Digital TV Switchover
Posted on August 14, 2011As I’m sure you are aware, TV is going digital. The current analogue TV signal will be switched off and replaced with a new, stronger digital TV signal. It will mean that almost everyone will be able to receive digital TV through their existing aerial (Freeview).
A benefit of Digital TV is that it uses less broadcast space which means that after digital TV switchover, there will be more room for new services such as broadband, local TV and High Definition Television (HDTV).
Therefore, to keep your TV service, you will need to convert your TVs to digital before your area’s switchover date.
Digital TV offers great new ways to enjoy the TV such as greater choice of TV channels, great features such as interactivity, on-screen listings, audio description and subtitling for people with visual and audio impairments. There will also be access to additional channels and services including premium channels(e.g sports, movies), telephony and better broadband options.
A few things to consider :
How many TVs are there in your home?
Every TV you wish to watch will need to be converted to Digital after switchover. Any TV left unconverted will not work.
Do you currently record TV programmes?
Old style video and DVD recorders will still play back and record but only the channel you are currently watching. If you want to carry on recording, you should consider a digital TV recorder that will also convert your to digital TV.
Your TV aerial
The majority of rooftop aerials and some set-top aerials will be fine after switchover. If you decide to convert to a service like Freeview, Top Up TV or BT Vision shouldn’t need to convert your aerial although you might get a better quality picture if you bought a digital aerial.
Will switchover affect the radio?
Radio equipment will not be affected by switchover.
Televisions
Almost any TV can be converted with a digital or Freeview box, so there is no need to buy a new television unless you want to.
The majority of digital boxes connect to a TV using a SCART cable. Before buying a freeview box, you should check that you have a SCART socket on the back of your TV. If not, you will need to purchase a digital box with a built in RF modulator.
If you with to buy a new TV, make sure it carries the ‘digital tick’. The ‘digital tick’ means that it is designed to continue working after the switchover.