Description:

Television in Midi-Pyrenees is going digital

The switch over to all digital transmission services in the Midi-Pyrenees begins on 13 October 2010 and will be completed by 8 November 2011.

What does this mean for you?

Well first of all, it only affects you if you watch French television.  If you use a satellite dish to receive channels from the UK and do not watch French channels, then the change will have no affect.

If you currently watch some French channels using an analogue television then over the next year or so, these channels will disappear.

First of all, check what equipment you have.  Does your TV already have a digital receiver or do you have a digital set-top box?  In this case, you already have the equipment you need and providing you aerial is okay you should not have to do anything.  Remember also that UK specification set top boxes will work here, so if you happen to have one of those tucked away in the loft, don’t throw it out!

If you don’t have a set top decoder or digital TV, then before 8 November 2011 you will have to buy new equipment to continue receiving the French channels and you have a number of choices.

• Buy a digital decoder – this is the cheapest option and is also simple.  Buy a TNT numerique receiver from your local Brico.  Connect it to the TV via a scart lead and plug it in, then follow the setup procedure, which is normally fairly simple. 
• Buy a new digital TV – more expensive, but if you are thinking of replacing your TV in the near future, then make sure it has a digital receiver.  You will probably be hard pressed these days to find one without, but they are still around.
• Install a satellite dish and receiver – this is more involved and potentially more expensive if you have the dish installed for you
• Cable or Internet provider – some areas are supplied digital channels via a dedicated cable or through the Internet Service Provider (ISP).  These are most commonly available in large towns and cities.

The free to air digital channels which you can receive with a set top box or digital TV are transmitted under the TNT banner and there are up to nineteen channels available depending on location and local channels.  You can also subscribe to receive additional channels from other suppliers such as Canal+ and Canalsat.

Going the satellite route will again give you the free channels, but there are more subscriber channels available.

Channels available through cable or your ISP will depend upon your supplier, but at the very least you will be able to receive the free to air channels, but may have to pay a subscription for this.

With a little research, it is perfectly possible to equip yourself with the correct equipment to receive digital TV channels.  If you are not confident, then there are many companies that will give you advice and / or install the required equipment.

Have a look at our business directory to find a local installer.

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