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When FAQs

  • What kind of digital TV is available in my area?

    Enter your postcode into the Digital UK postcode checker on this page to find out which options are currently available in your area. Remember, once switchover happens, the coverage of digital TV through an aerial (Freeview) will increase significantly. If you get a good picture on the traditional system now, you should be able to get a digital signal through your aerial (via a digital box) at switchover.

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  • I live in the Border, Wales or West Country TV region and haven’t received a leaflet. What do I need to do?

    It will take Royal Mail a number of weeks to deliver the leaflet in these regions. Visit the relevant Border, West Country or Wales page to download a copy.

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  • I can't currently get Freeview. Does this mean that I will lose my TV after switchover?

    No. One of the reasons that switchover is happening is so that more people can get Freeview (TV through their aerial). It’s only by switching off the old analogue signal that power for the digital signal can be increased.

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  • If I don't do anything, will I lose my TV?

    Yes - if you don't already have digital TV and don't do anything, you won’t be able to continue watching television broadcasts after switchover. (Remember, you probably already have digital TV if you can receive more than the five traditional channels).

    You will also need to ensure that every TV set in your home that you want to use to watch TV broadcasts can receive digital TV. Any TV set that you use solely to play back videotapes or DVDs, or with a games console, will not need to be converted.

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  • When do I have to do it?

    Digital switchover will start in 2008, and roll out region by region across the UK, finishing in about 2012. With the exception of Whitehaven which will switch in 2007.

    Your TV region is determined by which ITV1 service you currently receive, the best way to find this out is to see what ITV news you receive. Consult the postcode checker on the home page to find out when your region switches.

    Government has confirmed the following timetable for switchover:

    Starting in October 2007 - Whitehaven

    Starting in 2008 to 2009 - Border

    Starting in 2009 - West Country, Granada

    Starting in 2009 to 2010 - Wales

    Starting in 2010 - West, STV North

    Starting in 2010 to 2011 - STV Central

    Starting in 2011 - Central, Yorkshire, Anglia

    Starting in 2012 - Meridian, Carlton / LWT, Tyne Tess, Ulster

    You'll get plenty of notice before services in your area are affected and plenty of advice on what to do. But, if you're  investing in new television or TV recording equipment now, you might want to consider going digital to be ready for switchover by looking for the digital 'tick' logo.

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  • How long will switchover take?

    Switchover is expected to start in late 2008 and end by mid 2009.

    Preparatory engineering work on the transmitter masts across the Border TV region has already begun. Generally, this should not affect viewers other than a few short breaks in service outside peak viewing times.

    We will send you information about the exact date of switchover in your area nearer the time. Switchover will start with switching BBC Two to digital-only. There will then be a month’s grace period, so that if there are problems with your set-up, there will be time to resolve them.

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  • I currently can't receive channel Five. Can I still get digital?

    Yes, after switchover the coverage of Five will increase to match that of the other main channels. If you can receive BBC, ITV and Channel 4 services through your aerial at present, you should be able to receive channel Five after switchover.

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  • I can't get satellite TV due to planning restrictions. Will I still be able to get digital?

    Yes, you will be able to get digital TV if you can’t get satellite because digital TV can also be received through your aerial, or cable. Remember, availability of digital TV through the aerial will increase significantly after switchover.

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  • I take my caravan to the Lakes regularly. What do I need to go digital?

    You will need to go digital if you’re travelling around the Border region from late 2008. If you get TV through an aerial, you’ll have to get a digital box at a one-off cost. Look for the 'digital tick' logo and ask a retailer for more information.

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  • I live in Dumfries and Galloway and already get Freeview, but that only gives me English services. Will I get Scottish services on digital after switchover?

    The Scottish services will be transmitted on Freeview in this area after switchover.

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  • I can't get Freeview. Will I be able to get digital?

    Yes, if your current analogue picture is good. It is only by switching off the old signal that it will be possible to roll out Freeview (digital TV received through an aerial) to everyone. You may also be able to get digital TV now through satellite or cable.

