Your guide
to receiving digital TV
Everything you need to know about the
arrival of digital TV: when it's switching
on, what it gives you and how to get it.
 


Get set for digital...

From autumn 2007, the whole
country will begin switching
over to digital TV. By 2012, all
TV broadcasts will be digital
as the analogue signal is finally
switched off. So if you want to
watch TV, you'll need to make
sure you're ready to receive
digital broadcasts.

This is scheduled to happen on
an ITV region by region basis. This
map gives you an idea of when the
changes are happening in your area.

Receiving digital TV

There are two main generic types of reception: Free-to-view
(via an aerial, PC or cable) and Free-to-air (via a satellite dish).
It is important that you don't confuse this with freeview, as the
channel packages are different , for example Channel 5 is currently unavailable on free-to-air, this is only available as
part of the sky package on satellite systems and on Freeview.
The list of channels changes all the time so go online to view
the most up to date list.

What will you get?

Digital TV gives you a lot more: with receivers such as a
Freeview box, you'll gain free access to channels like BBC3,
BBC4, E4, CBeebies, ITV3 and ITV4, and a host of radio and
interactive TV services. You can take out subscriptions too for
access to channels covering special areas like film, sport and
documentary.
Digital features
Signal strength

Signal strength varies across the country;you may need a
new aerial or signal booster. Go online to see your area's
free-to-air suitability (or ring 08701 111 270)		 Many devices now come with electronic programme guides
(EPG). The basic EPG allows you to see what is being
broadcast now and next. With the more advanced EPG, you can
view and plan your viewing over the next seven or fourteen
days.

Twin-tuner DTRs (Digital TV Recorders, formerly Digital Video
Recorders or DVRs) allow you to watch one channel whilst
recording another and dual stream recorders can record two
channels at the same time.

Time-shifting is another major benefit as it allows you to pause
and rewind live television.
Interactive TV

To receive interactive TV (and use your red button) the
receiver must be MHEG-5 compliant.
There are four ways to receive the digital signal:
Option 1
Convert your existing TV. Use a digital box
or set-top box that you simply plug into the
back of your TV via a SCART lead. These
are generically known as free-to-view or
DVB-T receivers.
Option 2
Buy a new TV with an in-built digital box.
These are called iDTV or 'integrated digital
TVs' and have everything you need. Just
switch on and enjoy digital TV.
Option 3
Watch TV on your PC or laptop. You'll
need a USB digital TV stick that simply
plugs it in to your computer's USB port
and connects to an aerial.
Option 4
Connect your TV to a DTR (digital
television recorder). These are effectively
hard drives that come with digital receivers
and let you pause live TV (time-shift). DTRs are increasingly replacing DVDs and VHSs.They have the advantage of high
quality recordings.

Teletext

Digital television does not receive traditional Ceefax and Teletext services. You will not be able to receive these through
the digital set-top box. There is however a digital equivalent that contains much the same information such as news and sport.

Digital vis satellite

Setting up your satellite equipment can be straightforward; however, you must ensure you have the correct equipment
before you start. Always remember to use a signal strength meter and compass to simplify the installation process.

You can watch and record seperate channels from the same satellite but you will need a receiver with a twin tuner and
twin LNB setup.

We can provide satellite finders to speed up your set up process. Each satellite is at a fixed elevation and heading, for
example, UK free-to-air is broadcast from astra2 satellite at 28.2E.

Please note that dish positioning is critical and must be pointed exactly at the satellite you wish to receive and have no
obstructions such as trees or bushes in line of sight with the satellite, and certainly not in the loft, where it will not receive
a signal. (See the Maplin Digital Satellite guide)

What equipment is available at Maplin?

We stock a wide range of aerials, boosters, cables, TVs and connectors to help you receive digital TV. You'll also need to
make sure your set is able to pick up and play the digital signal.

Remember, the analogue signal will be switched off across the UK by 2012. It is important you prepare now in order to
receive digital TV and not to lose TV reception.