It’s one of the most enveloping projects in recent
British technological history, eventually affecting the entire nation. Yet
while the flat screen HD arms race rages as viewers grapple for the most humungous,
sharpest images, many people are still in the dark about the digital TV switchover.
Swansea, south west Wales and the surrounding area becomes among the first
regions in the country to switch off its analogue television transmissions
this summer. The three transmitters serving the area all go digital-only by
August 26, meaning homes will require digital technology to receive any broadcasts,
even free-to-air terrestrial television that until now we’ve taken for
granted. In analogue form, those channels have comprised main players BBC1
and 2, ITV1, Channel 4 (and S4C) and Five. Digital, though, has widened the
gratis choice to include BBC3 and 4, ITV2, 3 and 4, E4, More 4 and beyond.
As well as greater variety of channels and stronger, higher quality signals,
another benefit is that digital uses less ‘broadcast space’, paving
the way for new services like wireless broadband and more HD channels.
The three main ways to receive the updated signals – satellite, cable
and through an aerial – vary in terms of what action customers need to
take. If you’re already connected via one of the former two outlets (predominantly
Sky and Virgin Media) then sit back and smugly watch your favourite programmes
as normal, because the switchover won’t affect you. Subscription-sidestepping
Freesat options are also available via satellite, cost-free once you’ve
shelled out for one-off equipment/installation charges. And of course, subscription
satellite or cable will also solve the situation in one simple swoop. Meanwhile,
existing Freeview viewers, including Top Up TV and BT Vision customers, need
to retune their equipment, a relatively simple process that ordinarily involves
locating the auto-tune function and hitting ‘OK’ on the remote
control. Time to dig out that manual.
The viewers who really need to listen up are those currently relying on an
analogue aerial in/on their roof. For best results, first replace any old-fashioned
set-top aerials, particularly common with portable televisions, with a roof
aerial connection, making sure any required work is carried out by a Registered
Digital Installer (RDI).
“
There are two types of buildings that the switchover involves,” explains
Richard Gowan from Cardiff’s City Satellite, which boasts 20 years of
experience and also carries out commercial installations. “Houses, which
are down normally to the individual person. The signal strengths will be increased
so a lot of people will think their aerial might not work, but could well do
when the signal is increased. Then you have flats and apartments. Anybody who
lives in one of those has to have the ability to receive free-to-air channels
[in latter cases, check with your landlord that your home is switchover-ready].”
Newer television sets are mostly digital compatible, making the simplest next
step a Freeview digibox. At your average high street retailer these are as
cheap as a modest night out (from around £25). For boxes with a little
more pizzazz and design nous, though, South Wales’ Freeview experts TVonics
offer space-saving digiboxes that fit in the palm of your hand and use normal
aerial connections, great for older and portable sets without SCART connections.
Cheapest are the MFR-200 (£38.99, a Which magazine best buy) and MFR-300
(£39.99), although for an extra note or two you can grab SCART-friendly
options.
A pricier alternative is upgrading to a television with in-built digital receiver,
a smart move if your existing TV is older than time itself. Panasonic are currently
the only manufacturer to offer Freesat in both plasma and LCD sets, recommended
by City Satellite’s Richard Gowan. Cardiff city centre home entertainment
specialists Hinchly’s also stock a wide choice of Panasonic televisions
in their range, currently with free five-year warranties, plus free delivery
and set-up within 20 miles.
Many video recorders and analogue DVD recorders won’t accept the new
digital signals either. Sky+/V+ boxes fix that setback for satellite or cable,
but when it comes to Freeview recording try TVonics’ digital recorders
with built-in Freeview (£159.99-£194.99) for an all-in-one solution.
And never again will you miss Match Of The Day while down the pub.
City Satellite
354-356 Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff
029 2023 0900
www.citysat.co.uk
enquiries@citysat.co.uk
TVonics
0870 803 0551
www.tvonics.com
Hinchly’s
100a St Mary Street, Cardiff
029 2037 1010
www.hinchlys.co.uk
For free impartial advice contact UK Digital on 0845 650 5050 or via www.digitaluk.co.uk
Adam Kennedy prepares for the brave new world of digital TV
SWITCHING ON