4G INTERFERENCE
While 4G will benefit the UK by giving access to next generation mobile internet services, the new 4G service starting in 2013 may also have the side effect of interfering with people’s Freeview service. (Satellite TV services are not expected to be affected, and only new 4G services that operate at 800 MHz may cause this problem).
In response to this known potential problem, Evans Aerials are fully equipped with a range of solutions, tailored to suit specific set-ups and problems.
As 4G arrives, some services will run on the 800 MHz spectrum band, which is close to the frequency used by certain Freeview services in some areas. Because of this proximity, viewers who watch Freeview could experience interference, especially if they live near to a 4G mast.
In some areas where the Freeview frequencies are not near the new 4G frequency, interference may still be experienced by those who live close to a new 4G mast.
Symptoms for those affected by 4G interference might include a loss of sound, pixelated images or loss of all channels.
If you have a problem with Freeview reception, then please contact us and we will gladly be of service.
If the problem is 4G interference, then most interference will be solved by the fitting of a 4G filter on the aerial. In most cases the filters will solve the problem by removing 4G signals before they reach Freeview TV sets or set-top boxes.
You may have an amplifier in your loft or a mast head amplifier outside at the aerial. If this is the case the 4G filter must be fitted before any amplifier, as fitting a filter after an amplifier will not stop the interference.
In some cases the amplifier you may have had before analogue channels were switched off, may not now be required as Digital signal strength has increased. If this is the case we can remove the amplifier, which will decrease the chances of 4G interference.
We can supply and install 4G filters for you, making sure the filter is installed in the correct position.
If you work off a communal TV Aerial System, then filters will need to be fitted at the main amplification, and we advise you contact the Landlord or managing agent, giving them our contact details.
What if the filter doesn’t stop the 4G interference?
In most cases, the 4G filter will stop any potential interference, but for some households this will not be enough if the 4G interference is too strong to fix with a filter. In these cases we will recommend other options. It may be necessary to make improvements to your existing TV aerial set up, such as replacing old or misaligned aerials and installing double screened coaxial cable between your antenna and receiver, if not already in place.
Alternatively it may be worth moving to an alternative TV platform such as Freesat or Sky.
If you have a problem with Freeview reception, or have any queries then please contact us and we will gladly be of service.