Samsung LE32R41BD not finding channels on scan

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Televisions Discuss, Samsung LE32R41BD not finding channels on scan at High Definition forum; Hi My Samsung LE32R41BD has built-in Freeview. I'd heard that there were some new channels available, so I did an auto scan to update the list. However, the TV found some channels, but not all. A number of the channels I had originally were not found (BBC1 and BBC2 for

HamptonCaught (New on Forum): Posts: 8; Posted: 25-01-2009

Hi

My Samsung LE32R41BD has built-in Freeview. I'd heard that there were some new channels available, so I did an auto scan to update the list. However, the TV found some channels, but not all. A number of the channels I had originally were not found (BBC1 and BBC2 for example).

I've tried re-scanning and also switched between the two firmware options available, but each time it comes up short. The number of stations found can vary and is not necessarily the same on each scan, but is always incomplete.

I have a TV upstairs with a separate Freeview box which runs off the same aerial. I updated that and it was fine - all the channels were found on the first scan which must mean that the aerial is OK (It was professionally installed and I get excellent reception).

It's possible that there's something wrong with the TV's built-in Freeview, but I just wondered if this is a problem anyone else has had or if anyone has any ideas on what else I could try (if anything)?

Many thanks for any help.

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Today (MyCE Staff): Posts: 15,596

HamptonCaught (New on Forum): Posts: 8; Posted: 25-01-2009

EDIT: I should also say that the TV is connected to a Panasonic DMR-EX78EB DVD/HDD recorder which also has built-in Freeview. The recorder's list updated fine - all the channels are present. I have disconnected the aerial from the Panasonic and plugged it straight into the TV, but it made no difference.

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Seán (Administrator & Reviewer): Posts: 6,697; Posted: 27-01-2009

There seems to be a wide range in the sensitivity of Freesat tuners, as I've seen similar reports vice versa, where a person's TV picks up all the channels, but not their PC DVB-T tuner, etc.

Just in case it's a weaker signal on the new channels, see if you can bring up the signal strengh meter on your DVD/HDD recorder for the new channels and compare this with its signal strength for channels that your TV picks up fine. If the signal level is much lower on the channels that only the Panasonic picks up, it's worth trying a signal amplifier to see if this boosts them enough for the TV to tune in.

If the signal strength of your channels are very good and you already have a signal amplifier near the aerial, check if there is a gain knob. If the amplifier applies too much gain, there is a good chance that it is causing some channels (e.g. the new ones) to saturate the tuner, which will prevent them from tuning in, a problem I've seen happen before. If a gain knob is present, turn it down 1/4 turn, verify the picture still comes in on the HDD/DVD and then try a rescan on the TV. Alternatively, if you have an amplifier connected with no gain knob, connect a 10 metre of coaxial lead between the HDD/DVD and TV (which will attenuate the signal) and rescan.

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HamptonCaught (New on Forum): Posts: 8; Posted: 28-01-2009

That's all really helpful Sean - many thanks for your help.

I'll go away and try everything you've suggested.

Thanks again.

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HamptonCaught (New on Forum): Posts: 8; Posted: 08-02-2009

Update on this one; contacted Samsung who suggested the signal was not strong enough and that there was nothing wrong with the TV. They recommend a signal strength of anything over 80 - my TV hovers around the late 70s.

Anyway, I've cracked it and here's what I did in case it helps anyone else with the same problem (and a Google search showed that many people are having this problem due to the low signal strength of Freeview - much lower than the old analogue signal, but will increase in strength once the 'switchover' takes place).

Firstly, I reset the TV - a very simple operation.

Secondly, I found out which channels I needed to scan based on what my transmitter is outputting;

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/recep...=show_all.html

(My transmitter is Sandy Heath, so the only channels I needed to scan were channels 40, 42, 43, 45, 46 and 67).

The secret is to do a manual scan of these channels - not an auto scan. Sometimes the scan would produce no results in which case I just scanned again until it found something (which it always did eventually). I now have my full list of TV and radio stations back again.

You can work out which channel is broadcasting which TV or radio station here (useful if you're missing one or two);

http://www.bbc.co.uk/reception/info/multiplexes.shtml

Hope this helps someone!

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Torbay Man (New on Forum): Posts: 1; Posted: 28-04-2009

Many thanks - really useful. I had exactly the same problem on the same Samsung model. We have just gone digital down here and the problem got worse if anything hence my frustration which resulted in me trawling through forums for suggestions.

Your links were good but the 6 channel numbers for my local transmitter (Beacon Hill) were incorrect which I guess maybe due to the digital switchover. However I went through all of the channels and found what they are now (42, 45, 51, 53, 57 and 60 in case anybody else wants to know). Some of them are definitely weaker (even though we have been told that signal strengths should now be so much better!! Mmmm not in my experience) so these needed a few extra attempts.

Other forums have said that the Samsung tuners are not brilliant. I have a booster and go via a DVD player (with it's own tuner which is sooooo much better). But it made no difference whether I went direct from the booster to the TV or even without a booster.

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