Department for Culture Media and Sport

digital broadcasting

We are overseeing the gradual move from analogue to digital broadcasting across the UK.

Digital broadcasting is a more efficient way of transmitting sound and pictures. The benefits of digital broadcasting include:

  • more TV channels and radio stations can be provided
  • TV pictures and sound suffer from less interference
  • extra information and interactive features can be offered
  • radio is easier to tune and extra functions, such as pause and rewind, can be provided

Digital TV

Digital TV can be received by aerial, satellite or cable but the signal must be decoded by a set-top box or an integrated digital TV. 

Digital radio

Digital radio can be received on a range of platforms, including Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), digital television and online. DAB accounts for the majority of digital listening. Details about digital radio stations and coverage are available from the Get Digital Radio and the Office of Communications (Ofcom).



Websites of interest