UK going digital?

Question

TV's are all going digital in the UK. What exactly does this mean? what was it previously? analogue?

Answer 1

In 2012, TV services in the UK will go completely digital, TV region by TV region. This process is called digital switchover.The UK’s old television broadcast signal (known as “analogue”) is being switched off and replaced with a “digital” signal. Any TV set that’s not converted to digital when the switchover takes place will no longer receive TV programmes. You’ll receive all your usual TV channels and many more as standard including BBC Three, ITV2, E4, More 4, S4C2, Sky News, Cbeebies, CBBC, CITV, ITV3 and FilmFour. With digital TV, sound and pictures from the broadcaster are converted into ‘bits’ of information and sent through an aerial, satellite, telephone line or cable. This digital signal is then turned back into pictures and sound by a digital box or a digital TV set

Answer 2

Just like in the United States, the UK will be converting into a digital signal.  This switch from analog to digital will offer more channels, as well as free up certain frequencies used by the analog frequencies.  In the US, those older frequencies will free up frequencies for emergency services.

In the US, the switch to digital occurs at one time, on one date, for everyone: Feb. 19, 2009.  From what I read the UK switchover will take place in segments, starting in 2007 and going through 2012.

I'm not sure how the UK will handle the conversion.  The US has been giving out a $40 coupon per TV to aide in the purchase of a converter box.  However, most people that are part of a cable or satellite system are not affected since the set-top box is digital tv capable.

From the UK site:

Compared to traditional TV, it brings many new ways to enjoy your TV:

Extra TV channels as standard: You’ll receive all your usual TV channels and many more as standard including BBC Three, ITV2, E4, More 4, S4C2, Sky News, Cbeebies, CBBC, CITV, ITV3 and FilmFour* (*from July 2006).

      

Subscription channels: If you choose to take out a subscription, you can get many more dedicated channels including sport, films, music channels, and access to services that let you watch what you want, when you want.

Improved quality:  Digital TV can improve the quality of your TV picture.

    

New features:  Including on-screen TV listings, true widescreen picture and red-button interactivity.

Access services: Some digital boxes have special features for people with visual and hearing impairments such as audio description and subtitling. For more information on audio description call the RNIB on 0845 766 99 99.