Digital TV change over, Info please!!

[marcoddy]

Same question in "how it works"

Hi, does anyone know what will be needed for the changeover to digital? will every house have to have a different aerial fitted? or some other device?



Thanks in advance!

[vehelpfulguy]

Almost all the TVs around at the moment are ANALOGUE. That is why you need a "freeview" box to receive the digital signal and turn it into Analogue.

To receive the digital signal some people do need better aerials if their existing one is old or weak.

When we switch to digital I imagine there will be plenty of DIGITAL TVs around so you will not need any special box, just a good aerial.

If someone stays with an ANALOGUE TV once analogue is turned off then they will need a box like the freeview box to pick up the digital signals.

Of course you could also get DIGITAL TV via Sky or Cable as we do at the moment. 

[Mattk]

i would guess the minimum you would need would be a freeview box or tv with one built in.

the signal still comes thru the aerial but in digital form.

[KT84]

I actualy have a question relating to this, when the analog signal is turned off what happens to the people who just use the loop arial on there tv, there is no way this is strong enough to get digital, i have a indoor room arial that is attached to my tv and i doubgt the signal would be strong enough to pick up digital, as i can bearly get anologue as the signal is so weak hear.

[venus]

Hi there, i work in the technical side of things, your existing aerial should be fine as long as it does not exceed ten years old, (maybe get it checked with your local aerial guy) the UK digital coverage is around 85% at the minute, so there are only really just pockets of the country who cannot receive a digital signal, analogue output needs 3 waves for just one channel, digital signal is transmitted through 'multiplexes' and around ten channels can be broadcast on just one multiplex.thats why there is so many channels! at the minute there is no more room on the 'airwaves' to expand until analogue is switched off but to cut this short sorry! you have an option of freeview, sky, or cable, freeview is through your existing ariel (there are tv's with freeview installed already,or alternatively a separate box is needed), sky through a satellite dish (they now have a special package for free channels only with a one off cost), and obviously cable through a cable box, most retailers will be able to advise you on which is better for you, beware the retailer willing to sell you anything!!! sorry about the long answer!!

[venus]

ooh and just to add to that other question, when analogue is switched off you will not be able to receive any analogue signal whatsoever, and i believe that analogue radio is also getting switched off, so you will need a DAB aswell!!