Reception

[sad old git]

TV reception problems.I can't find a catergory on AB to cover this subject, any suggestions please. Thanks.

[Buenchico]

Most people would post in Technology (or possibly in How it Works).

However the first thing to do is to check that there's not any engineering work (or known fault) with the relevant transmitter:
https://ukfree.tv/maps/live

Then look at your TV aerial to see whether it's been knocked out of position by high winds. Also check any connections in the aerial lead that you can access.

Remember that the signal strength at your aerial doesn't remain constant. It varies according to such factors as the weather, atmospheric pressure, the 11-year sunspot cycle, individual solar flares, local interference from devices in your own home (such as computers, monitors, printers, etc), similar interference from your neighbour's houses, other interference from radio transmitters used in vehicles and from 4G phone masts, etc, etc.

Further, the lengths of the elements of your aerial should precisely match the frequency of the incoming signal. However different multiplexes (= bundles of channels) use different frequencies, so any aerial will be better at receiving some multiplexes than others. (i.e. it's not unusual to have an aerial that can pick up some channel groups easily but which still struggles to receive others when reception conditions are poor). Such aerials often require the use of a signal booster to ensure reliable reception across all channels. (So you might need to consider getting one).

Also check that there's not new 4G activity in your area:
https://at800.tv/

There are a few starting points for you to consider - and that's before you've even posted your question ;-)

[sad old git]

Chico.Many many thanks for your help!.First off my main transmitter is Pontop pike and I checked for any maintenance work and there doesn't seem to be any at present. My aerial is at least 15 yrs old so maybe that should be upgraded. I do have a booster but again that is the same age.However!! yesterday I took your advice and looked at all my accesible connections and disconnected such, cleaned, tightened and reconnected same and voila! I now have several channels back, mainly BBC which was not there at all so once again thank you very much for your help and advice. Maybe an upgrade is on the cards though??. S.O.G

[Buenchico]

Your signal booster might have packed up. (In my experience they tend to last around ten years and then stop working). The best you can buy (because of its high 'gain' and low 'noise' figures) is this one:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/1-way-aerial-amplifier-rt67x
If I was in your position I'd try replacing the old amplifier with that model. Remember to carry out a full rescan after installing it.