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DSO for dummies

DSO for dummies

The traditional analogue signal will switch to digital between 2008 and 2012 thoughout the UK. According to a recent survey by Which?, nearly half of us have no idea what this means for our TV sets.

Our foolproof guide to the digital switchover - or DSO - cuts through the jargon and outlines your options. Get clued up on the facts, and find the best digital solution for you.

  1. What do I have to do?
  2. When do I have to do it by?
  3. Some DSO facts and figures
  4. Some additional sites with information
  5. Find the best digital solution for you

1. What do I have to do?

Find the option that describes you below and read on.

  • I have Sky… You don’t need to do anything as you’re already tuned in to digital channels
  • I have cable TV… You don’t need to do anything either as you receive digital transmissions through your cable and set-top box
  • I have Sky or cable, but more than one TV set in the house… You’ll need to upgrade to a premium satellite package that covers every room if you don’t have this already, or convert the extra TVs to accept digital transmissions another way such as with a Freeview box. You might also need a new aerial so the extra TVs can pick up the digital signal.
  • I have Freeview… You don’t need to do anything as you’re already receiving digital terrestrial television, but if you have extra TVs you will need a set-top box for each one.
  • I just have a TV… Your options include buying a Freeview box for your existing TV set; getting Sky or cable TV, or buying a new TV with an inbuilt digital tuner.
  • I’m planning to buy a new TV… To receive digital signal via your TV set, with no need for additional boxes cluttering your living room, buy a TV with an inbuilt digital tuner. These are known as Integrated Digital Televisions, or IDTV. Look for the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) mark, or the digital tick.

2. When do I have to do it by?

  • 2008 – Border
  • 2009 – West Country, HTV Wales, Granada
  • 2010 – HTV West, Grampian, Scottish Television
  • 2011 – Yorkshire, Anglia, Central
  • 2012 – Meridian, Carlton/LWT (London), Tyne Tees, Ulster

3. Some DSO facts and figures

  • Cable is available in over 50 per cent of homes
  • Sky is currently available for 98 per cent of homes
  • Freeview is currently available to 75 per cent of the population
  • OFCOM estimate DSO will cost around £132 per household

4. Some additional sites with information

If you’re still feeling in the dark, try these sites for more information:

Find the best digital solution for you

Find out what options are available in your area and find the right solution for your needs - click here

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