Digital Switchover

Satellite TV – from the analogue age to the digital era

Digital switchover is the process in which analogue television broadcasting is switched off and replaced by digital TV. Analogue transmissions are inefficient, as each channel requires a large amount of bandwidth for transmission. Digital transmissions consume far less bandwidth and so by switching off all analogue channels, a large amount of bandwidth is freed up for other digital services. Satellites have been transmitting in digital format since their inception and are by far the most cost and spectrum-efficient means of broadcasting content to millions of people at the same time. They are also key to enabling transmission of a portfolio of diverse cultural content all over the globe.

The evolution of TV services from 1958 till today

Black & White TV

Colour TV

HD TV

Ultra HD TV

• Spectrum
• Broadband
• Broadcasting
• 5G