Terrestrial vs Digital TV
Terrestrial television or broadcast television is a type of
television broadcasting in which the television signal is transmitted by radio
waves from the terrestrial (Earth based) transmitter of a television station to
a TV receiver having an antenna. There were several channels available in the
UK, and they were: BBC One; BBC Two; ITV; Channel 4 and 5.
Digital television (DTV) is the transmission of television signals, including the sound channel, using digital encoding, in contrast to the earlier television technology, analog television, in which the video and audio are carried by analog signals. It is an innovative advance that represents the first significant evolution in television technology since colour television in the 1950s.
The tv switchover or also referred as “analogue switch off”, from analog to digital tv started on the 17” October 2007 and was completed on the 24” October 2012. The switchover was processed by a company called “DigitalUK”, who created a guide to let consumers know what they are required to do to get the service.
The guide stated that: “With digital TV, you can enjoy the five traditional TV channels, plus, lots more. Most households will be able to receive around 40 channels, with all areas getting around 20 of the most popular channels such as ITV2, E4 and BBC Three. If you choose a monthly subscription service like Sky TV or Virgin Media, you could receive around 340 channels.”Consumers were provided with two options, either convert their existing tv with any of the services in the table required by “DigitalUK” or get a TV with a digital box built-in.
Before switchover, millions of households in the UK were
unable to receive digital television through an aerial due to the scarcity of
airwaves suitable for broadcasting. While around 80 of the UK’s largest
transmitter sites had broadcast Freeview services for several years, more than
1,000 smaller relay transmitters remained confined to a line-up of just four or
five channels. Switching off the analogue system had created the capacity to
extend Freeview coverage to virtually all homes, including millions served by
relay transmitters. more than 40 free-to-air terrestrial TV channels were then
available to nine-out of-10 UK households, with the relay site line up boosted
to around 15 TV channels– plus free-to-air HD services. As well as increasing
channel choice, digital TV offered several other benefits including on-screen
programme guides, improved recording, subtitles, audio description for the
visually impaired, digital radio stations and interactive services. Digital
broadcasting is also much more efficient, allowing for better use of valuable
radio spectrum and creating space for new developments, such as ultra-fast
wireless broadband. In 2006, Ofcom estimated the benefit to the UK economy from
spectrum released by switching off analogue TV signals would be £5-10 billion.
Most viewers have found switchover straightforward. For the majority it was simply a case of retuning Freeview TV equipment as signal strength was boosted and channels moved to new frequencies. However, those still watching analogue channels needed to convert their sets with a digital box, generally available from around £20 , or replace them to continue receiving programmes. Digital TV was available via an aerial, satellite, cable or broadband and these services could be used with virtually any TV, even black and white models. In a small number of cases, viewers may have also needed to replace or realign their aerial to ensure the best reception. Those already watching cable or satellite on all their sets were not affected. Viewers were able to check the options for digital TV in their area and get help with retuning at digitaluk.co.uk, or by calling the Digital UK switchover advice line.
Consumers are still using digital tv, which is why I consider it the winner as it is still standing and improving every day. Produces were also able to create new markets and widen up their products to reach bigger audiences, for example BBC created BBC1, BBC2, BBC3, BBC4 and so on, as well as ITV, who created ITV2, ITV3 and ITVBe who targets a young audience, which contrasts its traditional audiences.
Even though Digital TV and broadcasting have been improving and so popular over the years, I believe that as technology is also developing, new competitors are coming in the market, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime that have been really famous for their new releases, which is why I believe a new switchover would then happen, as competitors are providing an easier and quicker product to deal with.
Digital television (DTV) is the transmission of television signals, including the sound channel, using digital encoding, in contrast to the earlier television technology, analog television, in which the video and audio are carried by analog signals. It is an innovative advance that represents the first significant evolution in television technology since colour television in the 1950s.
The tv switchover or also referred as “analogue switch off”, from analog to digital tv started on the 17” October 2007 and was completed on the 24” October 2012. The switchover was processed by a company called “DigitalUK”, who created a guide to let consumers know what they are required to do to get the service.
The guide stated that: “With digital TV, you can enjoy the five traditional TV channels, plus, lots more. Most households will be able to receive around 40 channels, with all areas getting around 20 of the most popular channels such as ITV2, E4 and BBC Three. If you choose a monthly subscription service like Sky TV or Virgin Media, you could receive around 340 channels.”Consumers were provided with two options, either convert their existing tv with any of the services in the table required by “DigitalUK” or get a TV with a digital box built-in.
Most viewers have found switchover straightforward. For the majority it was simply a case of retuning Freeview TV equipment as signal strength was boosted and channels moved to new frequencies. However, those still watching analogue channels needed to convert their sets with a digital box, generally available from around £20 , or replace them to continue receiving programmes. Digital TV was available via an aerial, satellite, cable or broadband and these services could be used with virtually any TV, even black and white models. In a small number of cases, viewers may have also needed to replace or realign their aerial to ensure the best reception. Those already watching cable or satellite on all their sets were not affected. Viewers were able to check the options for digital TV in their area and get help with retuning at digitaluk.co.uk, or by calling the Digital UK switchover advice line.
Consumers are still using digital tv, which is why I consider it the winner as it is still standing and improving every day. Produces were also able to create new markets and widen up their products to reach bigger audiences, for example BBC created BBC1, BBC2, BBC3, BBC4 and so on, as well as ITV, who created ITV2, ITV3 and ITVBe who targets a young audience, which contrasts its traditional audiences.
Even though Digital TV and broadcasting have been improving and so popular over the years, I believe that as technology is also developing, new competitors are coming in the market, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime that have been really famous for their new releases, which is why I believe a new switchover would then happen, as competitors are providing an easier and quicker product to deal with.
Comments
Post a Comment