Questions about digital TV
1) Where will I find the best value digital TV deal? Here at Simplifydigital we offer a free and totally impartial digital TV comparison service. We'll compare over 11,000 deals to find the best one for you.
2) Why is the digital switchover happening? By providing every household with access to digital TV, it will give us a wider range of viewing options such as a larger choice of channels, interactive TV and improved picture quality.
3) When will the digital switch over happen? The digital switchover is happening right now, and the analogue to digital switchover will be completed by 2012. So far the digital switchover timetable is in the early stages. Whitehaven in Cumbria was the first place to switch in October 2007, and the UK will be completely digital when the switchover finishes with Tyne, Tees and Ulster in 2012. You can find out when the digital switchover is happening in your region by visiting the 'When is it happening' section on our website.
4) What do I have to do to ensure I'm ready for the digital switchover? In order to watch digital TV you will have to have a TV that can receive the digital transmission. Pay TV companies like Sky and Virgin Media already operate on the digital transmission.
5) What if I don't do anything and my region switches over? If you don't have a digital set top box or haven't converted your TV to receive digital transmission then you won't be able to watch TV.
6) Will I have to throw out my TV, especially if it is an old one? No, almost all TVs, even black and white ones, can be converted to digital with a set-top digital box.
7) What is high definition TV (HDTV) and does it live up to the hype? To view content in high definition you first need a "HD Ready" TV. This is a TV set which has many more pixels per square inch (4 times more than a standard set) allowing it to show pictures in far greater detail and with much more vibrant colours, but only if the content that it is showing is being broadcast and transmitted in high definition. So you will need the right TV and a set top box able to receive and decode a high definition signal.
8) Is HD worth the additional cost? If you walk past a TV showing content in HD you will notice a big difference. Most viewers find that HD is particularly impressive for sporting events, documentaries and to a lesser extent movies and dramas.
9) What is a PVR and what are its benefits? Personal Video Recorders (PVR's) are now a key part of the digital TV landscape and those who have them, swear by them. You can Record single programmes or whole series at the touch of one button, pause live TV and even rewind in case you missed a crucial moment of a football match!
