Newsletter           August  2010

Hello once again. Following on from my last newsletter, I can confirm that my venture into high definition television has taken a positive step forward. This development was hastened by a leaflet in my postbox informing me that our local French analogue television in this part of Charente was due to be switched off in November this year. This information would mean that my French television service from the old aerial on the chimney stack would disappear unless I upgraded my television to receive digital French transmissions.

You can do this by connecting a TNT set-top freeview box. There are two different types available- ( TNT satellite or antenna box ) from the local tv  With the satellite version you would need another dish but the antenna version will connect to your roof aerial. The other alternative is to get a new television.

So I decided to get a new television from my local store. All new French televisions now have a TNT freeview tuner built-in which will enable the user to receive all the main French freeview ( non-subscription ) channels in digital format subject to the aerial being capable of delivering a really healthy signal to the television. It may be necessary to have your aerial upgraded if the signal is not up to strength. If there are any problems with receiving digital programmes initially, it will indicate that a new aerial is necessary.

Anyhow, I have connected my new Humax freesat digibox to my new television and the results are impressive. By connecting with a HDMI lead all the pictures are much improved over what I had before.Both the high definition ( HD )and the standard definition (SD ) pictures are excellent and the clarity is considerably better

With regard to the French channels from the roof aerial , reception is reasonable. I am able to watch about six channels but the others are a blank so I will need to modify the existing aerials and install a new one with higher gain ( signal strength ). So, I am nearly there with the television system and this should keep us current with technology for the immediate future at least.

I hope this all makes sense. At least it will give you a clue and point you in the right direction. Digital television is the way forward for satellite and terrestial viewing if you do not want to be left behind.

Good viewing,

Satman.