FAQ's
Technical FAQs
What do I need to be ready for Digital Switchover?
How will I know when my area will be switched over to Digital Broadcasts?
Television signals can be received via an aerial, satellite, cable or broadband connection. Switchover affects any TV that receives its signal from an aerial. These signals have traditionally been transmitted in Analogue giving you the main five channels BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, CH4 and CH5. These will be received from one of 80 transmitter groups across the UK. One by one these are now being switched from Analogue to Digital giving you around 20 channels including the main five and this is expected to be completed by 2012. For further information go to http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/home . Back to top.
What do I need to be ready for Digital Switchover?
As areas are switched over, the Analogue signal is turned off and you will need either a set top box or TV with Digital Tuner built in to continue to recieve your TV channels. This will also be the same for any recording equipment such as Video Cassette Recorders or Hard Drives (PVRs). Any Analogue recorder will require an input from a Digital Tuner. You may also need to replace your existing aerial. Although Sky, cable and broadband viewers will not be effected, if you have additional TVs around the house that are using an aerial, you will still need to ensure that these are connected to a Digital Tuner. Back to top.
How will I know when my area will be switched over to Digital Broadcasts?
There is a timetable for switchover between now and 2012. The simplest way to confirm when your area is due is to go to http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/home and use their Post Code Checker. Back to top.
High Definition TV (HDTV) is a new standard for television, offering superior quality pictures. Some services are currently available from satellite and cable providers but you will require a HD Ready TV to be able to view them. Back to top.
Blu-Ray, named after the colour of laser used to read the disc is in effect the next generation of DVD. With far greater storage capacity than DVD it can record and play back in High Definition although it is most commonly for playback only of pre-recorded material. Most Blu-Ray players will also play DVD and can improve the picture quality as they 'upscale' the picture to High Definition. Blu-Ray discs however will not play in a standard DVD player. Pre-recorded Blu-ray discs are now widely available from most retailers. Back to top.
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