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  • Will there be a scheme to help the elderly or others that need particular help?

    To ensure that everyone can benefit from digital TV, those who most need it will be given support to help them through the process.

    The support scheme will provide equipment to convert one TV set, and help with its installation and follow-up support, to people aged 75 years and over and people with significant disabilities – that is, receiving attendance allowance or disability living allowance. If you are eligible for help you will be contacted nearer the time.

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  • How much will it cost?

    There is a range of options to suit all budgets, including low-cost monthly subscription packages or a simple one-off payment for a digital box or free-to-view satellite services. You do not have to buy a new television set unless you want to, because with very rare exception, all TV sets can be adapted. You can compare the cost of your digital options in our at-a-glance table.

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  • I didn't receive a leaflet. What do I need to do?

    It will take Royal Mail a number of weeks to deliver the leaflet in the Border TV region. You can download a copy of the leaflet here.

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  • I live in a flat and share my aerial with others. What do I need to do?

    If you share your aerial with others then you may have a communal TV system. If so, this may 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 more information or download a brochure from the Government Digital Television website.

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  • I live in the Border region and I can't get digital TV. Why is switchover happening?

    Around half of Border viewers can currently get digital through their aerial (Freeview). The Government wants everyone to be able to get digital signals through an aerial, so that they can choose how to get their digital TV. One of the reasons switchover is happening is that the digital signal can only be boosted once the old signal has been switched off.

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  • I received a Granada leaflet but I live in the Border region.

    In some areas it is possible to receive a TV signal from more than one TV region. The actual TV region that the viewer recevies, therefore, can depend on factors such as the direction the viewer's aerial is pointing, surrounding hills and trees that can affect reception from one or other of the possible TV regions. As an example, viewers living in postcode LA22 may receive a TV signal from either (or both on different televisions) the Granada and Border TV regions.

    In order to make sure that everyone is prepared for the switch to digital in their TV region, Digital UK will send a regional leaflet to both people in the core TV coverage area and also to people who are likely to live in regions that can get a TV signal from one or more regions. As such some people may receive more than one leaflet. You can confirm your TV region by checking which ITV News service you receive, or by going to Teletext page 106.

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  • How long will switchover take in the Granada region?

    Preparatory engineering work on the transmitter masts across the Granada TV region will begin well before 2009. Generally, this should have little or no effect on viewers other than a few short breaks in service outside peak viewing times. The switchover process itself will be completed in the second half of 2009.

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  • How will switchover take place?

    Switchover will start with switching BBC Two to digital-only. There will then be a month’s grace period, so that if there are problems with your set-up, there will be time to resolve them. We will send you information about the exact date of switchover in your area nearer the time.

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  • Which transmitters are affected by the Granada switchover?

    Switchover affects the main transmitter for the Granada region at Winter Hill, and all 69 of its relay transmitters.

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  • I already watch Freeview. Will switchover affect me?

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  • I receive my transmissions from a self-help relay. Will I still receive a terrestrial signal after switchover?

    Self-helps are separately licensed by Ofcom, the broadcasting regulator, which is currently considering the future role of self-helps after switchover. We’ll let you know their decision as soon as we can.

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  • Will I need a new aerial to receive the digital transmissions?

    No. In most cases, if your current aerial is in good condition, you should be able to receive the digital transmissions.

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  • My current analogue reception is poor. Will digital transmissions improve my signal?

    It depends on how bad your reception is and the reasons why. If your aerial is outside and in good condition but the analogue pictures are slightly snowy, then after switchover it’s likely your reception will improve. However, if your aerial is outside and in good condition but the reception is very poor currently, it’s unlikely to get better because the new digital transmitters should give roughly the same coverage as the old analogue ones do now. If your aerial is indoors or in a poor condition then a replacement may improve your signal. Digital satellite is a good alternative solution, and Sky offers a ‘Freesat’ option (for a one-off payment) as well as subscription pay-TV.

