Second tv via rf2

[sparky1292]

As the title says. I have connected my second tv which is in my bedroom to my sky hd box via rf2 & a magic eye.
I'm having a few problems getting a picture and sound. I can fine tune the picture so its clear but there's still no sound. The strange thing is that I have taken the tv and placed it next to the hd box and connected the magic eye straight to the box and then a lead to the tv and the picture and sound is perfect. When I tried again upstairs the picture and sound was fine for a hour or so then got distorted.
I have changed rf2 channel to different ones and turned the power off and on. Once retuned the picture seems ok but no sound. Even stranger is that I have now 26 digital channels. There is no ariel lead connected to the hd box.

Anyone came across this before

[Scubbie]

Simple thing first: You are probably picking up the Freeview signal through the coaxial cable. There should be over 100 channels, so it sounds like just the strongest signal is getting through.

As for the sound issue, I am suspecting that the cable has some problems. Not being technical enough on this, I am suspecting that it is possible that the outer sheath is too thin or there is a break in the connection somewhere.

If it helps, you can find out what channels are being used by your local Freeview transmitter by looking at Wikipedia or the UK Free TV site linked below. Try to ensure that you tune the STB to a channel number at least 3 different from these, even if you don't have an external aerial fitted.

Transmitters | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice

[Isitme]

Check your cable joints and make sure the sheath wire is not shorting out. The wires are very fine and it only takes one touching occasionally to cause problems.

[sparky1292]

Well i have managed to get a good picture. Just now got to try. A few othet things to get rid of the high pitched sound

[MartinP]

"Even stranger is that I have now 26 digital channels. "

That indicates that you haven't used double-screened cable. Consequently, it's acting as an aerial. That's probably the cause of ALL your symptoms.

Replace the cable (run it across the floor temporarily to prove that I'm right) and also replace any associated wall plates or connectors that aren't screened. Use WF100 or thin WF65-1 cable (or equivalent).

[sparky1292]

I think i have fixed the problem. I cut the cable to the shortest length i could. And checked all connections. ( the cable was in place before we moved in).
I checked the site as suggested by scubbie and noticed that two free view channels in my area easnt used. So i changed rf channel on sky box and retuned tv this morning. Perfect picture and sound. Will check again tonight after work. Fingers crossed its ok

[sparky1292]

Well it didnt work. Got the partner to check the second tv and the picture and sound is bad again

- - - Updated - - -

Well it didnt work. Got the partner to check the second tv and the picture and sound is bad again

[Scubbie]

It is sounding like the issue is with the quality of to coaxial cable more and more.

I would suggest that you price up the cost of the cable which MartinP has recommended. putting it in place shouldn't be too difficult as you can use the old cable to pull the new one through.

[sparky1292]

Lucky enough when i lived in my old place i brought cable to extend my sky wireing. I found it out tonight and ran the cable. Tv picture and sound is perfect.

On looking at the old cable the copper is a right mess. Shocked it worked at all.

[sparky1292]

Well the problem came back after the tv being on for only a hour or so. So i moved the second tv right next to the sky hd box. Connected the magic eye straight to the rf2 socket and then a lead to the tv. Tried so many different rf2 channels with out any luck at all. Even on rf1 i get the same results. I czn fine tune on both rf sockets and get a great picture. Just no sound. The tv works perfect as wotks fine with hdmi & a scart lead.