How to receive UK TV direct from Wales after Digital Switchover in Aug/Sept 2009

If you have been receiving HTV, BBC1 and BBC2 Wales, S4C and Five direct from Wales using a rooftop aerial, then you will no longer be able to do so without additional equipment after September 16th 2009. You will also have lost BBC2 reception after 19th August 2009.

This is to facilitate the UK transition to Digital broadcasting, which will allow more channels to be broadcast in the same frequency space, as well as allow for future upgrades like High Definition TV.

To continue viewing, you need a 'Freeview' set top box. This plugs into your existing UK TV aerial, which in most cases will not need further upgrading, provided it was operating properly on the old analogue service. The output of this plugs into the 'SCART' or external AV connection of your TV, in a similar way that a DVD player would be connected.

Ireland is due to also transition it's TV service to Digital, but this won't be complete until 2012, although it is currently testing it's digital service from Mount Leinster. It will, however, use a slightly different system of transmission, which means that a UK 'Freeview' set top box will not work on RTE, TG4 and TV3

Total Broadcast can supply various models of set top box (STB) that will receive UK Freeview only, UK Freeview plus Irish digital TV, or one that will receive Freeview, Irish Digital TV and Satellite 'Freesat' (needs a Satellite dish - an old Sky dish may well do). All of the above require no subscription and are perfectly legal to own and use.

Prices:

UK only Freeview Set Top Box including RF modulator and SCART connection, works with all TVs - €70

M200T Uk/Ireland Freeview Terrestrial, receives standard and HD broadcasts - €149

M200C UK/Ireland Freeview Terrestrial & Satellite STB, receives standard and HD broadcasts - €199

Contact us for more details on these set top boxes on 051 845422 or email us by clicking on the 'contact' link at the right of this web page.