Why Are We Going Digital??

Question

Digital Switchover, What Is The Point????


If it uses the existing analouge system type (obviously not exactally the same) why turn off analouge ?? It causes no hassel to keep something thats already there going does it??


Any how, if any one knows why we MUST go to digital please inform me.


To me it seems like a pointless thing to do!

Answer 1

There is a demand for more channels and so the way to provide that is digital TV - on a different wavelength.
By the way, the fact that the government wants to sell the analogue channels to the highest bidder for lots of ££££££ has nothing to do with it.... does it?

Answer 2

Well for a start the systems aren't the same at all. You can Transmit about 16 digital signals in the same space that one analogue channel takes up.

So when the analogue systems gets turned off the space on the airwaves (which are of a fixed size) will be used FAR more efficiently giving space for additional channels and/or new services.

In effect those who insisted on continuing to use analogue transmission systems would be like a road hog who couldn't be satisfied with driving in just one lane but instead wanted to take up sixteen - thereby preventing others from being able to use that valuable space.

The other point is that all transmitters and transmission aerial systems need constant maintenance (like almost EVERY NIGHT!!!) and as an ex BBC engineer I can assure you that servicing a transmitter isn't quick cheap or simple. At present the broadcasters are having to maintain two different sets of equipment (one for digital and the other for analogue) where only one would suffice, which doubles the cost.

Answer 3

Analogue TV transmissions take up a lot of bandwidth. It was reckoned that there was only enough space in the UK UHF allocation to provide 4 programme channels nationwide. The fifth channel only covers 60% of the UK.

By going to a digital format, it is possible to broadcast many more channels in the same bandwidth, as the individual channels can be compressed, in a way that analogue channels cannot.

In addition, there is enough space for multiple language channels and for High Definition TV channels.

And as the digital channels can be access controlled, so that the broadcaster can decide who is going to be able to view his channel, it will be possible to charge for individual channels, in a way that it has not been possible before. Hence more money for the broadcasters, and more channels to be broadcast.

Answer 4

Digital technology allows the transmission of pictures with higher resolution for dramatically better picture and sound quality than currently available. DTV also allows the transmission of several TV programs at once - called "multicasting." DTV technology can also be used to provide interactive video and data services that are not possible with "analog" technology. Equally important, but often overlooked benefit of DTV is that it will free up scarce and valuable spectrum for public safety and new wireless services. This is possible because the modern technology of DTV is more efficient than analog TV technology, allowing for many new and critical uses of this very limited resource.

Answer 5

Personally i think its just a really clever way of creating a new industry. All you have to do is see how many freeview boxes there are around, not to mention the increase in price for a TV that has freeview built in. The manufacturers must be making a fortune.
I think the reason they are switching analogue off though is because they have to transmit both of the signals, digital and analogue, and again costs more money.

Answer 6

digital is a cleaner signal better picture and sound the government is going to auction off the old analog frequencies to the highest bidder and reserve a portion to the police fireman emergency services to use it is a new equipment but ask your self do you still drive the 80 years old car everday to work or the new one that safer and better

Answer 7

We are going digital to free up the spectrum allowing us to receive more DAB stations and get TV on our phones but I still think it's pointless. Mind u, the government IS rubbish. Politicians now adays don't have any brains

Answer 8

By switching to digital the manufacturers get to sell loads more new products. Also, when it rains hard you get to do something else than just watch tv, because the signal is lost. So much for new technology!!!

Answer 9

They say its cos there are too many signals up there and digital would be cleaner (i mean less signals to interfer with everything) but i myself think its just the gov making more money for example we have to pay t.v lience for bbc channles but why do we have to if we all end up going digital it doesn't make much sence i also think they are splitting the classes so you either have everything like t.v and a big posh car (taxes on cars) medicine and dentist or nothing.

Answer 10

a simple answer quality