Freeview receiver has lost some channels!

admin · Last edited by admin on Sun Mar 08, 2009 8:30 pm; edited 2 times in total

Many people are reporting that performing a channel re-scan has resulted in, for example, all the channel numbers from multiplexes 1 and 2 disappearing. They now all appear as channel 000 and all in the 800s in the EPG.
The technical explanation is that the "Network Information Table" (NIT) transmitted parameters have been changed and several Freeview receivers are not designed to cope with the new format - even though this format is part of the DVB-T specification. The transmission change is being "rolled out" across the country.

We do know that many models are affected and are awaiting a firmware update. Here's a few which have been reported to us:-

Suggested fix for Sagem models: "Unplug the Unit and let it sit for a few Hours - when you turn it back on go to BBC1 and then search for new Channels. It will do this only once and things will be back to normal." (Thanks to Brian C. for this.)

*Check what software versions you have. For the TU-CT20 you should have: DCB_A_1.19
For the TU-CT30 you should have: CT30 0.44 or CT30 0.46 (this second update was released around April 2007 and I think it fixed a few MHEG bugs. (Thanks to "Digidol" for this info.)

A few manufacturers may provide an "Over The Air" (OTA) firmware update but I suspect that most will not.

Some models may be fixed by completely deleting all channels and then rescanning. Obviously, if your receiver is within guarantee, take it back to the shop and ask for a replacement or refund. (Don't accept an identical replacement without making sure it doesn't have the same problem!)
In addition, the following receivers will be totally screwed if you run a channel update. There is and will be NO fix, so you can recycle these.:-

If your model has a problem but isn't listed here, please TELL US so we can update the list.

Banjo · Last edited by Banjo on Sat Aug 30, 2008 12:52 am; edited 1 time in total

My Humax MG-TU1 is affected by this problem but there has never been a software update available. Interestingly the webpage http://www.dtg.org.uk/retailer/download_schedule.pl states in the Engineering Channel Download Schedule that a software update is currently available.
UPDATE - I emailed Humax and got this reply;
To update the software, go to: MENU > SOFTWARE UPDATE > CHECK FOR DOWNLOADS.
If this does not find any updates then you will need to reset the unit and try again
MENU > SOFTWARE REVISION > SOFTWARE RESET
After the unit resets and rescans for channels try checking for downloads again as this will usually force the unit to search for downloads again
I would recommend repeating the process if you are unable to update first time

I reset the unit three times before the new download availability message appeared. After rescanning the channels, the unit froze so I had to power off and on and reset / rescan. Eventually I now have an updated unit with the channels correctly numbered. So, keep trying is the message Smile

buseng · Newbie Joined: 29 Aug 2008 Posts: 1

The Maxim MX11-69 puts many channels in the 800 listings after a rescan.
Never had a firmware update in the 2 years I have owned it.

admin · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 10:22 am Post subject:

Update here: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=891818