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  • I live in a flat and share my aerial with others. What do I need to do?

    If you share your aerial with others then you may have a communal TV system. If so, this may 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 more information or download a brochure from the Property Managers section of this website.

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  • Will everyone in the Granada region be able to get all of the Freeview channels, even if they get their TV from a small local relay transmitter?

    If your TV signal comes from a relay transmitter you will receive all of the public service channels, including all of the additional BBC digital channels, and extra services from ITV and Channel 4, plus channel Five, as well as many digital radio services. However you may not receive the full range of commercial channels available on Freeview such as Sky News.

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  • Is Channel M, the local television service for Manchester, affected by switchover?

    Not if you are watching on Sky or cable. Local terrestrial television services are separately licensed by Ofcom, the broadcasting regulator, which is currently considering the future role of local television after switchover. We’ll let you know their decision as soon as we can.

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  • I live outside the Granada region, but watch Granada as well as my local ITV service. Will I still be able to do this after switchover?

    Possibly. All transmissions “overspill” the region they are aimed at, and may be received outside the service area. However, the new digital transmitter network will have more transmissions in less spectrum (or space) than is the case for analogue, so the pattern of overspill across the UK will not be the same as it is today.

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  • I didn't receive a leaflet. What do I need to do?

    It will take Royal Mail a number of weeks to deliver the leaflet in the Granada region. You can download a copy of the leaflet here.

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  • When will switchover start in Wales?

    Switchover in Wales will start in the first half of 2009. It will happen one transmitter at a time, so different areas of Wales will switch to digital at different times. Dates for each transmitter’s switchover will be announced nearer the time.

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  • How long will switchover take in Wales?

    Preparatory engineering work on the transmitter masts across the Wales TV region will begin well before 2008. Generally, this should not affect viewers other than a few short breaks in service outside peak viewing times.

    We will send you information about the exact date of switchover in your area nearer the time. Switchover will start with switching BBC Two to digital-only. There will then be a month’s grace period, so that if there are problems with your set-up, there will be time to resolve them.

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  • My current reception is poor. Will digital transmissions improve my signal?

    It depends on how bad your reception is. If it’s slightly snowy occasionally, then after switchover it’s likely your reception will improve. However, if your reception is very poor currently, it’s unlikely, because digital transmitters should give roughly the same coverage as the old analogue system, Digital satellite is a good alternative solution, and offers a ‘Freesat’ option (for a one-off payment) as well as subscription pay-TV.

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  • As well as ITV Wales I can receive ITV West (SE Wales) / Granada (NE Wales). Will I still be able to receive both regional versions of ITV after the current signal is switched off?

    Probably. If you have a standard aerial in good condition and you get good reception of all channels now, you should receive the same channels as now, plus many more. Some people on the margins of coverage may not be able to receive more than one version of ITV through their aerial after switchover, although all of the ITV regional services will be available on digital satellite.

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  • I live in NE Wales, and I get a good signal from Granada as well as ITV Wales. When switchover happens, will I be regarded as living in Wales or in the Granada region?

    If you live in Wales, Digital UK will send you information relevant to Wales. After switchover your signal will be better if your aerial points towards your current analogue transmitter. Contact a registered aerial installer for more information.

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  • Will everyone in Wales be able to get all of the Freeview channels, even if they get their TV from a small local relay transmitter?

    If your TV signal comes from a relay transmitter you will still receive all of the public service channels, including all of the additional BBC digital channels, and extra services from ITV, Channel 4, S4C Digital and channel Five, as well as many digital radio services. However you may not receive the full range of commercial channels available on Freeview such as Sky News.

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  • Will I still be able to get S4C's Welsh language programmes on digital TV?

    Yes, you will be able to receive S4C Digital, which carries many more Welsh programmes than the old analogue version of S4C. You will also receive S4C2, which broadcasts the proceedings of the Welsh Assembly with soundtracks in Welsh and in English.

