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Analogue switch off 2008 – 2012

The switch to digital TV is happening!  Starting this year & regionally over a 5 year period the government will be switching off analogue TV broadcasts. You will have to receive digital to watch TV – either via an aerial (Freeview), satellite dish (Sky), or cable (i.e. NTL, Telewest). Many consumers will need improved aerials & reception equipment to receive Freeview - read on to learn more ... 

Aerials

OfCom estimate that over 10% of existing outdoor aerials will need replacing to receive Freeview, and a further 20% will need upgrading to receive all digital channels. Over the next 5 years up to 8 million UK homes may need new outdoor aerials. Choose a CAI benchmarked aerial for best Digital reception.

In addition over 7 million UK homes use indoor aerials, which may not work at all with digital. The best solution is to connect up to the outside aerial via a wall socket.

Cables

Aerial cable can deteriorate over time, so we recommend that it is replaced along with the aerial for best reception. Digital TV may require higher quality cable than that used in an existing installation.

Choose CAI benchmarked cable for best digital performance.

Distribution

To upgrade from an old indoor analogue aerial the best solution is to connect up to the outside digital aerial via a wall socket.  

For multiple sockets you need an amplifier to boost the aerial signal, either with enough outlets to feed each socket, or by adding a splitter to a single feed amplifier to distribute the signal.

Published: 9 Mar