What is the digital switchover?
By 2012 all of the channels in the UK will be broadcast in Digital and the existing analogue broadcast will be switched off.
Digital TV brings loads of benefits, including a greater choice of TV channels and new features, such as on-screen listings, interactivity, audio description and subtitling for people with visual and audio impairments. Optional additional channels and services, including premium channels (e.g. movies, sports), broadband and telephony, also become possible with digital TV.
How does it affect me?
Switching to digital can be as easy as connecting a digital box to your existing TV. We can help you sort it all out, but for starters you’ll need to consider all the TV equipment in your home when preparing for Switchover. Here are a few things to think about…
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1. How many TVs do you have in your home? Consider every TV set that you want to continue watching. Any TV left unconverted won't work after Switchover, so you need to be ready for digital.
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2. Do you like to record TV programmes? Video and DVD recorders will still play back and record, but most won’t be able to record one channel while you watch another. If you enjoy recording, consider getting a digital TV recorder – it will also convert your TV!
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3. Check your TV aerial If you choose to receive a service like Freeview, BT Vision or Top Up TV you may need to upgrade your aerial. It’s estimated that around 5-10% of rooftop aerials and up to 50% of set-top aerials will be affected by the Switchover. If you rely on a communal TV aerial system this becomes an even more important consideration. You should talk to your landlord to ensure that your communal system will work with new digital signals.
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4. Will Switchover affect my radio? Your radio equipment won’t be affected by Switchover. Phew!