location don't remain constant. They're affected by all sorts of things, such as atmospheric pressure, precipitation, the 11-year sunspot cycle, individual flares on the Sun's surface, obstructions in the path of the signals, interference from other transmitting devices, interference from your (or your neighbour's) microwave oven, etc etc..

Further, all aerials are betting at 'pulling in' some frequencies than others and some multiplexes (= bundles of channels) are transmitted with lower power than others to avoid interference problems. (Some transmitter signal strength are also being reduced to avoid interference with 5G mobile signals).

You've got a fairly weak signal at your location on the Com7 and Com8 HD multiplexes (which include the Smithsonian Channel and PBS respectively), which your aerial can only cope with when the prevailing reception conditions are at their best. However once those conditions deteriorate (due, say, to changes in atmospheric pressure) your aerial isn't up to the job.

Buy one of these
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/5713543
and one of these
https://www.screwfix.com/p/fly-lead-coaxial-plug-to-plug-1m/41720
plug them in between your aerial lead and your telly and all should be well. (You might need to retune after fitting them but I doubt it).

[pastafreak]

Thanks for that, Chris. Just before coming back to this, I went to the freeview site and discovered that I can't get all HD channels at my address. I was about to ask why...you've explained it. Thanks. I'm just annoyed that I was briefly teased with being able to get these channels...and only a few weeks ago. Grrr!

[albaqwerty]

hope this link may help Pasta xx

https://www.stream2watch.ws/streaming-television/united-states/

[pastafreak]

Ooo...thanks alba. I'll investigate that link when I'm a bit more awake. ;)