DIGITAL SWITCH OVER

Since the first BBC broadcast in 1922 television has operated on the same analogue transmission system. By 2012 this system will be switched off and replaced by Digital TV also known as DTV.

The digital switchover began in 2007 in Whitehaven, Cumbria and will continue throughout the country with different regions changing over at different times until the whole country has converted to digital transmission in 2012.

The UK has always been at the forefront of the television industry and around 87% of homes are now watching digital TV in some guise. This country is far ahead of the rest of Europe and the United States. Digital TV will allow viewers free access to a range of channels such as BBC Three, ITV2, E4, More 4, S4C2, Sky News, Cbeebies, CBBC, CITV, ITV3 and FilmFour.

Digital Switch Over Map in UK

WHAT IS DIGITAL TV AND WHAT DO I NEED?

Digital television works by converting sound and picture information into discrete ‘bits’ of data. The information is then compressed and transmitted to homes around the country where it is then decoded by a digital box so that it can be viewed again as sound and images. More information can be sent this way than by using the old analogue system.

The digital signal is currently received in four different ways. It can be picked up via a standard TV aerial on the top of your house or even a set top aerial. Satellite receivers can provide digital reception and the signal can also be delivered along fibre optic cables or using a broadband connection.

Freeview TV Received via a TV aerial
Satellite TV - Received with a satellite dish
Cable TV - From underground cables with Virgin Media
Internet - TV over a broadband connection

The equipment needed to receive digital will vary on how many channels the viewer wants to have access to. Receiving digital TV does not require the purchase of a new television set. Exsiting sets can be simply converted to receive DTV by connecting them to a Freeview box that decodes the digital signal. There are now many new televisions on market that have inbuilt decoders and the HD Ready symbol.

There are a host of different packages available from different companies who will connect you and provide the relevant equipment. Cost will depend on what format you chose. This website aims to help make best choice for your needs.

BENEFITS OF GETTING DIGITAL TV

Digital transmission will bring a number of advantages. Terrestrial viewers will have access to a much larger number of channels compared to analogue, which has never provided more than the five stations.

Freeview alone will provide 48 channels that will be available nationwide. Using the digital system will also allow the access to interactive TV as well as the possibility to pause, rewind and record programs.

The switch over to digital transmission can enable viewers to watch programs with high picture quality. This feature is often referred to as High Definition or HD TV.