Integrated Digital TV News and Information to Help You Make The Switch Easier.

Welcome to IntegratedDigitalTV.com

The UK television broadcast industry is undergoing the most radical changes since the introduction of colour TV. Within three years, the UK government is committed to phasing out all UK analogue broadcasts, with all broadcasts being digital by 2012.

If you currently view the five domestic channels through a TV aerial, you need to upgrade to digital if you wish to continue enjoying television broadcasts. This can be done through a digital set-top box, Integrated Digital TV (iDTV), digital cable, or digital satellite.

Digital TV offers a vastly improved picture and sound quality. It also allows offers a greater range of channels than are currently available on analogue televisions, along with many interactive features. By 2012 you will have to choice in the matter - if you cannot pick up digital TV, you will not have a working TV.

DO I NEED DIGITAL TV?

Here are some common questions concering Digital TV and the switch over.

Can I get digital TV in my area?

For cable and satellite you need to ask your local TV shop. For terrestrial, Freeview asks for your postcode then tells you if Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) is receivable in your area.

Do I need a new television set to receive digital television?

Conventional analogue TV sets cannot receive digital TV broadcasts without a digital tuner of some kind. A digital tuner decodes the digital broadcast signal (whether received via satellite, terrestrial or cable) for display on a TV set.

The Freeview service, launched in October 2002, allows viewers to receive free-to-air digital terrestrial broadcasts via the purchase of a low-cost set-top box, retailing for around £99, with no additional subscription. The service includes digital versions of the five analogue channels as well as a number of additional digital-only channels.

Any TV that is to continue to receive broadcasts after switchover will need to be converted for digital. There are various means of doing this, including adding an individual set top box/ adapter. However, routing signals from one digital receiver to other TVs is also possible, for viewing the same digital channel simultaneously on all of the TVs. In addition new digital products are coming onto the market that can enable individual digital channels to be viewed on different TVs at the same time. Visit your preferred local retailer for more details.

How will I know which new television sets can receive digital services?

Television sets with a built-in digital tuner are called Integrated Digital Televisions (iDTVs) Look for the Digital Video Broadcasting mark (DVB) as carried by the majority of integrated digital TVs either through a screen sticker on badge imprinted on the TV fascia surround.

Do I need a different TV licence for digital?

No. The Freeview (DTT) service is paid for out of current licence revenue. In fact, if you do NOT view DTT you are paying for a service that you are not using! Cable and Satellite have their own contracts with you if you subscribe.