How To Switch Onto Digital
The digital switchover is happening region by region, and will fully complete by 2012. But how will this affect you, and what do you need to ensure you are ready?
The switchover is the turning off from the present analogue signal, and completely introducing the new and improved digital signal. As digital provides much more transmission space, you will be able to receive more television services, channels, content and interactivity, improved picture quality and sound.
However, digital is already available to approximately 75% of the United Kingdom, and you could already benefit from the improved signal, and receive a greater variety of television channels!
How Do I Get Digital?
Digital television can be viewed through several television services currently available. If you have a digital compatible aerial installed at your property, it is quite possible you may be able to receive the digital service offered by Freeview, which provides approximately 50 digital television channels.
Although Freeview currently has 75% coverage of the United Kingdom, it is expected that by 2012, this will increase to around 98%.
To see whether you can receive Freeview in your area, you can use the official digital postcode checker online. However, this system is based on general signal levels where you live, and this may not provide a true reflection on whether you could receive the digital signal.
If upon checking your location the postcode checker states you cannot receive Freeview where you live, do not despair! Using specialist equipment with a professional installation, it may still be possible to receive Freeview at your home. An Aerialforce engineer can visit your property and ascertain the type of installation necessary, and whether it is possible to receive digital television through an aerial system.
If not, there are several alternatives available for digital television, which do have a greater coverage than Freeview, and could still provide you with free digital channels:
- Freesat
The service launched by BBC & ITV in Spring 2008 offers approximately 140 digital television channels, with a number of radio and music channels also. There are no monthly subscriptions, no charges and no contracts. You pay a one of fee for the equipment and installation! Freesat is received via a mini dish and digital satellite receiver - Freesat HD
Freesat also offers High Definition viewing free of charge. All you require is a HD compatible television and a Freesat HD satellite receiver. There are a number of channels available in High Definition, and the line up will increase during 2009. - Freesat+
Freesat HD technology but the satellite receiver has a built in hard drive, allowing you to record the channels direct to your satellite receiver. No need for tapes or dvd's! - Sky Freesat
Freesat from Sky is also an alternative to Freeview and Freesat, and provides approximately 240 digital television channels. The service is provided via a sky mini dish and sky satellite receiver. Although Sky currently offers more channels than Freesat, it does require a monthly charge and contract if you wish to receive HD channels or use Sky+ (recording). - Sky Digital
Sky digital provides a vast variety of digital television, designed to suit you. There are a number of different television packages to suit your budget, which can will alter the channels you want to watch, whether it be comedy, entertainment, knowledge and history, news, sports or cartoons for the kids! Sky offers something for everyone. - Sky+
The same fantastic service as offered on the traditional Sky Digital system, but with the benefit of Sky+ recording facilities, allowing you to record your favourite shows or entire series direct to your Sky+ satellite receiver. There are no need for any tapes or dvd's to save your programmes! - Sky+ HD
Experience your favourite shows and channels in glorious high definition, with much more colourful and vivid images, improved sound and upto 4 times more picture clarity! Sky HD currently offers the largest variety of HD programming, all of which can be directly recorded to the Sky+ harddrive!
Aerials & Satellitesare here to help, and can provide you impartial advice on a suitable system to help you continue to watch television after the digital switchover. There are several options as listed above, and we can help you choose the correct system and installation that suits you. Do not hesitate to contact us on 0800 0224421.
