UK TV Channels

[Rosie34]

I’m here at the moment and have been unable to get any UK tv channels on the hotel TV. I had no problems the last 2 years in same hotel.when I asked at reception, I was told that the problem is widespread in the area and she said she couldn’t access them either at her home. She says that UK is making things very complicated since Brexit to access British tv. Just wondering if others are having the same problem.

 

[bobley]

I'm only a light TV watcher but if there's something special I want to see then I use my laptop, run Nord VPN and watch on that. I have a cable to connect my laptop to the TV.

I can also use the same cable to connect my phone to the TV.

Then I just set the VPN on my phone to UK and open Iplayer etc...

 

[bobley]

This is the cable...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/UGREEN-Thu...728484459&sprefix=usbc+to+HDMI,aps,113&sr=8-4

Really handy!! I didn't think it would work from a phone to the TV but it does! (Samsung S23)

 

[Rockape]

I complained last winter that we struggled to pick up BBC channels on my Sky box, whereas we'd had no probs previously. Subsequently as the year went on, they returned without problem, although poor weather could wipe out all signals, especially during a storm.

Strangely, Ive found that the BBC1 local channels such as NE have a stronger signal than 101 which is the main one. Also, the +1 channels are also better than others.

Anyway, as its a holiday home, we're not there to watch TV, so don't worry too much about it. Its not worth us getting broadband.

 

[James]

I’m here at the moment and have been unable to get any UK tv channels on the hotel TV. I had no problems the last 2 years in same hotel.when I asked at reception, I was told that the problem is widespread in the area and she said she couldn’t access them either at her home. She says that UK is making things very complicated since Brexit to access British tv. Just wondering if others are having the same problem.

Many UK channels have gradually moved to a smaller focused broadcast footprint aimed towards the British Isles. This is particularly so with the closure of many Standard Definition broadcast channels on satellite including BBC channels (which had a wider footprint than the remaining High Definition channels that are more focused). The effect of this means that the further south in Europe you are you require a bigger dish to pick up UK TV channel satellite signals. My dish is over seven feet tall and it does not receive all the channels all of the time. The tilt of the Earth at certain times of the year has an additional impact particularly in Autumn and early Winter when channels may be received at some times in the day but not at other times.

 

[Teacu]

So, not Brexit then ?

 

[James]

So, not Brexit then ?

No! See my previous explanation!

 

[Rosie34]

Just what the hotel reception told me - Uk making things complicated since Brexit. I don't go away to watch tv, but when you are solo it is sometimes quite nice on an evening to watch something you are following - while everyone else is out living it up

 

[James]

Just what the hotel reception told me - Uk making things complicated since Brexit. I don't go away to watch tv, but when you are solo it is sometimes quite nice on an evening to watch something you are following - while everyone else is out living it up

The hotel, or whoever told you this from the hotel, are making things up!

As I have explained, it’s a purely technical issue arising out of changes to the satellites used by British broadcasters, the frequencies they use on those satellites and their related footprint and that, in many cases and in particular with the BBC standard definition switch off in January 2024, high definition broadcasts are broadcast on the newer satellites with a more focussed footprint which requires the investment in buying a larger dish to continue to receive signals the further south in Europe you are.

 

[Rockape]

Your explanation makes perfect sense to me James.....I'll take a few more DVD's with me for our Dec/Jan trip this year!

 

[Deanscroft]

The cable recommended by Bobley is great if your mobile or laptop supports DP Alt video transmission or Thunderbolt as it is sometimes known. Just having the Type C connexion does not guarantee this as only Type C 3.1 and later will work. Check your mobile spec before you buy the cable.

 

[Deanscroft]

Anyone needing a big dish to try and sort this problem? I have a 1.8m fibre dish complete with floor standing bracket sat behind my shed doing nothing. Free to collect to anyone who wants to give it a try.