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Digital TV in Liphook
What is digital TV?
Digital TV is a new way of broadcasting television signals that is considerably more efficient than existing analogue transmission. It enables the same services to be delivered in less space with greater clarity. The freed space that digital brings can be used for other services and in the context of digital TV, this can be more television and radio channels plus enhanced or interactive services.
Why should I get it?
In the next 10 years, the government will order that analogue broadcasts be switched off in favour of digital when certain targets of availability and pricing are met. Put simply, digital television offers enormous benefits over analogue: better picture quality, better audio performance, a larger choice of video and radio channels, and access to exciting enhanced/interactive features.
How can I get it?
There are 3 main ways to tune into digital TV in the UK - Digital Satellite (BSkyB), Digital Cable (NTL, Telewest) and Digital Terrestrial (Freeview - used to be 'ITV Digital or OnDigital'). All three require a set-top box, and differ in the way that they pick up broadcasts. In Liphook everyone can receive Sky, but access to cable is limited (if non-existent). Despite what you may read, we can also get Freeview.
What is Freeview?
Freeview is the name behind Digital Terrestrial Television in the UK, and set up to rescue the disaster that was 'ITV Digital' or 'OnDigital'. Freeview is marketed by DTV Services Ltd, a company run by three shareholders -- the BBC, Crown Castle International and BSkyB. In the most basic terms, it's a way of receiving digital TV in the same way you watch TV now - through the aerial on top of your house. It offers over 50 TV & radio channels that are completely free to view, barring a one-off purchase of a set-top box that is needed to view the digital signal.
Can we get Freeview in Liphook? Yes!
According to the Freeview website (www.freeview.co.uk), we are not in a coverage area. However, the 3 main terrestrial transmitters that serve our local area (Midhurst, Hannington & Isle of Wight) are all now fully equipped to broadcast digital signals. Many people are receiving Freeview perfectly all over the town. The main problem that occurs is that some channels are received while some aren't - the worst offenders being anything broadcast from the ITV multiplex.
How much does Freeview cost?
Other than your yearly TV licence, you only need to buy a set-top box from a high street retailer costing around £50-150. There are no monthly subscription fees, installation fees or anything else, just a simple upgrade. The set-top box is essential as it contains the computerised hardware that allows you to view the digital transmission.
What do I do now?
The easiest way to check how well you can receive Freeview in Liphook is to borrow a set-top box from a friend and plug it into your TV. Results may differ depending on which transmitter your aerial is pointed to. If you aren't sure, it's probably easiest to contact an Aerial engineer to inspect it for you. You will almost certainly need a booster/amplifier unit to receive every channel (available through any electronics retailer, £20), and in some cases an upgrade to a wide-band aerial (approx. £150). If you have an old TV without a SCART socket, you may also need to use a modulator (£40) to convert the SCART output to traditional RF.
Further reading:
http://www.freeview.co.uk/
http://www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk/
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/terrestrial/faq/
Local Aerial Engineer:
Gary Cox (Apex Aerials)
01730 267311
07850 830605
The author of this article is a professional Interactive TV programmer, and is happy to help in any way if you have any questions or queries about digital TV, Liphook.co.uk will pass on your message.
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