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The “most likely” transmitter indication is provided to us by the BBC. It is derived from a complex algorithm which takes into account, amongst other things:
The “most likely” transmitter is not a recommendation. It is a best estimate of the transmitter that a viewer is likely to be using to receive their analogue television. We need to derive this because the switchover date is directly driven by the transmitter being used. If a viewer knows that they are using a different transmitter, they can select it from the drop-down box, and the results will be refreshed accordingly.
Switchover is replacing regional analogue services by regional digital services on a like-for- like basis. Consequently switchover will not cause households to change the region they are viewing, unless they choose to do so by replacing their antenna.
At digital switchover the line up of channels on each multiplex will change, and in addition channels may start and close throughout the switchover period in accordance with normal practice. The latest available information on channel line-ups is reported on by Digital Multiplex Operators Limited:, and this information is also included in the Digital UK postcode checker. Channel 5 and S4C (in Wales) will each be carried on one of the three Public Service multiplexes and will be available from every transmitter (or in the case of S4C, every transmitter in Wales) after switchover. For further information please see the DMOL website: www.dmol.co.uk.
A Single Frequency Network exists where two (or more) transmitters with overlapping coverage are deliberately designed to use the same channels. In analogue, this would make both channels unusable due to the mutual interference, however the DVB-T 8k transmission mode allows the signals to add rather than interfere with each other in the overlap area if the transmitters are close together, thus improving reception.
The 8k transmission mode is the worldwide standard – the current low power UK DTT transmitter network is unique in operating using the 2k mode.
Moving to the 8K transmission system improves robustness of the signal especially against impulse interference. It is also necessary in areas operating as Single Frequency Networks which are only possible using the 8k system.
The move means that old ITV Digital/On Digital and other 2k only STB will not work after DSO. 2k only IDTVs can be updated with any current Freeview digital box or DTR.
A current list of affected models can be found here: http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/2kequipment
On analogue recorders, V+ will cease to work at switchover unless the recorder is remapped to recieve 1,2,3,4 and 5 from the digital terrestial television stb socket on the relevant channel, for example, at DSO 1, a recorder expects BBC Two to be at channel 2. The recorder needs to be remapped to find BBC Two on AV input. Recorder instructions will explain the remapping process.
This process will need to be done at DSO 1 and DSO 2.
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