What will happen to my analogue TV set when digital replaces analogue services?
It will be able to display digital pictures by connecting it to a digital decoder. Affordable set-top-boxes designed to receive free-to-air services are becoming widely available. When will my local transmitter carry digital signals? Eighty of the UK’s major transmitting sites currently carry digital terrestrial television (DTT) signals. Government, in consultation with the digital broadcasters, will decide on further extensions to DTT. Can satellite and cable cover all areas? No, cable is mainly limited to urban areas while satellite signals are available to about 98% of UK homes. For digital terrestrial, the public service digital channels from the BBC, ITV1 and Channel 4 currently cover around 80% of the population. Do I need to buy a new widescreen TV? No: Although many new programmes are being produced in this format, set-top boxes can be set to display pictures on a conventional (4:3) aspect ratio TV set in either full-screen or ‘letterbox’ formats.
It can display digital signals by connection to a digital decoder. Do I need to buy a new widescreen TV? No, although many new programmes are being produced in this format, the broadcasters are ensuring all the important picture information can still be seen on a 4:3 aspect ratio screen. Will I need to pay for digital television channels? The Public Service Broadcasters – BBC, ITV and Channels 4 and 5 – are Free To Air (FTA). These and other FTA digital channels do not require a subscription. Do I have to subscribe to Sky Digital to obtain the Free To Air channels? No, you can obtain a decoder without subscription but some form of payment for the decoder and installation may be needed. I think some services are faulty. Who is responsible? The appropriate broadcaster. Click here to see the list of ITC licensees. Why does my picture keep breaking up and freezing? This is usually due to a low signal level. Ask your installer to ensure the decoder is receiving the minimum levels of signal
