The Switch to Digital TV

We here so many questions about the switch over from analogue TV to digital TV so we thought it might be useful to pull some together and provide a bit of information about it.

When will the digital switchover happen in my region?

The information below is taken from http://www.digitaluk.co.uk where you can obtain more detailed information. The list below summarises the schedule to date.

• Anglia – Completed
• Border (including Isle of Man) – Completed
• Central – Starts 2011
• Channel Islands – Starts 2010
• Granada – Starts 4th November 2009
• London – Starts 2012
• Meridian – Starts 2012
• STV Central – Starts 2010
• STV North – Starts 5th May 2010
• Tyne Tees – Starts 2012
• Ulster – Starts 2012
• Wales – Started August 2009 (expected to be completed by March 2010)
• West – Starts 24th March 2010
• West Country – Completed
• Yorkshire – Starts 2011

If your region says completed but you haven’t switched yet it is possible your TV service is from a transmitter that overlaps with a transmitter from another region. The Digital UK website will offer you more detailed information about that, just visit the site and enter your postcode.

Is My Aerial Ready for Digital TV?

Your existing aerial really should be able to receive digital TV just fine but if you would like to be sure there is a really useful test you can do on teletext:

1. Go to Teletext page 284 on BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 and S4C
2. Carry out a test on all channels and for a more accurate result test under various weather conditions (fog, rain, fine/clear)
3. If your aerial is ok for digital the screen will show a full grid of vertical/horizontal white boxes
4. If you need to replace the aerial it will show 4 or more continuous missing squares (random missing squares should not be a problem)
5. If you do need a new aerial or an upgrade look in your local newspaper or yellow pages for a fitter (please make sure they are a member of the Confederation of Aerial Industries!). Expect to pay around £60 – £180.

Is My TV Ready for Digital?

Wondering how to check that your TV is able to receive digital TV? If you have an old TV set look around the TV (and on the packaging or instruction manuals if you have them) for the words Integrated Digital Tuner, Digital Receiver, ATSC, DTV, HDTV or Digital Tuner. If you see any of those terms you have a digital ready TV.

If you can’t find those terms anywhere it is possible you don’t have a digital ready TV BUT you still may not need to replace your TV. There are digital freeview boxes available that come very cheap (eg supermarkets) that you don’t need to pay a subscription for.

Keep in mind that most freeview set top boxes require your TV to have a SCART socket so if your TV doesn’t have a SCART socket you will need to look for a freeview box that has a modulated output (such as Sky, BT Vision).

• If you bought your TV set before 1998 it is likely to be an analogue TV
• If you bought your TV after March 2007 it is likely it is digital
• The FCC ensured that TV sellers MUST disclose at the time of purchase if the TV doesn’t include a digital TV tuner as of May 25, 2007)

If you really care that much about watching TV and your TV set is so old that it has neither digital tuner nor a scart socket, we think it’s time to upgrade. There are many TV sets to choose from these days at all price ranges. You could even try e-Bay for a second hand bargain!

I Have a New Digital TV. Now What?

Whether you have plasma or LCD, a heavy box TV or a flat screen it is important to have the right TV stand or mount so you can watch TV comfortably in your lounge, bedroom or kitchen. Whichever room your TV is in, choose a stand or wall mount that will help to  position the TV at a level and angle that means you can view it without straining your neck or body.

What Size TV Stand Do I Need?

Cribideas has many solutions from wall mounts, ceiling mounts and tv stands whatever the size of your screen. Check out our website for detailed products information or give us a call for advice.