Prepare yourself for the Digital Switchover

Analogue, the traditional way of receiving television in the UK that has existed for some 80 years is being replaced by digital technology by the year 2012. Analogue signals are systematically being switched off and your house will now receive a digital signal instead.

Broadcasters are replacing analogue with digital signals not only in the UK but a number of other countries are also going through the Digital Switchover as well.

Analogue broadcasting is the way televisions receive and record information. It is referred to as Analogue because the picture and sound that we receive on our televisions are ‘represented’ with electrical signals/voltages.

There are a couple of problems with the current analogue system – one is that it is not an efficient use of the airwaves, but secondly, there is only enough space for a limited number of channels.

Analogue television signals are sent as waves while digital television signals are transmitted as a series of ones and zeroes.

Compared with the Analogue TV programmes, digital TV programmes eliminate the noise and interference but offer high quality video and audio. Digital signals contain around six or seven times as much information as Analogue signals.

As a result, Digital Terrestrial TV (DTTV) provides a clearer picture and superior sound quality when compared to Analogue TV, with less interference. DTTV offers far more channels, thus providing the viewer with a greater variety of programmes to choose from.

The key benefits are an increase in the number of TV channels (offering a wider choice), and a digital TV signal that’s less prone to some of the interference common to analogue TV reception. The new technology means that services such as digital teletext, interactive TV services, electronic programme guides, and new kit such as digital recorders that use a hard-disk not videotape.

Individuals should do some research before purchasing a new High Definition (HD) TV set. I found a great resouce for Best HD TV Televisions offering comparisons and solutions.

Analogue TVs can be upgraded to Freeview with a Freeview set-top-box. Freeview digital terrestrial TV is fully compatible with older 4:3 aspect ratio televisions. Most set top boxes support TV aspect ratio settings of 16:9, 14:9 pan scan (compromise), 16:9 letterbox and 4:3.

Satellite operators may need to offer dual-play or triple-play solutions to current broadcaster clients to remain competitive. For example, BSkyB is about to launch its Xbox 360 service offering liveSky as well as the Sky Player catch-up service.

Freesat is a free-to-air digital satellite platform which is a joint venture between the BBC and ITV plc. The service was marketed from 6 May 2008 and offers a satellite alternative to the Freeview service on digital terrestrial television, with a selection of channels available without subscription for users purchasing a receiver.

In the UK, about 3 million households receive their television signals (satellite or terrestrial) via communal aerial systems. Communal aerial systems provide a number of dwellings with TV signals from one aerial or set of aerials.

Many owners and managers of properties that currently use communal aerial systems like a hotel, HMO, school, hospital, apartments, and even commercial premisses will, by necessity, require careful consideration and planning during the transition phase to ensure that the building is setup to receive digital transmissions and avoid the loss of television reception by their residents.

Although the general principals may be the same, each facility will have it’s own special considerations. For example, Satellite and MATV distribution systems in apartments and hotels are now being designed with fibre replacing coax.

Property owners and managers need to diligently research the special needs of their buildings at this time so that they are properly prepared for Digital Switchover before it reaches their area.