FREEVIEW
DIGITAL TV
The BBC has launched Freeview
- it’s claimed to be simplest way to access digital television
and is targeted at the 2m consumers who, according to surveys, want
digital, but are not prepared to pay subscriptions to satellite
or cable companies.
Whether you choose dish, box
or cable, it’s going to cost you money. Freeview, the BBC’s
free terrestrial digital service offers up to 30 television channels
and 12 radio stations for the price of a set top adaptor, costing
around £100 but will you need a new television? Perhaps a
new aerial? And how can you be sure it will work in your area? On
Your Behalf asks the questions you want answered about digital.
Will Freeview work
with my old ITV Digital box or iDTV?
Yes. All you have to do is to add the new channels by retuning it.
Will I have to replace
my existing TV?
No. The digital TV adapter just plugs into the back of your existing
TV and converts your digital signals into analogue. If you want
to, you can buy an iDTV (integrated digital TV) which can also receive
Freeview..
Will I get my existing
local programmes?
Yes. In Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland some broadcasters also
provide extra services as well
Will I be able to get
pay channels with Freeview?
No, there are no plans for this.
Can I get Freeview
abroad?
No. Freeview is only available in the UK
What if I move house?
You can take your adapter or iDTV with you, but will need to check
the new postcode to be sure you can receive signals in your new
location.
What does Freeview
cost?
Watching Freeview costs nothing. The adapter required to enable
your television to receive Freeview costs from around £99.
If you need a new rooftop aerial or extra connection leads, there
will be a cost associated with this. Your local electrical retailer
will be able to advise you further. Some retailers offer a survey
from around £30 and may refund the charge from the cost of
installing a new aerial. A new aerial costs from £80.
Why may I need a new
aerial?
A new aerial may be required as some aerials are old and damaged,
and in some parts of the country Freeview signals use a different
frequency or transmitter to the one you normally use for your analogue
reception.
Isn’t ‘Freeview’
misleading because I have to buy new equipment?
Freeview is called that because it’s television that is free
to view - not pay TV. The one-off equipment cost is for the adapter
or integrated set. You then receive over 30 digital channels and
interactive services with no further payment unless you require
an aerial survey and / or upgrade. It’s a one-off upgrade
- like buying a TV set to watch television, or a computer to surf
the internet.
What is the cost of
an aerial survey and who can carry them out?
Your local electrical retailer will be able to arrange a survey
should your aerial need one. Please ask for a quotation. Some retailers
offer a survey from around £30 and may refund the charge from
the cost of installing a new aerial. A new aerial costs from £80.
Can an upgrade be done
without a survey?
We recommend that you get your aerial surveyed.
What is length of time
for a survey and upgrade to be done?
This is dependent on local demand but normally within a few days.
Will the channels on
Freeview change at any point?
The channel line-up will change in the future and Freeview viewers
will need to carry out the retune.
Can I watch Freeview
using a portable set-top aerial?
A small number of households may be able to use a set top aerial.
This only applies if you live in a coverage area close to a transmitter,
but reception would still be unreliable and so we strongly recommend
that you use a roof or loft aerial for good reception.
Is the quality better
with Freeview?
You should have an improved picture in areas where there is poor
quality analogue reception. In some areas of the country you will
receive significantly improved Channel 5 reception. You can also
get widescreen broadcasts.
What do you mean by
‘widescreen’?
Broadcasters can transmit wider cinema-style pictures with digital
signals. On analogue TV you don’t normally see the whole widescreen
picture. If you have a widescreen TV and watch analogue broadcasts
you’ll have noticed that it stretches the picture to fit the
screen. Digital widescreen, on the other hand, broadcasts the whole
or ‘true’ widescreen picture. If you don’t have
a widescreen TV, you’ll be able to set your adapter to adjust
the picture to fit your existing screen.
Do I need a widescreen
TV set?
No, but with so many programmes being broadcast in widescreen format,
you won’t get the full benefit unless you have a widescreen
TV.
Can I view digital
channels on all TVs in my house?
Yes, if you have a digital TV adapter for every analogue TV that
you have. Alternatively, you can also distribute analogue pictures
from a digital TV adapter (or iDTV) via an RF distribution system
if you have one. Your retailer can tell you more about RF distribution
systems. Check that you buy an adapter with an RF modulator.
How do I record Freeview
channels on my video?
All equipment is different so you need to refer to the instruction
books for your VCR and adapter or integrated set for help and contact
your manufacturer if you have trouble. You can record a Freeview
digital channel, but you can’t watch a different digital channel
at the same time.
Does Freeview give
you Internet access?
No.
What interactive services
are available on Freeview?
Digital text and enhanced TV, including additional video streams
for events such as Wimbledon, Open Golf etc. will be available through
Freeview.
I’ve heard that
the Government plans to shut down analogue TV. When will this happen?
This will only happen when certain criteria are met relating to
the availability, affordability and take-up of digital services.
Does Freeview have
a parental lock facility?
No. All programmes are broadcast without viewing restrictions. You
may be able to control what can be viewed with some adapters and
iDTVs depending on their specification.
Why do I get 'blocking'
on my digital pictures?
In most cases this will either be caused by a reception problem,
such as too low a signal, or some kind of interference. In either
case an aerial installer should be able to advise on how your reception
might be improved. An aerial testing service may be offered by your
retailer. If not, we suggest you contact a local aerial fitter who
is a member of the Confederation of Aerial Industries or ask your
retailer for help finding one.
What if I need further
information?
If you have any more queries please contact your local electrical
retailer.
Further information
To check if you can receive
Freeview in your area or to get further information visit the Freeview
Website
Telephone:- 08708 80 99 80
or 08700 10 10 10
or write to
Freeview,
2nd Floor
85 Tottenham Court Road
London, W1T 4DU
Find out more about BBC Digital
on - www.bbc.co.uk/digital
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