"We aim to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits that digital television and radio brings. We will ensure that we have sound and realistic plans in place to protect consumers".
Digital broadcasting is a more efficient way of transmitting sound and pictures by turning them into computerised data. It means more tv and radio services and new interactive services can be broadcast than by using the analogue system.
Digital TV signals are received by aerial, satellite or cable but have to be decoded by a set-top box or an integrated digital TV.
Digital radio signals are received by radios that use the Digital Audio Broadcasting system, often called DAB, but now more commonly referred to simply as digital radio.
What benefits does it offer?
- More choice of services
- Digital pictures and sound can suffer from less interference and digital radio is hiss and crackle free
- Extra information and interactive features
- In the case of radio it will be easier to tune and extra functions, such as pause and rewind, can be provided
Switching to digital television will benefit the UK economy in terms of manufacturing and employment, and also in the more efficient use of the crowded broadcasting spectrum.
