TV Reception Update
14/08/2021
Sadly, the TV reception outage is completely out of hands but we continue to provide guests with the latest information when it becomes available to us.
The following update has been provided by https://www.freeview.co.uk/help/service-updates/disruption-services-bilsdale-transmitter
Progress since the fire
On 10th August, there was a fire at the Bilsdale transmitter which disrupted signal to many households. Since 10th August, engineers have been able to restore some signal to hundreds of thousands of homes across the region by installing a temporary transmitter tower at Eston Nab.
Why you might not be able to receive a signal now
Eston Nab is unfortunately unable to reach all the areas served by the larger Bilsdale transmitter, as broadcast signals rely on line-of-sight between the transmitter and your aerial. This is why transmitters such as the one at Bilsdale need to be so tall, and why they are located where they are – to reach as many homes as possible.
The plan to restore viewing by 28th August
The only way to truly replicate the service from Bilsdale is to erect something on the same site, which has been difficult given the nature of the incident and that engineers are not permitted to access the existing transmitter to assess its condition.
The job of locating transmission equipment involves complex work to assess coverage areas, ensuring line of sight while avoiding interfering with other equipment and also the environment in which they are required.
The transmitter operating company now plan to erect a temporary transmitter at Bilsdale which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, meaning they have to seek agreement to do this.
This plan should reinstate TV coverage for the vast majority of viewers who receive signals directly from Bilsdale. Due to the work required to deliver this solution we expect that work should be completed by 28th August.
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We would like to remind guests that our wifi service does not allow for streaming - please do not be tempted to access any web-based programming during this interruption. Thanks