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To many the word "digital" is met with looks of confusion, and any adventure into understanding it can leave people frustrated.�� The phrase "computer says no" springs to mind!

If you've previously been terrified by the thought of digital technology, then why not take the opportunity to learn about it?

Digital TV

If you haven't already made the switch to digital television, you'll be amazed at the range of services that you're missing out on.

In the past, television signals have been analogue, but over the next few years, all television signals will be switching to digital.

Digital TV has the advantage of offering you the same channels you can see with analogue TV (91�ȱ� One, 91�ȱ� Two, ITV1, Channel 4 and Five), but on top of that you can receive a range of digital channels and services for free.

The majority of households will be able to receive 48 Freeview channels, as well as digital radio stations.

Most people have already converted their main TV to digital, but if you are yet to convert, don't panic as virtually any TV can be converted to enable it to receive digital by using a digital set-top box (such as Freeview, Top Up TV or BT Vision).

These can be purchased for a one-off fee at around £25, and will enable you to receive many more channels and services, but many new televisions have digital technology such as Freeview or Freesat built in.

Alternatively, pay monthly services like satellite, cable or broadband TV can be installed for you (e.g. Sky, Freesat, Virgin Media).

DAB Digital Radio

If you're an avid listener of 91�ȱ� Tees then try your favourite radio station on digital! Unlike analogue (FM/AM) radio, digital radio gives you a better quality of reception with clearer sound and no fuzzy background interference.

Digital radio can offer you more information about the programmes you are listening to, as details such as song titles or headlines will appear on the screen of your radio.

Digital Cameras

Using a digital camera is a great way of getting a really clear photo.

Cameras are generally easier to use than traditional film cameras, as the photographer can see the image they've taken immediately afterwards on a digital screen installed into the camera.

If the picture hasn't come out the way you want it, you can just point and shoot again without worrying about wasting any film.

Digital cameras can be linked easily to computers so that you can view your pictures on the screen, e-mail them to family or friends or add them to social networking sites such as Facebook or Myspace.

Don't worry if you haven't got a computer though, you can still use digital cameras and take them to stores which can develop your pictures in the usual way.

There is the added advantage of you being able to select which particular photos you want printed, and which ones you would rather disappear!

Middlesbrough Adult Education Service offers a wide range of digital photography courses, including introductory courses in digital technology.

There are courses to help you repair and manipulate digital images on your computer, and a “virtual theatre” course to help you get even more creative with your pictures!

Using the internet to access digital services

If you've got the hang of accessing your favourite website via the internet, but never used it for digital media services, then why not branch out in 2009?

You can use 91�ȱ� iPlayer to access programmes that you've missed on TV or Radio and you can download music to your computer to use on an mp3 player or ipod.

You can also adjust your e-mail settings to receive news and sport updates whenever you want them, but if you or a member of your family are still a little bit afraid of the internet, then it’s time to enrol on a course which can help you to overcome your nerves.

Darlington Libraries Service offers a complete beginners course for those who feel terrified by the internet, which can help you to use a computer and get online safely.

Many of these courses are run over the course of a day, which fits in well with busy schedules!

Learn Direct also offers computer courses for people all over Teesside – so what’s stopping you?

Adult Education Contact details

Stockton Adult Education Service: 01642 527904
Enrolment Centres in Thornaby and Billingham

Middlesbrough Adult Education Service: 01642 818 480

Darlington Libraries Service: 01325 388864