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  3. Fetch free-to-air channels not working

Fetch free-to-air channels not working

If you're having trouble locating, viewing or recording free-to-air channels on your Fetch box, this information may help.

If you already had trouble accessing free-to-air channels before installing your Fetch box, the issue is most likely your antenna or reception. See Step 6: Optimise your antenna setup.

On your Fetch remote press Menu then go to Manage > Settings > Channels. Check if the channel list includes the missing channel. If you can see the missing channel, make sure that the Hidden option is not selected.

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Make sure your Fetch box is connected directly to the antenna wall socket. If your antenna is connected to a different device (e.g. a DVD player), disconnect it and plug the antenna cable directly into the Fetch box.

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Check the antenna cables and wall plates for signs of damage or wear. If they are worn or damaged, replace them. 

We recommend using quad-shield coaxial cable to minimise signal loss. Use the shortest length of cable necessary to connect your device to the wall socket.

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Retune all free-to-air channels by going to Main Menu > Manage > Settings > Channels.

Check for the missing channels. 

If the channels are still unavailable, go to the next step.

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Disconnect your Fetch box and connect the antenna cable directly to your TV. Scan for free-to-air channels via your TV.  If the number of channels and/or the reception quality improves, this indicates that the signal is too weak to be received by your Fetch box.

It's possible your signal can be improved by installing a signal booster plus quad-shielded coaxial cabling for your antenna connection. These can be purchased from your local electronics retailer, or you can contact a TV and Antenna specialist for assistance.  

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You may need to optimise your antenna set up to improve your TV signal. This could include:

  • correcting the position of your antenna
  • adding a signal booster if you have low signal
  • removing a previously installed signal booster and/or power injector if they are causing interference

We recommend you contact a TV or antenna specialist to check and optimise your setup.

You can find additional information on diagnosing and resolving issues with TV reception at https://www.acma.gov.au/Citizen/TV-Radio/Television/TV-reception.

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