Between 2008 and 2012, television services in the UK will go completely digital, TV region by TV region. The old analogue television signal will be switched off and viewers will need to convert or upgrade their TV equipment to receive digital signals, whether through their aerial, by satellite, cable or broadband.

This is just a guide for you for things to come please any questions or advice you may need contact us.

 

 

What are the benefits of digital TV?

·       Compared to traditional TV, it brings many new ways to enjoy your TV:

·       Extra TV channels as standard .

·       Subscription channels.

·       Improved quality.

·       New features.

·       Access services

 

 

How does it work?

·       With digital TV, sound and pictures from the broadcaster are converted into 'bits' of information and sent through an aerial, satellite, telephone line or cable. This digital signal is then turned back into pictures and sound by a digital box or a digital TV set.

 

 

What equipment will I need to get digital television?

·       You do not need to replace your existing television sets to receive digital services. You will need to get some additional equipment that will connect to your existing television.

·       Digital Terrestrial TV: viewers will need a digital set top box or a new television with built in digital adapter (known as an integrated digital TV, or IDTV). Some viewers may also need to replace their aerial.

·       Digital Satellite TV: viewers will need a satellite receiver and dish, provided by the satellite broadcaster.

·       Digital Cable TV: a connection to a cable system and indoor decoder box is provided by  the cable  company.

 

 

FREESAT

·       Is up and running as from the 6/5/08 approx 80 channels are available reaching 200 by the end of the year .You will require a satellite receiver and dish, or satellite dish & freesat TV.

 

 

DIGITAL RECEPTION WHAT'S NEEDED

·       Digital Television Aerial reception is slightly different  from the Analogue  signals as each channel carries approx 8 Digital compressed channels, which means that if one of these channels is weak through your existing T.V. Aerial then a few channels will break up or disappear altogether.

·       A good quality T.V. Aerial will help and must be aligned using a Digital T.V. Aerial meter to ensure that all Digital frequencies are being received otherwise channels will be missing.

 

 

Help Scheme: Are you over 75 or have a disability?

·       The Government has announced support for disabled and older people – see their digital TV website at www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk

·       Help for all households with at least one person age  75 or over.

·       Help for all households with at least one person with a significant disability – who receives attendance allowance, disability living allowance or equivalent benefits under the war pension or industrial disablement benefit schemes.

·       Help for all households where at least one person is registered blind or partially sighted.

·       The help will include providing and installing the necessary equipment to convert one TV set to digital, plus help with how to use it. Similar help will be given to people with satellite or cable.