What will you do when the television broadcasts become digital? This is the question thousands of people are asking themselves, in fact we all need to be prepared unless of course you do not watch television! The process of digital switchover will take place between 2008 and 2012, TV region by TV region. The exception is Whitehaven, Cumbria, which becomes the first place to switch in October 2007. Switchover is a complicated process, and needs to be done in stages so that everyone in the country will be ready. As mentioned earlier the phase has already started and will be rolled out across the country until all areas are totally digital, that means some areas are already digital. Although the majority of people do have existing equipment which will assist them with the switch over there will still be an estimated 15 million who will need to take action if they want to continue viewing their television.

Satellite Or Cable Broadcasts For most people who already have satellite or cable tv will need to take no action prior to the change over. Also people with existing digital set top set-top boxes will be able to carry on viewing when digital arrives. However, for those households who receive their television programming exclusively through an analogue, uhf frequency this meaning a standard aerial will need additional equipment.. Most consumers who have purchased a television set in the past two years will probably be digital ready, this means that the television set will already have a built in digital tuner. Those televisions will allow them to pick up the new digital broadcasts. However, because not every television manufactured prior to March, 2007 was required to have a digital tuner having a newer television may not exempt consumers from needing to seek out additional equipment. Although one would expect that it would be in the interests of all major television manufacturers to install such devices, some may have opted out prior to this date!

Digital Tuner The households with a standard television set that does not currently have a digital tuner, one of three options are available. Purchase a digital ready television (all televisions should be compliant, but still ask) Subscribe to a cable or satellite TV service Purchase a set top box to allow an existing television to receive digital broadcasts Purchasing a new television set will naturally create an financial expenditure, but long term I feel would be the right choice. When choosing a television you will most likely get lots of extra features such as digital channels and the capability to receive high definition broadcasts, which will eventually be the next generation in television viewing. Depending upon the size and make, a new television will cost around £500 and could quite easily exceed £1000. That decision will ultimately be yours to make, but I would recommend you to research a little more.

Upscaling Your Digital Reception Subscribing to a cable or satellite TV service would provide additional programming options and would eliminate the need to purchase additional equipment. This is initially cheaper but does still require a monthly charge which needs to be considered. If you decide to opt for the freeview box as it is commonly known as then this is by far the cheapest option. There are many models to choose from which is the one right for you? Most give the you the basic channel package, but some also upscale the channels to your television. Digital up-scaling means that you get very close to high definition picture quality. This is not to say that it is the same quality as full HD broadcasts, but is definitely enhanced. This type of up-scaling is particularly useful if you have an Lcd television. This is due to some Lcd televisions displaying a ghosting effect with fast picture movement. Most people would not notice pictures ghosting unless you are serious about television technology, but in any case I thought it would be worth mentioning. To be honest lots on consumers would probably not see the difference between up-scaling and genuine Hd broadcasts. I would advise you to pop in to your local store and ask! Most set top boxes will set you around £20 to £50 pounds dependant on what your requirements are. Like most infrastructure changes, it will not be completely without teething problems, as millions of home viewers on a budget may find they need to take action if they wish to keep their current television service. Thanks for reading, I hope my review has been helpful.