Wales switchover complete

10th March 2010 – all analogue TV channels in west and central Wales were switched off permanently today, meaning an all-digital era for more than 26,000 viewers.
Analogue BBC One, ITV1, S4C and Five were turned off permanently shortly after midnight at the Blaenplywf transmitter group, enabling extra channels to be broadcast from twelve local relay transmitters serving thousands of homes.
The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may find some of their channels missing this morning. The services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes.
Emyr Byron Hughes, Digital UK’s National Manager in Wales, said: “This is an historic day for TV in west and central Wales as we say goodbye to the old analogue system forever. Viewers have
responded extremely well and many are enjoying the benefits of digital TV for the first time.
“As with any change on this scale, some people may need a bit of extra help so we and the Help Scheme are on hand to give advice and assistance to those who may need it.”

What’s Freeview+ ?

By admin on January 30, 2010

Freeview+ is just the name given to digital TV recorders that are combined with a built-in Freeview receiver.

To be called Freeview+ and bear the logo players must include the following features :

* At least 8 Day Electronic Programme Guide (EPG)
* Series Link (one timer to record whole series)
* Record split programmes as one programme
* Offer to record related programme
* Record alternative showing if there is a time conflict
* Schedule changes updated in standby (e.g. scheduled recording starting early)
* Accurate recording (equivalent to PDC – programmes are recorded based on signals from the broadcaster rather than scheduled time) – since this is based on signals from the broadcaster, the broadcaster can prevent recording by sending nonsense signals as a form of copy protection, as already happens on music channels. This can be circumvented by specifying a timer recording instead of a programme recording or by routing the player through a traditional VHS recorder.

Twin or single tuner ?

By admin on January 30, 2010

If you already have a freeview box or your TV has a built in Freeview digital tuner a Freeview Recorder with a single Freeview tuner will let you record one channel while watching another.
If you don’t have a freeview box or a digital TV then you’ll need a twin tuner Freeview recorder which will let you watch one digital channel while recording a different digital channel.

Freeview Recorder