Digital switch over

Shogun · 18-05-2012, 18:30

So we should have all been switched to digital by now and we should all be getting perfect pictures now and loads of free channels, has it all been worth it has it made a difference to your viewing pleasure or has it been a big let down and a waste of time and money for people, I will put a poll up to see what folks think.

Lexikia · 18-05-2012, 18:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shogun

So we should have all been switched to digital by now and we should all be getting perfect pictures now and loads of free channels, has it all been worth it has it made a difference to your viewing pleasure or has it been a big let down and a waste of time and money for people, I will put a poll up to see what folks think.

Of course it's better, more channels, and more choice

Teddybare · 18-05-2012, 18:55

It's pants. Off completely in bad weather rather than a bit fuzzy when it was analogue.

RyoHazuki · 18-05-2012, 18:56

Recently switched from Virgin Media to Freeview HD and got a new aerial too, and so far we're really happy with the decision. Loving the BBC offerings so far, but would really love to see Film4 HD on Freeview, and that's the only thing I'm missing. Otherwise, very happy indeed.

Lexikia · 18-05-2012, 18:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teddybare

It's pants. Off completely in bad weather rather than a bit fuzzy when it was analogue.

Shouldn't do if your arial is ok, and the coax sometimes if old, get's water ingress.

RyoHazuki · 18-05-2012, 18:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teddybare

It's pants. Off completely in bad weather rather than a bit fuzzy when it was analogue.

If you think Freeview's bad, try Virgin. At least when you get digital break up on Freeview it doesn't make that godforsaken high pitched screeching noise. In fact, I've only seen our Freeview break up about three times, and only briefly then. On the V+ it happened all the time. You couldn't record anything, it was a waste of time.

Teddybare · 18-05-2012, 19:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lexikia

Shouldn't do if your arial is ok, and the coax sometimes if old, get's water ingress.

Digital signal is on/off. Analogue is a variable range. When it's on it's a lot better quality but when the weather is bad IMO it would be better to have a fuzzy analogue signal than no digital at all.

Edit:there's no water ingress in my loft

RyoHazuki · 18-05-2012, 19:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teddybare

Digital signal is on/off. Analogue is a variable range. When it's on it's a lot better quality but when the weather is bad IMO it would be better to have a fuzzy analogue signal than no digital at all.

I haven't had any drop off whatsoever in the recent bad weather, but then we did have a new aerial fitted.

Teddybare · 18-05-2012, 19:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by RyoHazuki

If you think Freeview's bad, try Virgin. At least when you get digital break up on Freeview it doesn't make that godforsaken high pitched screeching noise. In fact, I've only seen our Freeview break up about three times, and only briefly then. On the V+ it happened all the time. You couldn't record anything, it was a waste of time.

No cables on the street. Too many trees and elderly neighbours to sign petitions.
So I can't try virgin

Never mind, I'm due 70 when I die....

Nataliie · 18-05-2012, 19:07

Mine hasn't changed yet! :S very weird.

esme · 18-05-2012, 19:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teddybare

It's pants. Off completely in bad weather rather than a bit fuzzy when it was analogue.

I don't often get that, but yes the failure mode is a lot more dramatic than with analogue transmissions.

I remember watching a program on an old black and white set years ago with a really rubbish ariel, it looked like there was a snowstorm, but you could still see and hear what was going on.

With digital, because everything is transmitted in compressed packets of information, interference wipes out an entire packet because it can't be decompressed.

And if there's no redundant transmissions, which cost money so the broadcasters don't like to use them too much, you get several seconds of nothing.

If there's a lot of interference you can lose entire channels or even all the channels until it stops.

So, swings and roundabouts for me, when it works it's great, when it doesn't work my TV may as well be an expensive brick.

Fortunately it works most of the time for me but I can understand people getting frustrated if they have weak signals or a lot of interference.

Location114 · 18-05-2012, 20:08

The reason I chose "better than the old stuff" is because I think the digital switch over is a good idea I mean who doesn't like better picture quality and a wider range of things to watch.

Plus I am not one of these that say "there is never anything to watch" I don't really have a favourite thing to watch but I have found some very interesting things to watch on freeview.

However the one thing I do think is it should have been optional not forced upon us purely because for myself It worked out for me and I am really happy with it but some people don't like change and they should have the right to decline the new stuff if they should want to.

Mecky · 18-05-2012, 20:11

The reception and picture quality is better than the old stuff, shame the actual programmes got worse since the 70s/80s

Teddybare · 18-05-2012, 20:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by esme

I don't often get that, but yes the failure mode is a lot more dramatic than with analogue transmissions.

I remember watching a program on an old black and white set years ago with a really rubbish ariel, it looked like there was a snowstorm, but you could still see and hear what was going on.

With digital, because everything is transmitted in compressed packets of information, interference wipes out an entire packet because it can't be decompressed.

And if there's no redundant transmissions, which cost money so the broadcasters don't like to use them too much, you get several seconds of nothing.

If there's a lot of interference you can lose entire channels or even all the channels until it stops.

So, swings and roundabouts for me, when it works it's great, when it doesn't work my TV may as well be an expensive brick.

Fortunately it works most of the time for me but I can understand people getting frustrated if they have weak signals or a lot of interference.

Finally someone who understands. I did just have a spine-chilling thought though, what if this means we are neighbours

Shogun · 18-05-2012, 20:20

Most of the stuff I watch is from the 70 and 80s on freeview much better than the rubbish on TV now, give me minder and Randall and Hopkirk any day.

Teddybare · 18-05-2012, 20:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shogun

Most of the stuff I watch is from the 70 and 80s on freeview much better than the rubbish on TV now, give me minder and Randall and Hopkirk any day.

Get Sky. Game of thrones FTW

Shogun · 18-05-2012, 20:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teddybare

Get Sky. Game of thrones FTW

I would sooner eat my feet

RyoHazuki · 18-05-2012, 20:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shogun

I would sooner eat my feet

I'd sooner eat your feet. Wouldn't touch Sky.

esme · 18-05-2012, 21:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teddybare

Finally someone who understands. I did just have a spine-chilling thought though, what if this means we are neighbours

Then we'd be neighbours and we'd never know.

My reception is quite good though even in bad weather, thunderstorms tend to mess it up a bit.

kay1 · 19-05-2012, 16:56

Very rare I have one day without picture freezing or complete loss of picture I had a new aeriel fitted before switchover, the signal shows 90/100% strength never had a problem before switchover, it's a nightmare when you are watching Snooker or Tennis and the picture freezes and you miss the shot .