What is the digital switchover?

TV in the UK is going digital, and the existing analogue TV signal will be switched off transmitter group by transmitter group between now and 2012. Switchover means that almost everyone will be able to receive digital TV through their aerial giving many people access to a wider choice of channels.

Most households will be able to receive around 40 channels, with all areas getting around 20 of the most popular channels such as ITV2, E4 and BBC Three, subject to coverage.

Digital TV also uses less broadcast space than analogue, which means that after switchover there will be more room for new services such as wireless broadband, local TV and High Definition Television (HDTV).

To keep your TV service, you will need to convert your TVs to digital before your area’s switchover date.

When do I switch?

When your home switches to digital will depend on where you live in the UK. The switchover happens TV region by TV region, transmitter by transmitter. Click here to view the switchover map

How do I switch?

Switching to digital is as easy as connecting a digital box to your existing TV. You will need to consider all the TV equipment in your home when preparing for switchover.

Almost any TV can be converted with a digital box, even a black and white one so there is no need to buy a new TV unless you want to.

If you do decide to get a new TV, make sure it carries the ‘digital tick’. The ‘digital tick’ means that it is designed to continue working after the switchover.

Video and DVD recorders will continue to playback and record after switchover, however, most won’t be able to record one channel while you are watching another.

The simplest way to do this is to get a digital TV recorder such as Sky+, V+ or Freeview+. If you ask for a digital TV recorder with a twin tuner, it will also convert your TV. We sell these products, look out for Twin Tuner in the item descriptions. Freeview Recorders

There are a number of ways to get a digital TV signal:-

1. - through an aerial (e.g. Freeview, Top Up TV, BT Vision)
2. - through a satellite (e.g. Sky, Freesat from Sky, or Freesat from the BBC and ITV)
3. - through a cable (e.g. Virgin Media)
4. - through a phone line (e.g. Tiscali)

Not all services are available in all areas. For further information, please visit www.digitaluk.co.uk or call 08456 50 50 50

If you choose to get digital TV through an aerial, and have reception problems even though you are in a current coverage area, you will need to check if your existing TV aerial and installation are suitable. Test them by visiting Teletext P284 or P484 on S4C in Wales. Check with your local aerial installer, look for a Registered Digital Installer (RDI) or a member of the Confederation of Aerial Industries (CAI) Plus scheme, or products that carry the digital switchover Certification Mark.

Re-tuning

Switchover is a two-stage process. If you have, or are planning to get Freeview, BT Vision or Top Up TV, you will need to re-tune your digital box or TV:

1. At each of the two stages of switchover
2. If you find you have lost any TV channels

Re-tuning regularly is good practice. This ensures that you keep equipment up to date, and that you have all of the latest channels. If you are not sure how to re-tune, please visit www.digitaluk.co.uk for a copy of the Digital UK guide to re-tuning.

Satellite and cable television does not need to be re-tuned.

You can access information from the Digital UK website or you can call the Digital UK information line 08456 50 50 50 can access information from the Digital UK website at digitaluk.co.uk