Alf's Home Improvements

It will depend on whether you want to get your digital TV service via Freeview as to whether you will need a new aerial. If you already receive Freeview you may not need to change your TV aerial. Some aerials will still work, but it will depend on where you live and the strength of the existing Freeview signal whether you will need to invest in a new aerial. If you receive your TV programmes via satellite or cable services, the digital switchover will not affect you at all.

There are over 100 television, radio and interactive services which are broadcast in the UK and can be received with a standard Yagi TV aerial. The big four analogue broadcasters are the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 and they are required to agree a timetable with the communications regulator OfCom to lead up to switching off the analogue transmitters. The broadcasters wanted to make it as easy as possible for new aerials to be installed where necessary and for set top boxes to be made available, ensuring a seamless transition. The original target date for digital switch over (DSO) was 2010 but due to technical difficulties, the roll out will not be completed until April 2012. Digital UK is a not for profit company set up by the government and is responsible for planning and implementing a smooth transition from an analogue to a digital terrestrial service in conjunction with OfCom. Digital UK is an independent advisory service and organises the installation of aerials and set top boxes with OfCom ensuring that industry standards are met.

In some areas, receiving digital signals may be a problem, depending on the terrain, but it is thought by OfCom that the majority of people will not need to change their aerials. If your property is located in an area where there are lots of hills, the signal may not be able to reach the aerial. You will need to consider carefully the type of aerial you will use and where to site it.

The advantages of digital over analogue TV are not only will you have a wider choice of TV channels, but you will be able to get on-screen listings, a better picture quality and a selection of additional subscription channels. There will be optional services for broadband and telephone services, and features specifically for people with visual and audio problems. It is thought that the digital transmitters will be more energy efficient which is good for climate change.
If your area has not yet gone digital, Digital UK will be able to advise you when the switchover is scheduled for. The roll out was implemented from north to south, with London and the Meridian areas being completed in 2012. Many users in these areas receive their programmes via cable or satellite so will not be affected as much as those in rural areas where people rely on their trusty old aerial as cable is not yet available and satellite can be expensive.