The Digital Switchover

Submitted by stellardeals on Tue, 28/08/2007 - 21:23

If you do not have digital TV at present, you can still receive the 5 main terrestrial channels through an analogue signal. The 5 main terrestrial channels are: BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5.

From 2008 the analogue signal will be switched off. That means that anyone without digital TV will not be able to receive a signal. The switch over process will be completed
in 2012.

Why is the digital switchover happening?

  • Greater accessibility: Some people cannot receive all the terrestrial channels with the analogue signal. It is common for households to be unable to receive Channel 5. Digital TV will ensure that all households will be able to receive all free to air channels.
  • Greater choice: There are more channels available with digital TV. There is a range of free to air channels available that you do not need to pay for. There is also a wide range of subscription based television channels available.
  • More efficient: Digital TV is a much more efficient way of transmitting the television signal. This will free up valuable airwaves for new technology such as mobile and high definition (HD) television.

What do I need to do?

There are various options available for you to receive the digital TV signal:

  • Sign up to a digital TV package: Sky Digital, NTL, Telewest and Homechoice are the leading subscription based digital TV providers in the UK. For a monthly fee you can receive up to 400 digital TV channels.
  • Get a free to air set top box: You can receive digital TV without signing up to a subscription package by buying a set top box. This is otherwise known as Freeview. Freeview set top boxes are available from £35.
  • Buy a television with digital TV built in: Some modern television sets can receive the digital TV signal without the need for a set top box. Similarly DVD players and video players can have digital TV built in. These will give you the free to air digital channels but if you want to receive a wider range of channels you will still need to sign up to a digital TV provider, such as Sky Digital, NTL, Telewest or Homechoice.