This section pulls together key passages from the larger Communications White Paper specifically related to digital switchover. If something is of particular interest or seems a bit unclear, you should read it in context by following provided links to the full paper. This is an important contributor to social inclusion. S4C will continue to be guaranteed multiplex space in Wales.
Digital television transforms the family set.
It is potentially a bigger change to our viewing experience than the move from black and white to colour. It brings consistently strong pictures and very high quality sound to all TVs. The potential of teletext is unleashed by use of graphics and high speed updates, turning it into a multimedia information system. The current generation of set-top boxes, often provided free by subscription broadcasters, brings email and interactive programmes into homes without expensive computers. Many of the next generation of set-top boxes will bring full Internet access and increased interactivity.