Analogue TV transmission platform has been in use for several decades now enabling broadcasters to air their programs and viewers to watch their favorite TV shows. Despite being popular for such a long time, analogue platform is limited in terms of features and the quality of signal reception hence the need for a better technology. There has been a lot of excitement after several countries decided to migrate from traditional analogue TV signal transmission to digital terrestrial platform.
There are several ways broadcasters use in distributing their TV signals to consumers ranging from satellite, internet, analogue, cable to digital transmission. Unlike other methods, satellite does not require additional equipment to redistribute TV signals meaning consumers from any location can subscribe and receive programs from providers; apart from monthly subscriptions, you'll need to acquire a decoder and satellite dish from your service provider to enjoy quality TV signal reception.
Most cable TV providers use coaxial cables to redistribute their TV signals to consumers; coaxial cables consist of an internal copper wire and a braided metal after the inner insulation essentially to minimize signal distortion due to interference. In order to subscribe to cable TV service, there must be an existing near by coaxial cable from the provider, channels received via this method are clearer than traditional analogue signals.
Broadcasters started using analogue signal transmission immediately after cathode ray TV's were introduced, this platform has been utilized for several decades despite associated limitations that eventually gave birth to digital terrestrial system. Unlike other transmission technologies, both analogue and digital terrestrial platforms can be used to watch/distribute free to air channels alone. Cable, internet and satellite transmission platforms are associated with pay TV service providers therefore could not be a better replacement for analogue technology.
Since cathode ray tube TV's are associated with analogue signals, consumers are required to purchase a Set Top Box (STB) that will enable their television sets receive digital signals. Most modern flat panel TV's built on plasma and LCD technologies are equipped with a hybrid TV tuner capable of receiving both analogue and digital signals eliminating the need for acquiring an STB. Most countries have already migrated from analogue to digital platform laying down specifications and requirements on the quality of set top boxes to be used, DVB-T2 is the latest and most preferred decoder standard compared to DVB-T1.
Migrating from analogue to digital terrestrial transmission brings a whole new TV experience to viewers;
• Unlike analogue technology, Digital Terrestrial transmission accommodates more channels within a single frequency
• DTT enables viewers to get electronic TV guides
• Signal reception is clearer resulting in better picture and sound quality
• Capable of transmitting HD quality images ranging from 720p, 1080i and 1080p.
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