what will happen to the Analogue transmitters once the signal is switched off when we move to digital does anyone have any ideas?

most likely they'll be ripped down and used for scrap? :P

The transmitters and pylons are the same ones, it is just the frequencies which are used wastefully by analogue signals which use lots of bandwidth, which you could squeeze much more channels into using a digital system.

But in my opinion it will be put back, and put back and unlikely to happen in the next 10 years. Unless the government or TV industry pays for everyone to have a converter.

I for one will not rush to convert as my TV gets switched on around once a month, in fact if it blew up I would rather do without, than get another one.

Isn't there talk of the frequencies being used for mobile phones when Analogue switched off? Raising billions for the government again, or will the mobile companies of learnt after 3G?

The Plans are in place for closure of analogue tv transmission its awaiting final approval by the next government. Two web sites have details (ofcom and digital tv group).Yorkshire area is pencilled in for 2010.In real terms the cost of a set top box to convert your current tv is falling all the time. Several good boxes on the market from £35

Originally posted by silverknight
Several good boxes on the market from £35


Why should people have to pay again after paying the TV "Tax". The boxes should be free!

Originally posted by muddycoffee
The transmitters and pylons are the same ones
They're not actually, the masts and towers are the same but the transmitters on them are different.
Originally posted by sccsux
Why should people have to pay again after paying the TV "Tax". The boxes should be free!
People don't have to pay again, no-one's forcing you to watch TV. The same argument could be used for just about everything, technology moves on and so should you. Do you expect someone to buy you a new PC just because yours is old and unable to work with current software packages etc...?

Originally posted by Lurch
People don't have to pay again, no-one's forcing you to watch TV.



Ah, but then you won't be able to use the TV, which in turn, makes it unfit for purpose (unless a seperate box is purchased) which means people should either:

1) be entitled to a refund for the price of the unusable TV set
2) get the digital box for free


BTW. This issue doesn't directly affect us, as we subscribe to our TV via Telewest cable;).



Originally posted by Lurch
Do you expect someone to buy you a new PC just because yours is old and unable to work with current software packages etc...?


My old software would still work on my old PC though;).

Sorry, I'm coming across as being argumentative tonight, I'm not. Just take this as friendly discussion. :wink:

Originally posted by sccsux
Ah, but then you won't be able to use the TV, which in turn, makes it unfit for purpose (unless a seperate box is purchased) which means people should either:

1) be entitled to a refund for the price of the unusable TV set
2) get the digital box for free


The TV wasn't sold as unfit for purpose if it worked when it was sold. The fact that analogue TV was turned off later isn't the fault of the retailer. If you buy a car and 10 years later the EU regs mean that it no longer fits on the road as the roads are all narrower is that the fault of the car manufacturer? Do you expect for them to refund you? I think not.

Originally posted by sccsux
My old software would still work on my old PC though;). [/B]

And your old TV would still work with your old VCR.

2008 is the supposed switch-off date.

it was 2005.

it keeps getting put back and put back.

i cant wait for HD tv