Instant Expert Guide to… digital switchover

Understanding the digital switchover

It won’t require a visit from an engineer, and you don’t have to pay for the new services, but the digital switchover will see the most fundamental change to the way we receive television broadcasts since the first sets became commercially available way back in the Thirties.

Ultimately, the process will result in all analogue signals being turned off and all TV broadcasts being digital, but it won’t be complete until 2012. However, in some areas the process has already begun, such as Whitehaven in Cumbria, where the analogue signal was switched off on 17 October.

Of course, some of us already receive digital TV with the Freeview service, using a set-top box. But many households have more than one television and some will still rely on analogue signals, meaning that you’ll need to upgrade or buy new equipment to make it work. Though this may not affect you until 2012, you can get yourself ready right now, so let’s examine the issues.

What’s actually going to happen?

TV transmitters around the country will be converted to be able to broadcast digital signals, so analogue signals can be permanently switched off. The main advantage of digital over analogue broadcasts is that the image and sound quality will be better, and there will be more scope for interactive features to be included in broadcasts.

How do I get a digital signal?

If you have satellite TV from Sky, then you won’t be affected by the digital switchover because you’re already receiving digital services, likewise if you get your TV through cable with Virgin Media. You can also get digital signals through your telephone line – for example with Tiscali’s TV service – but the most common way of getting digital TV is through a set-top box. Freeview boxes connect to your existing roof aerial and you can buy one for as little as £20.

You’ll need to bear in mind that though your video recorder will continue to function as normal, if you want to watch one channel while recording another you’ll need to buy a set-top box with two tuners – the standard set-top box just has one. There are also some Freeview boxes available that have hard drives in them, meaning you can use them to replace your old VCRs. These will set you back a little more though, and you can expect to pay around £200.

Click to read Instant Expert Guide to: digital switchover: Part Two

Click to view a map showing the regional roll-out dates

Picture Credit: Vismedia