The Digital Switchover

With the introduction of digital TV we have been treated to a better quality of television. Improved picture quality and sound are the most notable improvements as well as a much greater choice of channels. Originally television was only available through terrestrial broadcasting and later through satellite and cable services offering more services.

Britain has now begun the digital switchover where all of its channels are going to be broadcast exclusively through digital. The following explains how and why digital switchover is taking place.

Making the Change Over

The change from normal broadcasting to digital has been discussed for some time as key individuals seek to find a solution that works well for everyone.

Plans to switchover to digital TV were first raised in 1999. The current secretary for culture, media and sport made a statement declaring that the government intended to complete digital switch over sometime between 2006 and 2010. The resulting discussions led to the government founding The Digital Action Plan, an organisation aiming to meet a mutual solution to the switchover that benefits viewers and networks alike.

The DAP comprised of representatives from the TV industry, government and consumer groups. The DAP had a goal to decide on a date for the switchover that would be beneficial for everyone, giving consumers enough advance warning to upgrade their existing equipment and networks time to prepare new channels and services. Discussions continued at a reasonable pace and in 2003 the DAP ruled that the switchover wouldn't be practical to commence in 2006.

Digital UK

Digital UK is an independent, not for profit company founded by broadcasters and networks. Digital UK's objectives were to make sure the switchover ran smoothly and that the public were kept well informed of changes as they arose.

Digital UK works with three other companies to oversee Britain's digital switchover. The other companies are Ofcom the national communications regulator, The Department of Trade and Industry and continued support from the Department for Culture Media and Sports.

Digital UK was requested to be established by the government and Ofcom but is actually independent form both organisations.

One of the main factors for the digital switchover is to allow more of Britain to receive digital through their existing aerial using the freeview service. Currently around 75% of Britain has access to the freeview service. This is as the analogue signal which is broadcast interferes with the digital signal which is not being transmitted at full strength.

Digital Switchover will allow freeview to be broadcast to almost 100% of Britain. This will be accomplished when the analogue signal ceases transmission and some of the existing transmitters in Britain are upgraded.