You may have noticed public information films on the TV regarding the switch off of analogue signals and the requirement for people to ‘Go Digital’. These films are aimed at the next transmitter areas to switch on the south coast. They change fairly soon but, because of changes in the TV regions we are seeing this information too.
Don’t worry, we don’t switch until 2011. So you have time to get yourself sorted.
Why do we have to change?
Modern broadcast methods mean that we can receive more programmes via a normal television aerial by using digital transmissions instead of analogue. This gives more choice and dedicated channels for news, children, shopping as well as films and sports. The quality of the picture, generally, should be much better than analogue and free from ghost images or interference from distant transmitters in the UK and, on some rare occasions, continental interference.
The government can also make money out of selling the unused part of the TV channel spectrum by selling it off to other users, such as mobile ‘phone operators.
What are my options?
There are three options for receiving digital TV in this area.
1. Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) often referred to as Freeview – comes through your aerial and may require an aerial upgrade. This gives the potential for all your current analogue channels (except Oxford 6) and extra channels too, such as BBC3 and 4, BBC News, CBBC, CBeebies, ITV3 and 4, CITV, Sky News, Five US, Fiver, Yesterday, Dave and many more, plus some subscription channels from Top Up TV and ESPN. To receive these you need a Freeview TV or set top box. For the subscription channels it will need a slot to take the card that decodes the programme. Some older digital TVs and set top boxes will not work with the new broadcast standard.
Recordings for DTT can be made on digital DVD recorders or twin tuner hard drive recorders, made by a variety of manufacturers. Hard drive recorders are great for time shifting and many have the facility for pause record and to record a whole series of programmes by a couple of button presses. However if you want to keep programmes you would be better off with a DVD recorder too, as this means you can archive programmes across to the DVD.
More information can be obtained by visiting
- www.freeview.co.uk
- www.topuptv.com
A further option that makes use of a ‘normal’ TV aerial, but also broadband internet access is BT Vision. This system allows you to download films etc over your broadband connection and watch them at a later time. This is also a subscription service. Go to www.bt.com/vision for further information.
2. Sky Satellite – A subscription service from BSkyB plus the normal public service broadcasts. This requires a satellite dish and a set top box. The subscription depends upon what package you opt for and how many receivers you have. Sky plus receivers have a hard drive recorder built in so you can record one programme whilst watching another, do pause recording and series links. It is possible to receive High Definition (HD) programmes, at a premium charge, via this platform now. For this service you would need an HD receiver and an HD TV. HD receivers also have built in hard drive recorders.
More information can be obtained by visiting
- www.sky.com
3. Freesat – Again a service that comes through a satellite dish, but unlike Sky once you have bought the equipment there is no subscription charge. The programming is very similar to Freeview, but there is no option for any subscription services.
Three types of receiver are available:
- Single tuner standard definition
- Single tuner high definition
- Twin tuner high definition
The single tuner receivers give the option to view the programmes at one TV only, either in standard definition or high definition (with an HD TV) and are made by a variety of manufacturers. The twin tuner receiver allows viewing of programmes at one TV and also recording of a different programme, plus the normal pause record and series link facilities.
More information can be obtained by visiting
- www.freesat.co.uk
What do I need to do?
Many of you will already be ‘digital ready’ anyway, at least at your main TV. If you have a Freeview TV or set top box, or a satellite receiver for Sky or Freesat then that TV is sorted. However don’t forget that once analogue switches off your video recorder won’t record off-air programmes (although you can still play back tapes) and non-digital TVs in other rooms won’t work either.
Who should I use if I need an aerial upgrade or advice?
Members of the Confederation of Aerial Industries (CAI), should be your first port of call as they have been thoroughly vetted for expertise in installing aerials and the ‘plus’ category of membership also have proven criminal record checks, so you can be sure that you are not letting a person with a criminal record into your house. They have also undergone training to ensure safe working at heights. All CAI members must also carry a minimum of £1 million of public liability insurance cover.
The CAI is the main trade body for the aerial industry and covers all aspects from installers to manufacturers. They have been in existence for over 30 years and support both the membership and the general public. The membership, by offering a wide variety of services including training and exhibitions and the general public by insisting that Codes of Practice are adhered to and also offering a money back guarantee if, for example, the member should go out of business and a warranty call is necessary.
Many installing members also fit communal systems in blocks of flats, hotels and housing estates and so on. The CAI runs a City & Guilds Course for this type of installation. Those members qualified to do this sort of work will be able to advise tenants, landlords or owners of the type of property, where work of this nature is required, exactly what the options are for the digital revolution.