FAQ

When will the analogue television transmissions be switched off ?

Switch-off will be start in 2008 and continue until 2012. Here is a list of the proposed dates for switch-off in each area of the country. Most of Berkshire is covered by Meridian and Carlton. Meridian (transmitted from the Hannington transmitter) serves mainly West Berkshire and Carlton (transmitted from Crystal Palace) serves East Berkshire. Central (transmitted from Oxford) can also be received in Berkshire but is mainly watched by those living in Oxfordshire.

You will need to make sure that you have digital television reception in place at your home before the analogue transmissions are switched off. This involves an upgrade to your existing television aerial or the installation of a satellite system.

Will an amplifier improve my picture?

It's difficult to say. It could almost be considered an 'Old Wives Tale' that by installing an amplifier you will improve picture quality. In reality, an amplifier will only amplify what you put into it. If the signal put into an amplifier is terrible, then the signal coming out of it will still be terrible, only there will be more of it! All you can do is try one. If it improves the signal then great, if not then you will need to arrange for one of our installers to take a look at your television aerial.

What does Digital and Analogue mean?

Analogue is the term used to describe the old-fashioned method of transmitting television pictures. Until the mid 1990's, Analogue was the only means available for watching television.

The new format to replace Analogue is called Digital. To create a Digital signal, the programme providers take the picture and convert it into computerised 'bits'. These bits are sent through the air in just the same way that the Analogue signals are. Your roof aerial or satellite dish receives these 'bits' and then a digital set-top box is used to convert the 'bits' back into a picture which can be displayed on your television. Because the set-top box does the conversion it means that you can still use your old television to watch the new digital programmes.

Digital TV takes up much less space in the airwaves (bandwidth) than Analogue. This makes it possible to fit more TV channels, radio channels and other services into the same amount of space. Furthermore, because Digital TV is a more robust signal, it delivers better quality picture and sound with much less interference.

What does HD mean?

HD means High Definition. A television that is HD means that its screen is made up of about 4 times as many lines as a standard television. The result is a much sharper, more detailed picture.

There are 3 different forms of HD; 720p, 1080i and 1080p.

For a technical explanation see our HD page