TV aerials will not be removed by force in Malta once the digital switchover comes into effect next year, it has been revealed.TV aerials that will not be able to pick up the new digital signals will now be removed only at the discretion of the homeowner, admitted a spokesperson for The Malta Communications Authority.
This announcement comes after growing speculation surrounding whether these rooftop TV aerials would need to be ripped down and for new digital versions to be put by aerial installation companies.
Malta will be following suit from other countries around the world when its analogue aerials will be upgraded to digital viewing.
With the digital switchover taking place on 1st February there will also be six free-to-view digital channels for all viewers to enjoy. However, in order to receive these channels and other digital services, Maltese residents will need to have a rooftop UHF aerial that will need to be attached to a short pole.
If households are already watching digital television at home, the likelihood is that they already have one of these aerials and will not need to upgrade to another model. In the same way, the Malta Communications Authority has also stated that modern LCD or LED plasma televisions will probably already have the digital tuner and receiver built in to them.
Older television sets will more than likely need to get an external receiver. According to the Authority, these are on sale at present for an average price of around €30.
It is hoped by switching to digital media, viewers will be able to enjoy a more interactive and better quality viewing experience.
Viewers in Scotland are also counting down the days to the digital switchover which is also due to take place in six months time.