A8 tv
 

Hi, my first post here. Just bought an 09 a8 yesterday and browsing through the media menu I noticed the TV function, the garage said it didn't have the tv option. The tv does work but only has bbc channels available. How can I get all freeview channels, is an update required? Thanks for any help.

Your aerial amplifier maybe broken and require replacement, its quiet a common problem. The amplifier is located in the car, at the top of the back window behind a lot of trim.

Another possible is the rear heater element is damaged as that is used as one of the aerials.

Great, thanks for the quick response. Is there anyway to test either of those to see which one it is? Thanks

Heater element should be easy, if you get a morning with the car covered in dew. Switch it on and see if the dew clears fully. You should see the lines from the heater element warming up.

There is no way to test the amplifier short of replacement. another member is going through the same thing trying to get DAB working.

If you have VCDS you can check all amplifiers Via Measuring blocks and also do an output test on the module itself, where abouts are you based ?

Guy that's interesting, Can I check mine with the analogue TV prior to possibly changing to Freeview.

The DAB works but signal keeps dropping off. Does that point to the same thing?

Yes indeed,

Connect VCDS .. Select TV module and have the screen on in the car, and select Output test using VCDS you will see the MMI screen turn black with all the coding on the screen in white ... like entering the Matrix:ROFL: this will show each individual Amplifier for any of the Cars infotainment, AM FM DAB DVB-T +++ and signal strength of course


Have Fun !!


PS yes this could also be the cause of the DAB not working correctly the amplifiers can be bought from A8 Parts and are around £170 tad of a ball ake to change but time consuming more than complicated

if you get stuck let me know and if you are not too far away perhaps i could help you +++

Hi Guy,
We are just off to Whitby, Gwen is gonna let me have a ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Yippee!! More hot oil & steam. :ROFL:
That is some good info, I'll have a look when we get back.
Just been watching ITV whilst in the car wash, brill :love:

Right will get onto that and see how it goes. Great help cheers guys

I did the output tests on my analogue TV tuner this evening, all 4 aerial amplifiers are working it would seem.

Now all I need to do is find a digital TV tuner, and find a nice soul to help me fit it.

Depends on your skill set but fitting is really not hard, unplug, unbolt, then swap TV unit and back together again.

Getting the plate out needs the NAV bracket removing with NAV unit then you can get to the plugs quite easily, unbolt the fixings for the base plate and iirc it's twist and pull up till it clears the studs, pulling up the base plate is the hardest part.

Easiest way is to remove the Boot carpet and take the side trim off the LHS, this gives greater access to remove the Media Rack.

TV tuner i may still have one in the garage i will have a look for you as i removed one from my 4.2 when i sold it and the W12 had one so im sure i still have one .:p

Will let you know

Guy, please do let me know.

Finally managed to get my hands on my car. Management has been using it all the time.
Thanks to Guy I have stepped deeper into VCDS, specifically into the TV Tuner and aerial amps. All went well and surprise surprise, all four of the aerials appear to be working correctly.
I have attached photos of the results hoping that they may be of assistance to others.
I do have a very good picture from TV reception, but outside our house we are shielded by a large old mill. I have asked the council to demolish it to improve the signal for my in car TV but they just larfed at me :D

Took the car 100 yards and cleared the old mill building obstruction. Took the following whilst watching BBC 1.
Note that Ant 4 is showing "0".
Whilst moving all four aerial readings changed, number four actually reached 57 at one point. I have "video in motion" enabled.