| Digital TV is a means of transmitting picture | | | | Set Top boxes vary in costs depending on the |
| and sound to your TV set. It is done by | | | | service you require. Non subscription |
| converting the pictures and sound into | | | | services such as Freeview require a one off |
| computerised bits of information and | | | | payment to purchase the equipment in order to |
| compressing it, then transmitting it from as | | | | receive more than 30 free channels and other |
| transmitter to your aerial. The signal is | | | | features. Subscription services vary in cost |
| then converted back into pictures and sound | | | | depending on the level you wish to subscribe |
| by your TV using a decoder. Digital TV | | | | to, Top up TV provides limited additional |
| provides the potential for hundreds of | | | | channels for a small charge which can paid |
| channels and services via a TV. This is | | | | flexibly each month. Others such as SKY and |
| because the digital signal is compressed, | | | | NTL can provide a much wider selection of |
| meaning it takes up less space in the | | | | services but the charges are much greater and |
| airwaves, unlike the analogue system. | | | | often require a 12 month subscription. |
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| Where as the old analogue system could only | | | | The Digital Switchover is the process by |
| provide 5 channels, on digital you can | | | | which all television in the UK switches to a |
| potentially have access to hundreds of | | | | digital signal. Analogue signals are inferior |
| channels, as well as extras like a 7-day | | | | to their Digital counterparts and as a result |
| programme guide and interactivity. The main | | | | are going to be phased out. In order to make |
| benefit of Digital TV is the increase in | | | | sure that everyone in the UK can receive a |
| picture quality; digital signals produce a | | | | digital signal it has to be available for |
| much better picture and higher quality sound. | | | | free everywhere. Presently this is possible |
| Ghosting images and crackling pictures are a | | | | in only 74% of UK homes, in order for the |
| thing of the past, and the best bit is its | | | | rest of the country to receive digital |
| available to almost everyone. | | | | signals the existing analogue signal must be |
| | | | switched off. |
| In order to receive Digital TV on your | | | | |
| television you will have to replace or adapt | | | | After switchover at least 98.5% of people |
| it (unless you have a recently purchased TV). | | | | will be able to receive digital TV via an |
| Some brand new TVs come featuring integrated | | | | aerial. The switchover will begin in 2008 and |
| digital Freeview (IDTV), which means they are | | | | end in 2012, and will happen one region at a |
| able to display Digital signals without the | | | | time. In order to make sure that you're ready |
| use of a separate box. If your TV doesnt have | | | | for the switchover you will need to make sure |
| this feature then you will need to attach a | | | | your TV can receive and process digital |
| set top box to any TVs you wish to adapt | | | | signals, either via an integrated tuner or |
| using a SCART lead. | | | | set top box. |
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