The digital television transition is a global phenomenon set to change how people receive what is currently one of the largest mass media platforms. The process involves the conversion of analogue terrestrial television to digital terrestrial. Although its primary concern is ‘free to air’ TV, the transition also involves analogue cable as well. The changeover is inevitable, with all analogue signals in Australia scheduled for switch-off by December 31, 2013. The following is your guide to the digital television transition and its effects on your television viewing habits.
Understanding the Transition
Digital television transmission (DTT) is more efficient than the analogue format. Due to constant technological innovation, however, the global standard started falling behind. This is the reason behind the worldwide transition to the digital platform. The cost of switching is less costly than if the entire world constantly adapted to changes and stuck to the analogue format. More than better image quality and clarity, digital transmission also easily integrates other digital processes.
For end users like you, the transition means higher resolution and enhanced sound fidelity across the board. Multiplexing through this platform also means providers can offer subscribers more channels, adding higher value to subscriptions. The changeover may be costly at first, but it produces positive results for everyone involved, from broadcasters to service providers to end users.
The change in transmission also opens many doors for the government and those in the telecommunications industry. It opens the potential for introducing new products and services in terms of mobile telephone, wireless internet or WiFi capability, and other projects relevant to communications.
Switching to Digital Television
Homeowners across Australia do not have to wait, as the signal is now available in many parts of the country. All you need to do is confirm which services are ready in your particular region and if you have the equipment necessary by the time of switchover completion in your area. The national switchover deadline is on December 10, 2013, giving you ample time to prepare for when all analogue signals finally shut down.
Transitioning to the new platform may require you to hire help from network data cabling professionals. If you are ready to convert, it is best to start looking for government endorsed installers who can assist you with installation of the different components necessary. If you already have a system set up, such professionals can also help you with the maintenance of your free to air television system or satellite. Determine what kind and how much help you need, and take action from there.
Most new television sets are digital ready, but older models may need support from a set-top box or recorder. This may cause a few problems along the way, making the purchase of a new TV with an integrated digital TV tuner your best option. Different TV sets use different connections, so it may be wise to hire the help of network data cable professionals. This is true especially if you do not have the technical know-how to handle the different cables and connections that normally come with television sets.