The Digital Switchover

What is it all about and how will it affect my viewing?

From 2008 until 2012, TV services in the UK will be going completely digital. Before switchover, everyone who wants to receive television services will need to have the equipment necessary to handle the digital signal. The UK’s old television broadcast signal known as analogue is being switched off. Any TV set that is not connected to suitable equipment when the switchover takes place will no longer receive TV programmes.

The process of digital switchover will take place between 2008 and 2012, TV region by TV region. The exception is Whitehaven, Cumbria, which becomes the first place to switch in October 2007.
Digital Switchover is a complicated process, and needs to be done in stages so that everyone in the country will be ready for it.

The best way to check which TV region you are in is by seeing which ITV news service you receive or by going to Teletext page 106. Don’t worry; you'll get plenty of notice before services in your area are affected by the Digital Switchover, and advice on what to do.

This map gives more information about when television will start to go fully digital in each TV region. Note that some regions will complete the Digital Switchover process in the following calendar year. If you don’t know which region you are in, look at the map(which is only indicative of TV region) or alternatively check which ITV news service you receive, or go to Teletext page 106.

What are the benefits of digital TV?

With analogue TV you are restricted to the standard five channels BBC1 & 2, ITV, Channel 4 & 5, here are some of the benefits that come with digital TV…

• Many more free to air TV channels as standard
• Subscription channels available at extra cost with some providers
• Improved picture quality
• New features including digital teletext, program listings & information
• Access services such as pay per view or TV to order, watch programs at your convenience

What is the difference between analogue and digital?

With digital TV, sound and pictures from the broadcaster are transmitted as a digital signal and received through your rooftop aerial, it is then then converted to an analogue signal that can be used by your current TV set, by a digital freeview set-top box. If you have a television with built in digital tuner you will not need a set-top box. Here is an overview of the equipment that can be used to supply digital television.

You do not need to replace your existing television sets to receive digital services. You will need to get some additional equipment that will connect to your existing television. Digital Terrestrial TV (Freeview). Viewers will need a digital set top box or a television with built in digital tuner (known as an integrated digital TV, or IDTV). Some viewers may also need to replace their aerial depending on signal strength in their area. Digital Satellite TV (Sky). Viewers will need a satellite receiver and dish, provided by the satellite broadcaster at no cost.

Digital Cable TV (Virgin Media). A connection to a cable system and indoor decoder box is provided by the cable company, this is only available in cabled areas. Virgin Media can provide television services in non-cabled areas via the freeview service.

If you currently receive just the traditional five UK channels BBC1 & 2, ITV, Channel 4 & 5 on any of your TV sets, you’ll need to think about your options for getting digital TV. Every TV set you want to keep watching in your home will need to be converted or upgraded to digital in some way.

Why is the government switching off the analogue signal?

Moving to digital will make TV available to more of the population. Most of UK homes currently have digital TV, however, one in four cannot get it via their aerial and many still cannot receive channel Five. The digital switchover will enable more of the UK population to receive TV through their aerial and more competition means you can shop around for best price digital TV. In a small number of cases households may be receiving analogue TV through a cable. It will be for the providers to determine if this service will continue post-digital switchover.

Which services can I use to get the best digital TV.

First you need to choose how you want to receive your digital TV signal and get the best deal?

• Through an aerial, free digital TV (Freeview), using either a digital box or digital TV. This will be available in most areas by the time of the digital switchover.
• Through a satellite dish (Sky), available in most areas. Check coverage.
• Through a cable (Virgin Media), only available in certain areas. Check coverage.
• Through a telephone line (BT Vision), you will need a broadband connection.

How do I find a local electrical retailer?

Below is some of the popular high street and online retailers that are licensed under the digital switchover logo scheme. Digital set top boxes and accessories from Argos, Currys, Comet. And remember to look for the 'digital tick’ logo which certifies products and services that are designed to keep working after switchover.

Be environmentally friendly when you switch to digital!

If you are replacing your television set, look for an integrated digital television that carries the 'Energy Saving Recommended' logo (a blue triangle). This shows that the product is considered 'energy efficient' and uses less energy than the average television set.