Three Common Freeview EPG Problems

The Freeview Electronic Program Guide or EPG is an onscreen guide that indicates the channels and programmes available on Freeview over the next one week. The Freeview EPG service is only accessible on set-top boxes, TV’s, and digital video recorders that carry the Freeview EPG logo.

Thanks to the Freeview EPG feature, you will never again miss your favourite TV shows. All you need to do is simply record the programme as per the timings indicated in the Freeview EPG. However, at times the Freeview EPG does not work as expected.

Here are three of the most common Freeview EPG faults you may encounter, as well as the recommended troubleshooting steps to resolve the problems.

All channels missing

Regardless of the TV or box you are using, the EPG may stop displaying information on all channels. Press ‘menu’ on the Freeview remote control. If the menu is not displayed, it means that the set-top box is not correctly connected to the TV.  You then need to perform the following checks.

  • Check that the SCART lead from the output of the Freeview box is connected to the spare SCART socket on the TV.
  • Check that the TV aerial is connected to the input aerial socket of the Freeview box / TV.
  • Check that your outdoor aerial is not dislodged. If it has been raining, check that there is no water in the aerial connectors and that the aerial lead from the roof is not severed.
  • Check that you are not using an incompatible set-top box or incompatible TV.

Some channels missing

Freeview’s TV channels are transmitted in six blocks (known as multiplexes). If you are not receiving some channels, then most likely you are not receiving some of the multiplexes. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Scan for channels and add channels using the Freeview remote
  • Check that the missing Freeview channels are available in your area
  • Check the signal strength. If the signal is weak, there could be a problem with your aerial or cabling.

Sometimes passing bad weather can temporarily affect your Freeview signal. Also, if you are using a relay transmitter, you may not get all channels as these devices can typically transmit only a few of the multiplexes.

Missing a new channel

If you are receiving all other channels on a particular multiplex, but not a recently added channel, try the following steps:

  • If the channel does not get added automatically, unplug the box for 30 seconds
  • Plug it in and perform a full- channel scan. If you have a set-top box, go to menu, select ‘Setup’ and scan for channels. For Freeview TV’s, the scan channel option will be available under ‘settings’.

A recurring problem of missing channels or poor reception could also be due to an indoor aerial. Installing a rooftop aerial may help to solve the problem.