Questions & Answers
Q When is analogue television going to be switched off in Dorset?
ACurrent plan is for West Country to switch off between April and September 2009. BBC West in 2010 and BBC South is due in 2012. So it depends on which transmitter you are on! Switchover dates by location
ACurrent plan is for West Country to switch off between April and September 2009. BBC West in 2010 and BBC South is due in 2012. So it depends on which transmitter you are on! Switchover dates by location
Q What happens then?
A The digital transmitter power is increased to give better coverage/reception & analogue relay transmitters will be upgraded to digital, but those relying on the Stockland Hill (Honiton) transmitter will only get a partial increase in power until 2012 (!) when the Rowridge (Isle of Wight) analogue transmitter is switched off. This is, we are told, because of the risk of cross interferenc
Q Will Terrestrial Digital TV reach everyone in Dorset?
A Ofcom says if you can receive analogue TV today, you will receive digital TV on switchover. Time will tell, but a good digital aerial will help if your reception isn’t perfect.
A The digital transmitter power is increased to give better coverage/reception & analogue relay transmitters will be upgraded to digital, but those relying on the Stockland Hill (Honiton) transmitter will only get a partial increase in power until 2012 (!) when the Rowridge (Isle of Wight) analogue transmitter is switched off. This is, we are told, because of the risk of cross interferenc
Q Will Terrestrial Digital TV reach everyone in Dorset?
A Ofcom says if you can receive analogue TV today, you will receive digital TV on switchover. Time will tell, but a good digital aerial will help if your reception isn’t perfect.
Q Will I need to install a new aerial to receive digital TV?
A If you had one installed within the last two years or so, you should be OK. Otherwise, it is a case of trying it to see if it works and if not, then a new aerial and low loss cable could well be needed. Alternatively, you can ask your local TV aerial company to do a survey for you or, if you can borrow a set top box from a friend, plug it in and see if it finds digital channels with your existing aerial. NOTE: Loft aerials lose 50% of the signal!
Q Will my distribution amplifier work with digital?
A Similar to above – new ones should be OK. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer of your unit.
Q When TV is digital only, what about my analogue tape recorder (VCR)? Will that still work?
A You can still use it to play tapes, but it won’t be able to record digital signals directly from the aerial - unless you are able to connect the Freeview box to the tape recorder first and then take the SCART output from the VCR to the TV (would need two SCART sockets on the rear of the VCR for this). Or you could record from the TV, but only the programme you are watching! So you will not be able to record one digital programme while watching another. The best solution is to buy a new DVD or Hard Drive recorder with one (or two) digital decoders built-in along with a digital TV with Freeview also built in so you have independent digital units
Q Is the BBC going to do anything to improve reception of analogue FM radio in Dorset?
A The BBC says it has no plans to improve national FM coverage. Their focus is now on DAB (even though that is incomplete in Dorset both in terms of coverage and also the number of channels. It has a way to go yet & there are concerns as some broadcasters are puling out of DAB due to poor listerners' figures!) However, they were hoping to introduce a new local FM radio station for Dorset based in Dorchester. We are told that coverage of this programme would have reached all parts of Dorset. But now it’s been cancelled – please sign our petition to get the BBC to change their mind!
Q Are they going to switch off analogue radio at the same time as TV?
A We are advised that there are presently no plans to switch off FM national radio. DAB is far from complete in terms of channels and coverage. So we believe it to be some years away yet.
However, the press has reported that a consultation is likely to take place shortly on the closure of AM! Click here for more detail.
Q How can I find out more information?
A Try visiting one of the websites listed on our Useful links page, or phoning the appropriate organisations listed.
A Try visiting one of the websites listed on our Useful links page, or phoning the appropriate organisations listed.
Q Whom do I write to if I want to complain and support SWEDBAG’s activities?
A Please contact us and we suggest you also write to one or, preferably, both of the following:
A Please contact us and we suggest you also write to one or, preferably, both of the following:
|
Mark Thompson
Director-General BBC Broadcasting House London W1A 1AA |
Lord Currie of Marylebone
Chairman Ofcom Riverside Walk 2a Southwark Bridge Road London SE1 9HA |
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