What is "UK Analogue Switch-Off"?
It's important to understand that "analogue switch-off" refers only to analogue programmes received via an aerial. There will be no direct effect on satellite TV transmissions which are (in the case of the UK) already digital and require a dish, not an aerial.
Most areas can already receive free digital TV via either a satellite dish or an aerial.
If you pay TopUpTV (aerial) or Sky (dish) then you can get additional programmes which are not free.
When analogue transmissions are switched off you will continue to receive satellite TV without changing anything. If you already receive Freeview programmes via an aerial then you may have to force your receiver to tune in the programmes again. You might also have to change your aerial.
If you do not receive Freeview programmes via an aerial then you will have to buy a Freeview receiver to plug into your existing TV set (or you could buy a TV with a Freeview tuner built in). If you wish to record a programme while watching another, you will need either an additional Freeview receiver or a recorder that has a Freeview tuner built in. Modern recorders use a Hard Drive to store the recording. These are called PVRs (Personal Video Recorders). Some of these include a DVD recorder to allow you to transfer a recorded programme to a DVD disc for keeping long-term. The most versatile PVR has two tuners. One tuner feeds the selected programme to an ordinary TV for viewing while the other lets you record a different programme.
Do I need an "HD Ready" TV?
No, probably not. "HD Ready" means that the TV can be connected to a receiver that provides High Definition programmes. A DVD player might provide HD pictures. Freeview does not carry High Definition programmes and is unlikely to do so for many years (if ever). Ordinary Sky receivers do not provide High Definition programmes. Only the Sky-HD receiver provides High Definition programmes. So, unless you have a satellite Dish and a Sky-HD receiver (and a Sky subscription), or a suitable DVD player, you won't need an HD-Ready TV set.
Do I need a "Digital TV"?
Unfortunately, salesmen use this term indiscriminately to describe almost any TV set! If you wish to watch "Freeview digital terrestrial" programmes, you will need a Freeview receiver and an ordinary TV or a TV set with a Freeview tuner built in.
©2006 SatCure
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