Insight to Digital TV

Digital TV is a revolutionary way of transmitting the pictures and sounds which make up a TV programme, together with other services like text and interactivity. It is a way of receiving your television signal in a digital format. This allows TV companies to broadcast better quality sound, a higher definition picture and a wider range of channels than ever before.

Digital TV gives many advantages over the 'analogue' television transmission system that we have been using from several decades. The digital stream takes up much less capacity in the airwaves, so that the space need in the past for just one analogue channel can now carry five, six or seven different programmes. This means a much greater choice of services to watch if you are a digital viewer.

Many of your favourite programmes are in true widescreen on digital channels - something analogue TV cannot do properly. Some digital services also provide access to internet pages through your TV set. Digital TV is more flexible than the old analogue television system as you can pick it up on digital cable, digital satellite, digital terrestrial or broadband/DSL. Digital signals are picked up by standard aerials, satellite dishes or through cable. They are decoded and turned back into sound and pictures using a separate set-top box, or a decoder built into your television. Sound and pictures are converted into a digital format and compressed. This takes up less space when transmitted than what was needed in the old system. This allows more channels to be sent out.

In UK, there are many service providers which provide Digital TV subscription, but the leader of the industry is Virgin Media, they offer best services at great prices.

Why use Digital TV?

1. Digital TV offers more choice
2. Digital TV is clearer
3. Digital television can be received in more ways
4. Digital TV offers specific services for viewers with sight or hearing impairments - such as audio descriptions and subtitling.
5. It is an interactive nature of the service.
6. Viewers can listen to radio channels via their televisions and even watch archived programs via digital ‘on-demand’ services.
7. Digital TV can improve the quality of TV pictures and sound

Receiving Digital TV

1. Digital TV through an Aerial (Digital Terrestrial Television - DTT)

Digital TV can be received using a normal rooftop TV aerial. You will need a set-top box to go with your existing TV set, or you can buy a new digital TV set which is designed to pick up the new digital signals.

2. Digital TV using a Dish (Digital Satellite)

To receive digital satellite in the UK you will need a set-top box to use with your existing TV set or a new digital TV set designed to receive the digital satellite signals. You will also need a dish on the outside of your house.

3. Digital TV delivered by cable

To receive digital TV via a cable connection you will need to subscribe to one of the cable TV providers who will then provide you with a set-top box to go with your existing TV set.

4. Digital TV delivered over your phone line

Broadband is not only for the Internet. In some places it is possible to receive high quality television services using the cable that already connects your telephone to the exchange. This is a separate service from broadband Internet or your telephone service and you may need to contact a different supplier. This kind of TV is also known as IPTV.

A long range of extra features and services are available to Digital TV customers, ranging from subtitles and audio descriptions to detailed literature on which method of receiving digital TV will work best for you. Such support offers peace of mind to those venturing into the world of digital TV.