Latest news and queries

• Today's transmitter work
• Changes to RDS on BBC Local Radio

Problem with watching BBC Red Button sport video on Freesat

1 June 2009: Some Freesat viewers may not be able to see sport videos from the Sport Multiscreen feature on the BBC Red Button service. This is because some set-top boxes have failed to capture a technology change in the way that video is played out. To fix the problem, you should rescan (retune) your set-top box. Go to Menu on your remote control, choose Settings and then reinstall the TV channels. For more information, see how to rescan your set-top box.

Problems receiving BBC digital channels after retuning

25 March 2009: To get ready for digital switchover, essential work has been carried out at the Rowridge transmitter that serves Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, parts of East Dorset and West Sussex. If you have Freeview, Top Up TV or BT Vision, you need to retune your set-top box or digital TV or you will lose some or all of your channels. See how to retune your set-top box or view page 9990 on BBC Red Button digital text.

Problems with some Freeview digital set-top boxes: box no longer working; channels missing; channels moved to the 800s

Recent changes to some transmitters could mean that a small number of Freeview digital set-top boxes, particularly older ones, no longer work. In other cases, some channels may have gone missing or appear to have moved to channel numbers in the 800s in the electronic programme guide (EPG).

Most homes will be unaffected by the transmitter changes, but if you are having problems, first try rescanning your set-top box.

If BBC and ITV channels are missing from their normal channel numbers and have moved to the 800s in the EPG - if, for example, BBC One is on channel 801 - this may be solved by an over-air download (OAD). For more details and instructions on how to receive the download, please go to the Freeview Help page.

After digital switchover, some older set-top boxes may require a software upgrade before they will update the channel list. Software upgrades are downloaded automatically to boxes, and you can find out if a download is scheduled for your particular box on the Digital TV Group website.

After taking these steps, if you are still having problems, please contact the manufacturer or your retailer for more information. Please note that some box manufacturers are no longer in business.

In a few cases, you may have no choice but to replace an old set-top box with a new model.

The changes to the transmitters are being made by DMOL, the company that manages the digital terrestrial television multiplexes. The changes are necessary because there are now more channels and interactivity than when Freeview was originally launched. Some Freeview boxes will no longer be able to function as a result of these network changes.

Why am I currently having problems with some BBC services on satellite?

12 August 2008: We have been made aware that a small number of viewers are experiencing problems receiving BBC News and some BBCi content for the Olympics on digital satellite. Having made thorough checks, we are confident that there is no fault with the transmission, but that the problem lies with individual satellite-receiving installations. Viewers are advised to contact a reputable satellite or aerial installer for further assistance.

I've recently rescanned my set-top box and I've lost some of my channels - can you help?

We suggest you contact your manufacturer for further advice if, after performing a rescan, you have any problems obtaining channels that have moved to another multiplex.

I already have a non-Sky satellite receiver. Can I receive the new Freesat channels?

The BBC and ITV launched Freesat, a new free-to-view satellite service, on 6 May 2008. If you have a non-Sky satellite receiver, the channels are the same as those you can already receive. However, for the full range of on-screen programme information and interactivity you will need a Freesat set-top box. And to view BBC high-definition (HD) transmissions, you will need a compatible satellite HD receiver. For more information about the service, please go to Freesat.

Why can I no longer receive some BBC radio stations via satellite?

Some BBC radio stations on satellite have moved their location. If you have a Sky satellite receiver you need do nothing, but if you have a 'free to air' type receiver you will have to make the changes manually, otherwise you will eventually lose the stations. You can find details on the Satellite frequencies page.

Why do I have London news on BBC One instead of my local region?

Local news and regional programming is a complex business and sometimes doesn't go entirely to plan. If there is a problem and a local news bulletin is missed or dropped, BBC One defaults to the London region programming, and this is why you may occasionally see London news instead or your own region.

If you watch the Breakfast programme, BBC One and BBC News show the same programme, but for technical reasons only BBC One can provide regional news bulletins. At these times, BBC News shows London news.

Why does my DAB radio clock not show the correct time?

We are aware that some DAB radios can display a clock time up to one minute adrift from the correct time.

The time shown on the radio's display screen is set from the broadcast signal, and is regularly checked and, if necessary, adjusted to match the signal. This can only happen when the radio is switched on and receiving a station. Many radios only check the broadcast time once an hour.

There are several reasons why the radio's display screen does not show the correct time:

• The digital signal has to be encoded before it is transmitted and decoded by the radio, which takes a small amount of time.
• Different digital multiplexes broadcast slightly different times, so when you tune to another station your radio may have to adjust its clock.
• If the radio is not switched on, it will keep running its internal clock until it can check the time against a broadcast signal. It will then adjust its clock to the broadcast time to the nearest minute.