Setpal Freeview boxes-better reception?

A friend is planning to get Freeview but reception where he lives is poor (analogue) and the post code check says he will only get 5 of the 6 MUXs. I wondered if getting a Freeview box with Setpal in it might improve the chances of getting a picture?

Ta,

EM

I don't think so - it's the aerial and local coverage that matters. Out setpal only picks up four muxs.

The aerial and transmitter coverage are the most important factor - however it is wrong to assume that all digital tuners have identical performance for a given signal.

Some are better at coping with impulse noise (i.e. thermostats, unsupressed motors etc.) - the latest Philips models in particular (though some or all of the Philips boxes don't support the 7 day EPG)

Others are more sensitive, and better able to cope with low strength signals. Those containing Setpal manufactured tuners seem to be pretty good in this regard - though I wouldn't expect miracles. In other words you may get more reliable reception on a marginal mux with a Setpal based tuner compared with a less sensitive model.

However don't expect to get a perfect signal with a Setpal if it is non-existent with a less high-performing model. The difference is not likely to be as marked as "perfect" vs "non-existent"

I'd certainly concentrate on the aerial, rather than the box.

If your mate has decided to spend on a box, make sure he also spends on a decent replacement aerial AND cable; plus, possibly some "sensible" aerial amplification up on the roof, NOT down behind the television.

That's what we did and we get all the muxes without any problems, where it's predicted we should only get four.