Making the Switch to Digital TV

Iria · Jul 20, 2008, 12:56 AM

As the world changes so do the demands of consumers -- this is particularly true with technology. One of the most pressing issues today is that of digital television. But to most this subject is shrouded in mystery. Why are we being forced to convert to digital signals? What does going digital even mean? Most importantly, how will the shift to digital television affect me? These are all excellent questions, ones I hope to address sufficiently, and thereby purging the digital switch from its aforementioned shroud of mystery.
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Source: TheTechLounge

Matth · Jul 20, 2008, 06:34 PM

None the wiser after that.

It also seems that the mistake made in early DAB radio (the weak MP2 codec) is being repeated in digital TV, jumping from the analog frying pan into the SD digital fire, when the majority of new equipment is HD capable.

So far, nowhere planning analog switch-off seems to have any plan what to do with the frequencies released, or any hint that analog switch-off will achieve anything other than perhaps a power saving by discontinuing redundant transmitters, though the only concrete plans so far seem to be some power increases and perhaps additional digital relays to address digital terrestrial coverage issues.

To take the UK situation as an example...
There were 3 analog channels, then Channel 4 launched using a spare channel space that was part of the allocation plan.
Sometime later, Channel 5 was squeezed in, such a squeeze that it could conflict with some devices with RF modulators on close channels, and the company had to provide a retuning service to check for problems, and offer blocking filters if needed.

Somehow, they then managed to squeeze 6 digital multiplex channels into each area as well.

Normally, the channels are usually 3 or 4 clear of each other, though maybe the spacings (particularly digital to analog) could be tightened as tuners have no doubt improved since the system was designed.

So, analog and digital coexist, the switch-off achieves what, other than a lost opportunity to convert to HD - the current digital being a stopgap solution that is already looking obsolete.

Jul 20, 2008, 12:56 AM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	Making the Switch to Digital TV As the world changes so do the demands of consumers -- this is particularly true with technology. One of the most pressing issues today is that of digital television. But to most this subject is shrouded in mystery. Why are we being forced to convert to digital signals? What does going digital even mean? Most importantly, how will the shift to digital television affect me? These are all excellent questions, ones I hope to address sufficiently, and thereby purging the digital switch from its aforementioned shroud of mystery. _______________ Source: TheTechLounge

Jul 20, 2008, 06:34 PM	#2
Matth Flash Banner Hater Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: UK Posts: 3,426 Rep Power: 93 System Specs	None the wiser after that. It also seems that the mistake made in early DAB radio (the weak MP2 codec) is being repeated in digital TV, jumping from the analog frying pan into the SD digital fire, when the majority of new equipment is HD capable. So far, nowhere planning analog switch-off seems to have any plan what to do with the frequencies released, or any hint that analog switch-off will achieve anything other than perhaps a power saving by discontinuing redundant transmitters, though the only concrete plans so far seem to be some power increases and perhaps additional digital relays to address digital terrestrial coverage issues. To take the UK situation as an example... There were 3 analog channels, then Channel 4 launched using a spare channel space that was part of the allocation plan. Sometime later, Channel 5 was squeezed in, such a squeeze that it could conflict with some devices with RF modulators on close channels, and the company had to provide a retuning service to check for problems, and offer blocking filters if needed. Somehow, they then managed to squeeze 6 digital multiplex channels into each area as well. Normally, the channels are usually 3 or 4 clear of each other, though maybe the spacings (particularly digital to analog) could be tightened as tuners have no doubt improved since the system was designed. So, analog and digital coexist, the switch-off achieves what, other than a lost opportunity to convert to HD - the current digital being a stopgap solution that is already looking obsolete. __________________ Mary had a little lamb, Her father shot it dead Now Mary takes her lamb to school, Between two crusts of bread