Digital Switchover
Are you ready for the biggest shake-up in television history?
Commencing in 2008 and ending in 2012, television services in the UK will go completely digital. The old analogue television signal will be switched off and the digital signal boosted to make it possible for almost every home to get digital TV via an aerial.
The digital switchover will require everyones TV equipment to be capable of receiving a digital signal, either through a digital box or a TV with a built in box.
Why is it happening?
Switchover makes it fairer. At present, over two-thirds of UK homes have digital TV. However, one in four cannot receive it via their aerial, and many still cannot receive Channel Five. By switching off the existing analogue broadcasting system it will possible to boost the digital TV signal and provide people with a greater choice of affordable digital TV options.
Digital TV is more efficient. It frees up airwaves that could be used for innovations such as high definition television (HDTV) on Freeview, or mobile television.
How will viewers know what to do?
In May 2006, Digital UK launched a major public information campaign, both nationally and regionally. Digital UK is the independent, not-for-profit organisation set up by the broadcasters to lead the UK's switch to digital television. In each area of the country, a further communications programme will commence three years prior to switchover.
Digital UK will send a leaflet to every UK household, at least twice, to tell them about switchover and what they need to do. A website (www.digitaluk.co.uk) and helpline (0845 6 50 50 50) have also been set up to help people through the process. Viewers are encouraged to talk to their local electrical retailer, such as Euronics, for help.
What are the different ways for people to get digital TV?
There are four main options:
(1) Through an aerial (Freeview, Top Up TV), using either a digital box or a television with a built-in tuner (an IDTV)
(2) By satellite (Sky, or Freesat from Sky)
(3) Through a cable (NTL/Telewest or Wight Cable)
(4) Over broadband (Homechoice, available in London and Stevenage)
Check out what options are available to you by using the postcode checker on the Digital UK website
Whats so good about digital TV
Digital TV will change the way we watch television forever, in much the same way that CDs changed the way we listen to music.
Digital TV transforms the experience of watching television by introducing many exciting new ways to enjoy TV, including extra channels, such as BBC Four, ITV2 and E4, plus interactivity and special services for those with sight or hearing problems. In some cases, where the analogue signal is weak or suffers from interference, it also improves picture quality.
When will digital switchover happen
Digital switchover will happen region by region, starting with the Border TV region in 2008 and ending in four others in 2012. A region is determined by the ITV1 service or ITV regional news people currently receive. Viewers can also check on Teletext p106 to see which TV region they are in.
Region Switchover start dates
Border 2008
West Country, Wales, Granada 2009
West, Grampian, Scottish 2010
Central, Yorkshire, Anglia 2011
Meridian, London, Tyne Tees, Ulster 2012
Channel Islands* 2013
Will there be help for the elderly and others?
Yes. To ensure everyone can benefit from digital TV, the Government has committed to providing financial assistance to those who most need it, including people aged 75 and over, and those with significant disabilities.
Will people have to throw out their old television?
No. With very rare exceptions, all current TVs, even black and white sets, can be converted to digital by connecting to one of the options outlined above.
People will have to ensure that every set in their home can receive digital TV. Will video recorders work after digital switchover?
Yes. Video recorders will play still be able to play tapes, but they will only be able to record the same channel that is being watched unless the viewer uses two boxes one for the TV and one for the video.
