Knowledge Base
Troubleshooting
Can I watch a third channel while recording two others?
Yes, you can watch a third channel while recording two others, but it depends on which channels you’re recording. This is because digital TV channels are broadcast in groups called multiplexes.
A multiplex is a group of digital channels broadcast together on the same frequency. In the old analogue TV days, each frequency could only carry one channel. With digital TV, that same frequency can carry multiple channels — that’s why we have so many more channels available today.
Here’s how it works with the T4•R’s two tuners:
- If both recordings are from the same multiplex, you can watch any other channel
- If the recordings are from different multiplexes, you can only watch channels from those same two multiplexes
For example:
- Recording BBC One HD and ITV1 HD (both on BBC B multiplex)? You can watch any other channel
- Recording BBC One HD (BBC B multiplex) and Film4 (D3&4 multiplex)? You can only watch other channels from those two multiplexes
Making it easier to choose channels #
To help identify which channels you can watch while recording:
- Go to Home → Settings → Menu Preferences → Flag Unavailable Channels
- Turn this setting on
- Channels you can’t currently watch will be clearly marked
Other viewing options #
While recording two channels, you can always:
- Watch a previously recorded programme
- Use streaming apps like BBC iPlayer
- Watch live channels within apps that offer them
Note: The T4•R will warn you if selecting a channel would require stopping a recording.
For a list of which channels belong to each multiplex, visit the Freeview channel listings page and look for the “Mux” column.
Why isn't my Loop Out working when the is in standby?
If your aerial signal isn’t passing through to another device when your T4•R is in standby, it’s likely because the Loop Out in Standby setting is turned off. This setting is disabled by default to conserve energy and meet UK/EU power consumption requirements.
How to enable Loop Out in Standby #
- Press HOME on your remote
- Go to Settings → System → Standby Options
- Select Loop Out in Standby
- Press OK to turn it on
Once enabled, your aerial signal will continue to pass through to connected devices (like your TV) even when the T4•R is in standby mode.
Why can't I set a series recording for some programmes on my ?
The ability to set a series recording on your T4•R depends on the broadcaster marking the programme as part of a series. If the broadcaster doesn’t identify the programme as a series, the option to record the series won’t be available. This means you’ll need to set individual recordings for each episode manually.
How to identify if a programme is part of a series:
- Series Icon: Look for the series icon next to the programme in the TV Guide.
- Recording Options: When you press the Record button on a programme, the T4•R will explicitly ask if you want to record the series if it’s marked as part of a series.
If you don’t see the option to record the series or the series icon is absent, it’s because the broadcaster hasn’t scheduled it as a series.
Why isn't space freed up when I clear Recently Deleted recordings?
The way storage space is displayed on your T4•R differs depending on where you look:
In the Recordings Menu (press RECS):
- The free space percentage shown at the top already includes Recently Deleted recordings
- Clearing the Recently Deleted section won’t change this percentage
- This gives you an accurate view of your total available recording space
In Hard Drive Information (Home → Information → Hard Drive):
- The free space shown in GB does not include Recently Deleted recordings
- You’ll see the space increase after clearing Recently Deleted recordings
- This shows you the current technical state of the hard drive
The Recently Deleted section acts like a recycle bin, giving you a chance to recover recordings before they’re permanently removed. The space is already counted as available because these recordings will be automatically deleted when space is needed for new recordings.
Why won't my remote learn from my LG Magic Remote?
The T4•R remote can only learn infrared (IR) signals during the teaching process. While LG Magic Remotes use both Bluetooth and IR technology, they must be specifically set to IR mode for teaching to work.
Setting up your LG Magic Remote for teaching #
- Put your LG TV into standby mode
- On the LG Magic Remote:
- Press and hold both BACK and HOME buttons
- Wait until the power button LED turns solid red briefly
- The remote is now in IR-only mode
Once your LG Magic Remote is in IR mode, you can proceed with the standard remote teaching process: How to control your TV with the T4•R remote.
Returning your LG Magic Remote to Bluetooth mode #
Most basic functions (like volume, power, and channel controls) will continue to work in IR mode, but advanced features like voice control and pointer will be unavailable. To put the LG Magic Remote back in bluetooth mode:
- Turn your TV back on
- Press OK on the Magic Remote to reconnect Bluetooth
Why has my only found 5 channels?
If your T4•R has only found five channels during setup or retune, it’s likely receiving no aerial signal and is only picking up the BBC’s internet-based channels:
- 301 BBC Three
- 302 BBC Scotland
- 303 BBC ALBA
- 501 BBC News
- 502 BBC Parliament
These channels stream over the internet and don’t require an aerial connection.
