My part of the country is switching in 2012 but why is it going to happen during 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012?
Also what is the point of the switch over if you can just get a £30 freeview box?
2007-10-15 07:58:32 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Television ➔ Other - Television
The switch will be to a digital signal only, so no reception via your aerial without the equivalent of a free view box (which will be inside new TV's in theory so don't buy a new TV unless it has it).
It will be phased in so problems can be solved is the first regions to switch. Also some areas wont get the digital signal though without some major political wrangling. e.g South Essex near Southend where it clashes with signals from Holland. So that 2012 line may go out.
A similar switch over is happening all over Europe so its not just Britain. e.g. Spain by 2010
2007-10-15 08:06:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
not everyone wants (or can afford) to fork out for a set top box, and those who do may find out that they can't actually get the freeview channels anyway (like where I live, I can't even get channel 5 yet!).
It takes time to set up all the transmitters etc around the country, and this way gives people more time to get used to the idea. There'd be riots if something went wrong with a big switchover and the whole country was left without TV for any length of time. If there are any problems along the way they can be sorted out more easily.
2007-10-17 00:24:09 · answer #2 · answered by toscamo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has always been this way . When the original 405 line system was changed to 625 it was spread over the country in stages and over a period of time, so is this latest change to digital and eventually HD. Also the original BBC only sets were either converted with boxes to receive ITA when it commenced... or new sets obtained.. This again took years to cover the country, If transmissions or equipment is being made obsolete it is usual to give several years notice of the fact and to allow manufacturers time to introduce new TV sets or adapting equipment.. All it means is that analogue transmissions will cease and sets without adaptor boxes will not be usable.
2007-10-15 08:12:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. They might not always know the number of channel they want especially in this multi-channel age, but they would definitely be able to switch it on, and probably find a children's channel if they have been shown how.
2016-05-22 19:26:04 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The switch to HD in the US has been ongoing for the past 10 years. It was supposed to be finalized January 08... it has been delayed again... go figure.
2007-10-15 08:07:38 · answer #5 · answered by Mayor Adam West 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm guessing here, but it is probably because of the transmiters all need to be replaced around the country and that cannot be done overnite
these websites should answer your questions....
2007-10-15 08:03:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Money, pure and simple. You will get better reception and more channels when the analogue system is switched off.
2007-10-15 08:02:31 · answer #7 · answered by Sal*UK 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because they know they haven't explained it to people well enough, so theres going to be a million problems to iron out.
2007-10-15 08:19:10 · answer #8 · answered by truth_and_time_tells_all 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
This was one of Blair's ideas (remember him?). I don't think anybody really knows why. Maybe the cable and satellite companies were a more powerful lobby than conventional TV.
2007-10-15 08:03:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
TO GIVE THE POOR. OVER WORKED . OVER TAXED, BRITISH CITIZEN TIME TO SAVE UP FOR A DECENT TELE !
2007-10-15 08:04:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