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Ask our Expert
What is digital TV?
Dear Jon, my son has told me that I’ll need to get digital TV soon, as the signal is going to be switched off and I’ll no longer be able to watch my favourite programmes. What does this mean? What is digital TV and will I need to buy a new television set?
Arthur Smallman, via email on 22 September, 2009
Our digital TV expert says...
Hello Arthur, thanks for your email. Your son is right, if you don’t switch to digital before your town’s switchover date, you won’t be able to get a TV signal.
Below are some basic things you need to know about digital TV and the switchover. For more information, read our in-depth beginners’ guide to digital TV.
What is digital TV?
Digital television (DTV) is a more efficient way of delivering programmes. It offers viewers a high quality television service with clearer pictures and sharper sound, eliminating fuzziness, ghost images, distorted pictures or the need to adjust your aerial.
It also offers a host of extra benefits that you don’t get with traditional analogue TV, such as an electronic programme guide (EPG) and, with some services, the ability to record, pause and rewind live TV.
Read our guide for more information and the benefits of digital TV.
What is the digital switchover?
The digital TV switchover began in 2008 and is due to be completed in 2012.
During the switchover, analogue TV signals are gradually being turned off and replaced by a digital signal, carrying more channels. This is a process that a number of other countries are also going through since the digital signal is better and more economical that the old analogue system.
To find out when your area will switch, read our guide on digital switchover dates.
How can I watch TV after the switchover?
To be able to watch TV after your areas analogue signal has been turned off, you will have to get a set-top box of some kind to connect to your TV and your roof aerial. You probably won’t have to change your roof aerial, but some households may find their current aerial is too old and won’t pick up the signal.
When you switch to digital, there are a number of digital TV providers to choose from, including Freeview, Sky and BT Vision. There is also the option to switch to Virgin Media’s cable TV service.
Freeview and Freesat are the lowest cost services – you will just need to pay for the set-top box and in the case of Freesat, the satellite dish, there is no monthly subscription to access your TV channels.
To find out more, read our guide to digital TV providers.
Hope this information is helpful Arthur, and good luck with going digital!
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