Analogue TV's - End Of An Era?

Here in the UK, the switch to digital broadcasting is set to be completed by 2012. Theoretically, this should mean the end of the analogue television set but there are ways you can keep going. Before I talk about keeping your trusty TV set going, let's have a quick look at the switchover. What is 'digital switchover'? Starting from 2008 and ending in 2012, UK TV services will become completely digital. This process is known as the digital switchover.The UK’s current TV signal (AKA “analogue”) will be switched off and replaced with a “digital” services. If your TV set hasn't been converted to digital when the switchover takes place you'll no longer be able receive TV programmes. What are the benfits of digital? For a start, you receive additional TV channels. All you favourite TV channels will be there but expect to see many more added as standar including BBC 3, ITV2, E4, More 4, S4C2, Sky News, Cbeebies, CBBC, CITV and ITV3 to name but a few. You'll also see a number of subscription channels which will allow you to pay for premium viewing such as sports, films and music. Some of the other benefits include: Improved viewing quality, interactive services and integrated TV listing menus. So, now you have some of the benefits. But, to access these you will need a digital TV. Or will you? No. Admittedly, you could buy a digital LCD TV but do you really want or need to pay out hard cash when you current television still has plenty of life left in it? I didn't think so. The simple solution here is to buy a Freeview box. I know that some of the offerings on the market place have not really provided consumers with the desired level of quality but things are changing, rapidly. Both the BBC and ITV have joined the Freeview consortium which, in turn, brings some serious financial backing to the project. Now, consider the price of Freeview - it's free! Well, apart from buying a set top box (which can be as low as £15). All the benefits of digital viewing with the need to buy a new TV. Then again, if you're feeling flush there are plenty of discount lcd televisions on the market right now. The choice is yours I suppose.