Troubleshooting Steps #
Check Aerial Connection
- Make sure your aerial cable is firmly connected to the Aerial In socket on your T4•R
- Try removing and reconnecting the cable
- Check the cable isn’t damaged
Test Your Aerial Signal
- Connect the aerial directly to your TV
- Perform a channel scan on your TV
- If your TV also can’t find channels, you likely have an aerial or signal reception issue
- If your TV can find channels but your T4•R can’t, please contact our support team
Review Your Aerial Setup
- For reliable Freeview reception, you need a suitable rooftop or loft aerial
- Indoor aerials often don’t provide adequate signal strength
- If using signal amplifiers or splitters, try bypassing them temporarily
Next Steps #
- Visit Freeview’s Coverage Checker to confirm signal availability in your area
- Need a reliable aerial installer? Find one through the Confederation of Aerial Industries (CAI)
- Still having issues? Contact our support team for further assistance
Why is 103 ITV1 HD showing the wrong regional content?
If you’re seeing incorrect regional news or weather on 103 ITV1 HD, it’s because ITV doesn’t provide HD broadcasts for all regional variations. Some regions share the same ITV1 HD feed, which may not include your specific local content.
To watch local content, switch to the standard definition ITV1 channel (usually Channel 3). The SD channel provides the correct regional programming, including local news and weather.
Note:
- This situation is due to ITV’s broadcast arrangements and affects all devices, not just the T4•R.
- There’s no issue with your device or signal reception.
Why don't some apps like ITVX offer live TV channels on the ?
Currently, only BBC iPlayer offers live TV channels within its app on the T4•R. The availability of live TV streaming within apps depends on both the app providers and Freeview Play platform requirements.
For now, you can watch all main channels (including ITV, Channel 4 and others) through normal Freeview broadcast when connected to an aerial. We expect more apps to add live TV streaming features during 2025, which will be delivered to your T4•R through software updates as they become available.
Why is there no sound from my ?
If you’ve lost sound on standard definition (SD) channels, the most common cause is that your T4•R’s internal volume has been turned down completely. This can happen particularly if your remote’s volume buttons have been programmed to control your TV or soundbar instead.
Quick Fix — Reset Volume #
- Press Home on your remote
- To reset the T4•R’s internal volume to maximum, enter this sequence: 9 → 5 → 1 → RED
Note: This sequence only works from software version 2.00. If your T4/T4•R has an earlier software version, please update. You can check the software version by going to: Home → Information.
Understanding the T4•R’s Audio System #
- The T4•R has its own internal volume that affects all audio except Dolby from HD channels
- By default, the T4•R remote’s volume buttons control this internal volume
- When Dolby is enabled (in Picture & Sound Settings) and your TV supports Dolby, HD channel audio bypasses the internal volume control
Best Practice for Volume Control #
For optimal sound quality, we recommend:
- Set the T4•R’s internal volume to maximum (using the reset sequence above)
- Use your TV, soundbar, or AV receiver to control the final output volume
- If you prefer using the T4•R remote for volume control, ensure it’s programmed to control your main audio device.
Why are my recordings starting late or ending early on the ?
There are several common reasons why you might miss the beginning or end of your recorded programmes. Here’s what might be happening and how to fix it:
Broadcaster Signalling Issues #
When using Automatic Padding (the default setting), the T4•R relies on signals from broadcasters to know exactly when to start and stop recording. Sometimes these signals can be incorrect or missing, causing recordings to start late or end early.
To resolve this, try switching to Manual Padding, which adds a fixed amount of time before and after each recording. See our guide on the difference between manual and automatic padding for how to change this setting.
Recording Multiple Programmes #
The T4•R has two tuners, meaning it can record two channels at once. When you have multiple recordings scheduled close together on different channels, the T4•R might need to stop one recording to start another. This can mean missing the end of one programme or the start of another.
Back-to-Back Recordings #
When recording consecutive programmes on the same channel, the T4•R has to manage padding carefully to avoid overlap. This might mean some padding is omitted between programmes. Learn more about how this works in our guide to handling consecutive recordings.
Still Having Problems? #
If you’ve tried these solutions and are still missing the start or end of your recordings, please contact us and we’ll help you investigate further.
Why is my Bose soundbar responding to my remote?
If your Bose TV Speaker soundbar (model 431974) is unexpectedly responding to your T4•R remote – for example, changing volume when you press channel buttons – this is a known issue with that specific Bose model.
How to Fix This #
Bose has released a firmware update that resolves this problem. To fix it:
- Visit the Bose TV Speaker Firmware Update page
- Download and install the latest firmware following Bose’s instructions
- After updating, your soundbar should no longer respond incorrectly to the T4•R remote
Still Having Issues? #
If the problem continues after updating your soundbar’s firmware:
- Check that the update was successfully installed
- Contact Bose Support for help with your soundbar
- Or contact our Customer Service team for additional assistance
Note: This issue specifically affects the Bose TV Speaker (model 431974) and may not apply to other Bose soundbar models.
Why does my switch off after 3 hours?
By default, your T4•R is set to automatically go into standby after 3 hours without any interaction. This is an energy-saving feature.
To change or disable this setting:
- Go to Home → Settings → System → Standby Options
- Select Auto Standby
- Choose your preferred duration or turn it off completely