What is Digital TV?

Analogue TV is going to be switched off between 2007 and 2012, meaning everyone in the UK must watch television programmes on digital TVs. So what are the full implications for viewers and what is the definition of Digital TV?

The whole of the UK will switch to digital TV between 2007 and 2012.

First of all, analogue TV, by definition, is the old system of broadcasting that we have had since television was developed in the 1930s.

Digital technology basically converts television pictures and sound into data based on a computer language of 0s and 1s. This allows programmes to be compressed allowing a significant increase in the amount of programmes that can be broadcast. 

A digital receiver may be built into your TV set; if not, you can pick up digital signals via ‘freeview’ boxes or Sky, or cable companies such as Virgin Media, who also provide some high definition TV programmes.

The digital system is better; it generally provides better pictures and sound, a lot more TV and radio channels and interactive services that provide new options to viewers, including the ability to transmit high definition TV programmes.

Almost 70% of UK homes (17.5 million) already have a digital TV in at least one room, received via cable (NTL or Telewest), satellite (Sky) or a TV aerial (Freeview). 

Many viewers pay a monthly subscription for a range of channels, but a growing number of households are opting for free-to-air services, through Freeview or Freesat from Sky. The BBC and ITV are also planning to launch a free-to-air satellite service.

Whitehaven in Cumbria will be the first place to have its analogue signal switched off in autumn 2007. The Selkirk area, which is also part of the Border ITV region, will follow in early 2008. The rest of the UK will follow, region by region, ending in 2012. The full schedule follows:

• 2008 - Border
• 2009 - West Country, Wales, Granada
• 2010 - West, Grampian, Scottish
• 2011 - Central, Yorkshire, Anglia
• 2012 - Meridian, London, Tyne Tees, Ulster

When analogue is closed down, the frequencies can be reallocated to ensure almost universal coverage and a stronger signal.

Most people will be able to use their existing TV aerials to receive digital signals, though some may need to have new aerials installed to receive all the services (but NOT high definition TV signals).

The government has promised financial and practical help for the over-75s and people with severe disabilities to get the equipment needed for the switch.

Support for vulnerable households will be funded by the BBC through the licence fee.

Interestingly, Ofcom has proposed the auctioning off of the broadcast spectrum freed up by the move to the highest bid. However, the BBC has made a case for the allocation of the spectrum to the Public Service Broadcasters to develop free to air, universally available, High Definition TV channels on the Digital Terrestrial Television platform (DTT).

Watch this space for updates on this action, as this will certainly have a major impact on the evolution of HD channels outside of the dominant suppliers, currently being SkyHD and Virgin Media and will certainly be a major influence on High Definition TV.