Manual Retuning - to restore reception or missing channels

If you are experiencing picture break up, missing channels or the wrong regional news you may need to听re-tune your TV set manually. This allows you to select the transmitter that provides the best service for your area and can solve a number of common problems.

A manual re-tune can be used for any Freeview-based service such as BT, Youview and Talk Talk.

Before carrying out a manual re-tune, you need to know which transmitter your aerial is pointing towards and the channel numbers used by that transmitter. Our Transmitter Checker tool can help you find the correct channel numbers to use.听

Use the manual re-tune听option and not the auto-tune option on the television menu to take you through the process.听If a manual re-tune does not work there maybe further options available to help solve problems.


Finding transmitter and channel numbers

Enter your postcode in the transmitter checker听tool. It will check for faults in your area, help you select the transmitter you are using and you can find the channel numbers or frequencies you need to manually听retune.

Auto tune vs Manual tune 听

There are two types of tuning, automatic听or manual. Both are done using your remote control.听An auto-tune听allows the television set to tune to services from any transmitter that it can receive.听A manual re-tune听allows you to input and store, one by one, only听the correct channel numbers or frequencies听for the transmitter your aerial is pointing towards.听

Why a听manual re-tune听is important

Some locations are within range of multiple transmitters. 听When a television set auto-tunes,听it automatically starts from the bottom of the channel or frequency range and works听upwards. It tunes to the first channel it comes across, even if they are weaker signals听from the wrong transmitter.听

The manual re-tune did not help

This may be because your receiver still has wrong channels stored in its memory.听 There are two ways to clear the memory:

  • Perform a factory reset听-from the tuning menu as described in your manufacturer鈥檚 instruction manual. Sometimes manufacturers refer to this as 'first time installation' or 'shipping condition'. Press 鈥極K鈥 if your equipment asks whether it is OK to delete existing channels. This will clear your settings.

  • Do an auto-tune with the aerial lead removed.听This will clear the memory and remove the unwanted, stored channels. The aerial lead will then need to be put back in again.
  • Repeat manual re-tune.听听Following either of the two options above, you need to do a manual re-tune.

Need more help?

If you have difficulty with these options you should seek assistance. 听Help is available from the Freeview Advice Line which can be contacted via its website or on 03456 505050.