First digital TV switch date set

JMcB · 15-03-2007, 13:43

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6453087.stm

mertle · 15-03-2007, 14:11

yep read this poor whitehaven.

I would assume its been selected due to remoteness and it can be easily checked to see how smooth the changeover. I would think a larger town might be next. Possibly somewhere just as remote. Crikey just thought we could be next and some of my relations have no digital at all. Are simply refusing to budge. Its on the coast bigger and in a remote area.

AndyCambs · 15-03-2007, 14:20

So how do all these people cope with their video recorders when the analogue signal is switched off?
The government mentioned about some assistance for pensioners, but if you have a video recorder or DVD recorder and use it to watch 'time-slip' television, then you're going to have to fork out much more than they're giving in grants.
They might as well call it another tax.

Darrenp · 15-03-2007, 23:47

Quote:

So how do all these people cope with their video recorders when the analogue signal is switched off?

They can still record from a digibox of any kind.

If they really want to watch 1 and record another buy 2 boxes, you can get freeview boxes from just over 20 quid, 2 aint gonna break the bank is it.

And why is it always pensioners who get a mention? there are plenty worse off then pensioners, if they are that skint then maybe they can use some of their winter fuel money or the money they save on not buying a sodding license in the first place.

Horace · 16-03-2007, 00:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darrenp

And why is it always pensioners who get a mention? there are plenty worse off then pensioners, if they are that skint then maybe they can use some of their winter fuel money or the money they save on not buying a sodding license in the first place.

Probably because they're the group most likely to be limited by their technical knowledge on what will be required to continue to receive transmissions. As far as pensioners being worse off, they are stuck on a virtually fixed income coming towards the end of their lives where TV is often their only form of entertainment. I hope when you get into your later years there's someone like you showing the same amount of concern for your well being.

Darrenp · 16-03-2007, 00:36

Pensioners are far from the only people in this country on fixed incomes, there are millions of others who don't get any assistance or funding for the switch over.

I understand your technical knowledge arguement and agree and in a way feel sorry for them as some unscrupulous companies are going around telling these people that they need stuff like HD tv's etc or they wont be watching tv come switchover, but it's happening and barring local agencies going around and issuing and installing freeview what can you do???

I'm personally against the analogue switchoff but's its happening, we gotta live with it and get on with life.

EDIT: Even the news article linked above misleads people

Quote:

All residents will need some form of digital TV by that date

That's not correct is it, a standard anologue set with a digibox is plenty.

26-03-2007, 20:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darrenp

And why is it always pensioners who get a mention? there are plenty worse off then pensioners, if they are that skint then maybe they can use some of their winter fuel money or the money they save on not buying a sodding license in the first place.

I cry for the children too.

I agree it's always the Pensioners or Children who are used in arguments, what about all those inbetween? I wish my pay went up in line with the state pension. Most of the pensioners I know are minted to the roof. Far better off than me, and they get Â£200 notes each winter to buy shoes with, well at least that's what mother does.

People forget that some places are unable to get the current analogue singal. Father only gets four (He's a pensioner too), it's a blessing he can't get Channel 5.

Hom3r · 26-03-2007, 21:22

Unfortunately analaogue is an aging sheeping dog. counting the days 'til the appointment behind the barn with the farmers shotgun.

Horace · 27-03-2007, 04:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hom3r

Unfortunately analaogue is an aging sheeping dog. counting the days 'til the appointment behind the barn with the farmers shotgun.

And yet still has (vastly) superior picture quality compared to current SD digital transmissions in this country.

12noon · 27-03-2007, 07:10

Just think of all those TVs in bedrooms, TVs in kitchens and TV cards in computers. I wonder how many will just get left and never used again.

AntiSilence · 27-03-2007, 07:11

Ah, the joys of compression

awibble · 27-03-2007, 08:34

It does Suck a bit, i know a single mum thats going to need it all sorting out, her other half before he left had wired everything up, but after digital switchoff it will pretty much stop working.

What ive been looking for is a digital decoder, that will output to RF with each channel on a different channel.

Chris W · 27-03-2007, 12:05

It's TV....

50 years ago people lived without TV, but alas it seems nowadays it is impossible. People seem to forget that television is a luxury. If you can't afford it, don't have it. I don't see why we should be funding anyone's licence or cost of digital box/ tv. If people are that desperate to have it then perhaps they should save up for a digital box (Â£25 ish?).

Why not put the money into books or sports equipment for schools/ clubs- then perhaps children would engage in some sociable activities rather than watching tv/ playing on console etc

Shaun · 27-03-2007, 13:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by awibble

It does Suck a bit, i know a single mum thats going to need it all sorting out, her other half before he left had wired everything up, but after digital switchoff it will pretty much stop working.

What ive been looking for is a digital decoder, that will output to RF with each channel on a different channel.

Is this for a single mum?

Does she really need every digital channel piping around her house?

How many TV's does she have? at Â£25 a box it'll cost only Â£50 to get one for the lounge and one for the kids room!

gazzzman · 27-03-2007, 16:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horace

And yet still has (vastly) superior picture quality compared to current SD digital transmissions in this country.

and better on a CRT TV than most HD plasmas too!
oh the "joys" of digital!
it is sad when my 20 year old v2000 VCR produces a better quality picture than the very latest DVR!