If you use Freeview to get your fix of nightly entertainment then now is a good time to check it is in full working order. That's due to a vital helpline being shut down that was originally set up to guide users through the switchover to a new mast at the Bilsdale site in the North East of the country.
This vital transmitter was taken offline back in 2021 due to a fire that caused serious damage to equipment in the remote area.
Since the catastrophic event, temporary antennas have been in place to help keep homes connected to a TV signal but the repairs are now complete and all users should find their Freeview content coming from the main mast once again.
Freeview is now advising customers who get their signal from the Bilsdale site to make sure all channels are working properly. Areas that are supplied by this tech include Harrogate, York, Filey, Whitby, Middlesbrough, Stockton, Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Hartlepool, Peterlee, Seaham and some areas of Sunderland.
If you live in those locations and are seeing any glitches then it's a good idea to retune the screen as, if problems still persist, there's still time to contact the free support line. This service closes on July 7 so it's vital to get things sorted as soon as possible.
"Most viewers noticed very little disruption, if any, as the new mast stands on the same site as the old one and uses the same channels and frequencies as the 80m tower that was previously providing signals," Freeview explained in a post on its support page.
"Anyone who still experiences disruption, or a loss of services, is first asked to perform a retune and to call the helpline before 07 July on 08001214828 if any problem persists. Anyone in the region who has ongoing issues with their TV signal should try retuning and call the helpline before it closes on 07 July if problems persist."
How to retune your Freeview equipment
• Press menu on your box or TV remote control
• Select set up, installation, update, or a similar option. If you’re asked for a password, the default code is 1234 or 0000.
• Select first-time installation (sometimes called factory reset, full retune or default settings).
• Press OK if your equipment asks if it's OK to delete existing channels, then your retune should start automatically.
• If prompted, save the channels that are found.
