Get ready for the biggest shake-up in television history .
Starting in 2007 and ending in 2012 , television services in the UK will go completely digital . The old ‘analogue’ television signal will be switched off and the digital signal altered to (hopefully) make it possible for almost every home to get digital TV via an aerial .
In our area ( East Lincolnshire ) most existing TV aerials will require replacing with a suitable one for digital reception . As a rule of thumb , if your existing analogue signal for Ch5 is completely crystal clear ( no haziness , ghosting , shadowing at all ) it would indicate that the existing aerial could be working well enough to ensure reliable reception of the full range of digital programmes . If you do have less than perfect reception on the analogue Ch5 , it would indicate that your existing aerial is probably not working well enough to receive the full range of digital programmes and it is likely that it will require upgrading .
The digital switchover will require everyone’s TV equipment to be capable of receiving a digital signal , either through a digital box or a TV with a built-in box (IDTV Integrated Digital TeleVision) . That means every set in the house you wish to continue to view TV programs on , that is - any TV programmes at all , including BBC1 , ITV , BBC2 , Ch4 , will need either changing or upgrading , by means of a digtal receiver . A set which has not been upgraded will show no pictures at all following the switchover .
Not only that , but every set will need an aerial point capable of delivering a stable signal . While in some areas an existing television may give acceptable results using an indoor or set-top aerial , this is highly unlikely to work satisfactorily for the digital signals . We strongly recommend that an aerial is correctly installed and profesionally aligned by a competent aerial installer . Again depending on the area - and the signal can vary from house to house , even in the same street , this may be a loft mounted aerial or a roof mounted one , a competent installer should be able to measure the strength of the signal , and will be able to advise you as to the cost involved before starting work . Should you have a preference for a loft mounted aerial , it may be possible to install an aerial that is suitable for this , although , because the tiles on the roof reduce the signal in the loft , this may require a larger , or more expensive aerial than one mounted on the roof . In some cases it a loft aerial may not work correctly at all , again a competent installer should be able to advise you of this before starting work , and advise you of the alternatives . Once you have a suitable aerial it is normally then possible to fit a device which allows you to share the signal from that one aerial , to a number of aerial points in the house , depending on your individual requirements .
We use , and can recommend C.C.Aerials for all aerial installations , contact them on : 01507 473371 or Mobile : 07957 144804 .
The following text is an edited version of that from digitaluk .
Why is it happening ?
Switchover makes it fairer . At present , over two-thirds of UK homes have digital TV . However, one in four cannot receive it via their aerial , and many still cannot receive Channel Five . By switching off the existing analogue broadcasting system it may be possible to boost the digital TV signal and provide people with a greater choice of affordable digital TV options .
Digital TV is more efficient . It frees up airwaves that could be used for innovations such as high definition television (HDTV) on Freeview , or mobile television .
How will viewers know what to do ?
In May 2006 , Digital UK launched a major public information campaign , both nationally and regionally . Digital UK is the independent , not-for-profit organisation set up by the broadcasters to lead the UK's switch to digital television . In each area of the country , a further communications programme will commence three years prior to switchover .
Digital UK will send a leaflet to every UK household , at least twice , to tell them about switchover and what they need to do . A website (www.digitaluk.co.uk) and helpline (0845 6 50 50 50) have also been set up to help people through the process . Viewers are encouraged to talk to their local electrical retailer , such as ourselves , for help and advice .
What are the different ways for people to get digital TV ?
There are four main options:
Through an aerial (Freeview) , using either a digital box or a television with a built-in tuner (an IDTV)
By satellite (Sky or FreeSat from BBC/ITV)
Through a cable (NTL/Telewest or Wight Cable)
Over broadband (Homechoice, available in London and Stevenage)
You can check out what options are available to you by using the postcode checker on the Digital UK website
What’s so good about digital TV ?
Digital TV will change the way we watch television forever , in much the same way that CDs changed the way we listen to music .
Digital TV transforms the experience of watching television by introducing many exciting new ways to enjoy TV , including extra channels , such as BBC Four , ITV2 and Film4 , plus interactivity and special services for those with sight or hearing problems . In some cases , where the analogue signal is weak or suffers from interference , it may improve picture quality .
When will digital switchover happen ?
Digital switchover will happen region by region , starting with Cumbria ( Whitehaven ) in Autumn 2007 and ending in four others in 2012 . A “region” is determined by the ITV1 service or ITV regional news people currently receive . Viewers can also check on Teletext p106 to see which TV region they are in .
Region Switchover start dates
Cumbria ( Whitehaven ) Autumn 2007
Border 2008
West Country, Wales, Granada 2009
West, Grampian, Scottish 2010
Central, Yorkshire, Anglia 2011
Meridian, London, Tyne Tees, Ulster 2012
Channel Islands* 2013
Will there be help for the elderly and others ?
Yes . To ensure everyone can benefit from digital TV , the Government has committed to providing financial assistance to those who most need it , including people aged 75 and over , and those with significant disabilities .
Will people have to throw out their old television ?
No . With very rare exceptions , all current TVs , even black and white sets , can be converted to digital by connecting to one of the options outlined above .
People will have to ensure that every set in their home can receive digital TV .
Will video recorders work after digital switchover ?
Yes - but ... Video recorders will still be able to play existing tapes , but they will not realistically be able to record the digital programmes , unless the viewer uses two boxes – one for the TV and one for the video .
What will happen if you can’t get Freeview ?
After digital switchover , coverage for digital TV through an aerial (Freeview) will match that of the current analogue signal as the power of the digital signal will be boosted . Although this should not be relied upon . Aerials which are incapable of receiving digital programs now , will probably not miraculously start to work following the switchover , due as much to the way the digital programmes are being transmitted locally , rather than the power at which they are sent out .
This means sets that currently receive a good TV signal should be able to get digital TV , through an aerial after switchover . In the meantime , those who want digital TV but are unable to get good reception of FreeView through an aerial can opt for a satellite based service . This does not automatically require a monthly subscription , as it is possible to get a non-subscription service from BSkyB , and from 2008 through the BBC/ITV FreeSat service .
If you have any questions about switching to digital TV, contact Digital UK on 08456 50 50 50 or visit digitaluk.co.uk .
