Digital Switchover

 Do you know what the digital switchover will mean for you?

If it’s all a little confusing we have put together some information which we hope will make it clearer, so you can find out what all the fuss is about.

What is Digital?

The digital technology provides a more efficient way to deliver television programmes as it frees up airwaves that could be used for innovations such as mobile TV or high definition TV. Also moving to the best available technology to replace our ageing network will also ensure the UK continues as a world leader in broadcasting .Currently the majority of UK homes currently have digital TV through Cable, Satellite, Freeview and Top-Up TV Services. The 'switchover' will ensure that all parts of the country will be able to receive Digital Freeview services free to air through their aerial. However in order to make this possible the analogue service has to be switched off so the digital signal can be boosted to reach all areas. Starting in October 2007 in Cumbria the digital switchover will be a gradual process, region by region, leading to a complete switch over by 2012.

When Will it Happen in My Area?

 By TV region: Starting in: Whitehaven 2007 (October) Border 2008/09 West Country 2009 Wales 2009/10 Granada 2009 West 2010 STV North 2010 STV Central 2010/11 Central 2011 Yorkshire 2011 Anglia 2011 Meridian 2012 London 2012 Tyne Tees 2012 Ulster 2012

What are the benefits of digital TV?

Digital television 'Freeview' gives you great TV for free, no strings attached. It also enables you to receive a much wider range of TV Channels and new Digital only Radio channels. Digital TV also offers you much improved picture quality with no ghosting and in a true widescreen format. Digital TV also gives you a much improved sound quality and enhanced information services.

What Do You Need to Watch Digital TV?

If you want to receive a FREE digital service you have two choices: Convert your existing TV set by plugging in a digital set top box; or take the opportunity to buy a new digital TV with a built in DVB 'Freeview' tuner. These sets have the DVB logo on them. But don't forget your DVD or Video recorder - if you want to record one digital channel while you are watching another, you will need a digital tuner attached to your recording device. Again this can be done by attaching a digital set top box to your DVD or video recorder or by buying a new DVD or Hard Drive recorder with a digital 'Freeview' tuner built in. Digital DVD or Hard drive (PVR) recorders offer the ability to pause and rewind live TV, or record an entire series at the touch of a button, as well as giving you many more features. You will also have to ensure that every television in your home you wish to receive a digital broadcast can receive a digital signal. Click HERE to see if you can receive the digital 'freeview' signal through your aerial.

Will You Need a New TV Aerial?

It is possible, if you have a good analogue reception across all five channels currently, you will not need a new aerial. However all areas are different and it is sometimes only possible to determine if you will need a new aerial once you have a digital decoder attached to your aerial. If you share an aerial with other households then you may have a communal TV system. If so, this will need to be adapted to receive digital television. Your landlord or managing agent should be aware of this and be making plans. Ask them for information or visit www.digitaluk.co.uk/sharedaerial.

Will You Still Need A TV Licence After Digital Switchover?

If you need a TV licence today you will still need one after the switchover You can also receive digital TV through Satellite and cable and Top Up TV services but these services usually evolve a monthly charge.