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