SRG: One more year of grace for analog television

Since November 13, SRG television channels can only be received digitally with antennas in the Engadin. In Ticino, the analog signal was already switched off at the end of July. SRG is gradually expanding digital terrestrial broadcasting via DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial). The development of DVB-T was commissioned by the Federal Council and is part of the digitization strategy. As the SRG announced on Tuesday, the previous analog broadcasting via antenna will be discontinued in almost all areas of German-speaking Switzerland in November 2007, with the exception of the canton of Graubünden and the Upper Valais. With a few exceptions, the digital signal already covers the whole of northern Switzerland. Work in Central Switzerland and the Bernese Oberland is in full swing. The switchover should be completed by 2008. Detailed information on the broadcasting regions and reception options can be found at
. The switch to DVB-T will result in an improvement in the quality of picture and sound reception. However, it is not free of charge for television users. In order to receive the television signal via a roof, device or indoor aerial, you need a digital-compatible receiver (set-top box) or a television with an integrated digital receiver. DVB-T also enables mobile reception via a laptop, for example. This requires a TV USB stick. Alternatively, you can also switch to satellite television. A satellite access card is then required to receive SRG programs, which are broadcast in encrypted form.