Thousands of people across Sussex could have problems with their Digital TV signals because of the predicted bad weather.

Unlike traditional analogue pictures, which deteriorate in quality and become snowy when the weather is bad, digital pictures can break-up or simply disappear if weak signals are disrupted by poor weather.

Online forums have been inundated with viewers up and down the country affected by poor signal strength in the cold temperatures.

Digital terrestrial television was supposed to herald an end to reception problems because of poor weather.

At the moment the digital and analogue systems are running side-by-side through the same transmitters.

However once the digital switchover has been completed and the analogue system completely switched off, more power will be diverted to the digital system.

Experts say this will lead to a stronger digital signal being transmitted across the country.

Sussex is due to go fully digital at the end of March 2012.

At that point to continue watching TV programmes people will need to have a digital set top box or a new digital television.

For more information about digital TV call 0845 6505050.