BBC Radio 4 long wave reception problems etc.

[raditechman]

Radio 4 LW is really sounding good now. Thank you Martin.

[Arqiva BOC]

Originally Posted by paulsherwin

That is my impression too. It's understandable if Martin doesn't want to give a public explanation, as it may be a matter for contractual discussion between the BBC and different suppliers.

More the case that I dont know much about it! It looks like an alignment issue, probably an aging component or module needed pulling back into spec

[Ian - G4JQT]

I think the Radio 4 sibilance is back...

[Andrew2]

I think you are right, Ian. Ew not nice, all clicky and splashy.

[Hybrid tellies]

I noticed the sibilance is back on R4 198 late last night. I had hoped I was hearing things but sadly not. I also checked on a couple of my radios to confirm this.
I have sent an email to Arqiva.

[PaulR]

Yes, I also noticed it this morning

[Edward Huggins]

There used to be a time when it was possible to directly contact BBC Engineering and talk to knowledgeable and friendly people about such matters including compression, reduced signal strength, interference et al. Nowaways this seems to be impossible. All I can get are a series of on-line FAQS and which do not cover our type of interests - unless someone here knows differently.

[G6Tanuki]

I don't normally use R4LW but the FM part of my car radio's gone titsup so today I was listening to LW around 9AM and definitely noticed a quality issue.

[electrogram]

Yes it's back, but even before the current issue sound was not good, rather woolly sounding, indeed at odds with all other am transmissions, 5live, rte1 and others are satisfactory

[MurphyNut]

Originally Posted by Ian - G4JQT

I think the Radio 4 sibilance is back...

Yes you are right, it sounds dreadful. I was going to start a thread about this then found this one has been restarted.
I do hope it's sorted out I listen to a lot of Radio 4 on my Murphy sets and the current poor sound quality is really spoiling my enjoyment.

[steve.seven]

Sound quality still poor today, sibilance very noticeable. Hope this will be sorted out soon as I really enjoy listening to R4 Longwave.

[crusher19860138]

I agree, R4 LW is sounding harsh again, R5 Live from Droitwich in comparison sounds very good.

[MurphyNut]

I sent an email to David Allatt (arqiva.com) this morning and got a quick reply.
An engineer is investigating into the problem, fingers crossed for a result.

[PaulR]

It sounds better to me now.

[steve.seven]

Just listening to the Archers on longwave, no sign of the Sibilance or poor sound quality now. Would be interesting to know what has been done to correct this re occurring issue.

[MurphyNut]

Would be interesting to know what has been done to correct this re occurring issue.

I've received another email from David Allatt to say it's been resolved.
Very pleased, I'm wondering if nobody had made enquiries the poor sound might have persisted.
I'm going to contact Mr Allatt to thank him and ask why we are experiencing these spells of poor sound and if there are any measures in place to stop them re occurring.

[paulsherwin]

I am genuinely surprised that a permanent engineered solution to this recurrent fault hasn't been implemented. It must cost Arqiva (or whoever is responsible for it) much more to make these bodges every few months than it would to make a permanent fix.

[Biggles]

Could be just a remote reboot of some software controlled equipment, from the NCC, rather than a site visit. Seems to be the way nowadays.

[D Cassidy]

Hello.
I can't ever say that we have audio quality issues from Westerglen. I have though noticed a drop in quality when driving south and listening to the Droitwich transmitter.

[Andrew2]

Originally Posted by paulsherwin

I am genuinely surprised that a permanent engineered solution to this recurrent fault hasn't been implemented. It must cost Arqiva (or whoever is responsible for it) much more to make these bodges every few months than it would to make a permanent fix.

I reckon they have it in mind that the whole LW shooting-match is to be shut down soon and a long term fix isn't worth the hassle.