Television Reception at the Marina

At the Marina, TV signals are obtained from the relay transmitter that you can see on top of Whitehawk Hill, near the Race Course.  However, it has been tuned so that there is very little signal southwards towards us. This is so as not to upset French transmissions across the channel.

There is no cable TV available and satellite signals have only recently been installed.

Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting (DTB) is available from the Whitehawk transmitter and provides the "Freeview" channels when used with a set-top box or an Integrated Digital TV (IDTV) set.  Your set-top box will automatically scan the available frequencies and find all of the available channels.  The recommended solution is to get a terrestrial digital set-top box or an IDTV.  The cheapest set-top box I have found is from Argos at £29.99. This has some of the features of more expensive boxes disabled but works perfectly well.

Note that the quality of the signals is not perfect on the traditional analogue channels, but a move of the aerial has improved the terrestrial digital signals.  When viewing the former, you will notice some noise and may experience difficulties with teletext on Channel 4.  The digital signal is now generally good but you may get occasional break-up and pixellation of the picture or sound distortion.  Analogue signals in our area are due to be turned off in 2011.

Satellite dishes have been installed on each block in order to allow residents to receive high-quality pictures and to subscribe to Sky packages.  This programme was completed in October 2005 and residents will have been contacted about such installations.  To take out a subscription to receive Sky movies and/or sport, call our installers, SCCI on 0800 6522341 who will explain the options.  Do not let any other installers attempt to connect to the satellite system as this will affect the warranty.

You can also use the satellite signal merely to improve the reception of "free to air" channels.  Because this does not involve a subscription, Sky will not provide a free set top box; you will have to pay for it.  If you call SCCI as above, you can have a receiver and viewing card for £150.  This will include installation.  If you are reasonably competent with setting up electronics, you can easily install one for yourself and you can get the receiver and viewing card for £98.75 from Simply Digital.

Satellite reception will require you to have had the satellite system cabled to your flat and a new "faceplate" installed in your lounge.  This is done free if you take out a Sky subscription  but for the free satellite service described above, it's now too late to have it done without charge. The Estate Office can arrange for this to be done for you at a fee.  Call 01273 628627.

Summary of your options