UK Broadcasting Systems

Terrestrial Broadcasting Terrestrial Broadcasting is done by sending radio waves through transmitting and receiving aerials or antennas. The downside with using terrestrial broadcasting is that the radio waves travel I straight lines which means the signal won't be strong in certain areas. The transmitters are usually placed on a hill so it can give a large coverage. Sometimes the radio waves can't travel through certain solid materials or they signal might weaken.

Satellite TV Satellites carry television signals between stations where cables or terrestrial towers can’t be built.  Satellites rely on signals across oceans and work like towers in space.  The outer space technology means that you don’t have to worry about terrain getting in the way of signals.  Satellite can transmit more channels giving viewers more for their money and more options to choose from. 

Cable TV Cable is used to carry television signals to areas that have difficulty receiving signals.  The cable company have a monopoly of sites and send the signals throughout the country through the cables.  The customer would usually only have one cable company to choose from in their specific area.  This gives the company with the most areas an advantage because they would automatically gain customers.  On the other hand, this doesn’t give customers a wide option so are then only restricted to one company.

Digital Broadcasting Digital Broadcasting uses digital data instead of analogue waveforms.  It sends broadcasts and television channels or assigned radio frequency bands.  It was first used with satellite TV to provide more channels for the viewer.  This gives an advantage to the broadcaster, viewer and satellite provider.  The broadcasters can then offer and create more channels but this will eventually make the market for television channels more competitive.  

Internet TV Internet Television means allowing the viewer to watch a programme using the internet.  This could be by live streaming or selecting from pre-recorded archives.  Some on demand TV channels remove programmes after a certain period of time. Having on demand TV and the power to record programmes makes watching television more practical.  Although views go down because of the availability of internet TV, the broadcaster can still make money from adverts.

In conclusion, digital and satellite technology seems to be more reliable and practical. It provides the viewer with more option and flexability. The quality is above the rest and provides interactivity that's beyond analogue technology. The only downside is that it is more expensive to run.