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  • Will I still be able to get the existing S4C service, which carries English programmes from Channel 4 as well as programmes for Welsh speakers?

    The old analogue S4C service includes Welsh language programmes in peak hours and Channel 4 programmes at other times. This service will cease at switchover to be replaced by two services -Channel 4 (which is not currently available for most people in Wales unless they have satellite) and S4C Digital, which offers a full service for Welsh speakers.

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  • I didn't receive a leaflet. What do I need to do?

    It will take Royal Mail a number of weeks to deliver the leaflet in the Wales TV region. You can download a copy of the leaflet here.

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  • I live in a flat and share my aerial with others. What do I need to do?

    If you share your aerial with others then you may have a communal TV system. If so, this may 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 more information or download a brochure from the Government Digital Television website.

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  • Does switchover affect me if I am an analogue cable subscriber?

    The few remaining analogue cable services in the UK are unaffected by digital switchover. While most cable companies are upgrading their customers to digital, some such as Wrights Radio Relay serving Newtown, Mid Wales, intend to continue offering analogue services after switchover alongside the Freeview line up of channels. If in any doubt, contact your cable television supplier.

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  • When will switchover start in the West Country?

    Digital switchover in the West Country will start in the first half of 2009. It will happen one transmitter at a time, so different areas of the West Country will switch to digital at different times. Dates for each transmitter’s switchover will be announced nearer the time.

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  • How long will switchover take in the West Country?

    Preparatory engineering work on the transmitter masts across the West Country TV region will begin well before 2008. Generally, this should not affect viewers other than a few short breaks in service outside peak viewing times.

    We will send you information about the exact date of switchover in your area nearer the time. Switchover will start with switching BBC Two to digital-only. There will then be a month’s grace period, so that if there are problems with your set-up, there will be time to resolve them.

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  • My current reception is poor. Will digital transmissions improve my signal?

    It depends on how bad your reception is. If it’s slightly snowy occasionally, then after switchover it’s likely your reception will improve. However, if your reception is very poor currently, it’s unlikely, because digital transmitters should give roughly the same coverage as the old analogue system. Digital satellite is a good alternative solution, and offers a ‘Freesat’ option (for a one-off payment) as well as subscription pay-TV.

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  • Will I need a new aerial to receive digital transmissions?

    No. In most cases, if your current aerial is in good condition, you should be able to receive digital transmissions.

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  • I receive my transmissions from a self-help relay. Will I still receive a terrestrial signal after switchover?

    Self-helps are separately licensed by Ofcom, the broadcasting regulator, which is currently considering the future role of self-helps after switchover. We’ll let you know their decision as soon as we can.

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  • I live in the West Country, but the services I receive are from another region (e.g. Wales, West, Meridian). Does digital switchover mean that I will receive the correct regional services?

    Possibly. Depending on when your aerial was installed, you may find there is a more appropriate transmitter to receive your digital signal. You should contact your local Registered Digital Installer (RDI) - an aerial installer showing the 'digital tick' logo - for advice on which transmitter will give you the strongest signal.

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  • I didn't receive a leaflet. What do I need to do?

    It will take Royal Mail a number of weeks to deliver the leaflet in the West Country TV region. You can download a copy of the leaflet here.

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  • I live in a flat and share my aerial with others. What do I need to do?

    If you share your aerial with others then you may have a communal TV system. If so, this may 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 more information or download a brochure from the Government Digital Television website.

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  • What will Whitehaven get as a result of switching?

    Viewers will go from having access to four channels via an aerial today to around 20 of the most popular Freeview channels including 11 radio stations and interactive services.

    • Television channels: BBC1, BBC2, BBC3, BBC4, Cbeebies, CBBC, BBC News24, BBC Parliament, ITV1, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, CITV, C4, C4+1,E4, More 4, Community Channel
    • BBC digital radio services: BBC Radio 1, BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Five Live Sports Extra, BBC 6 Music, BBC 7, BBC Asian Network and Heart.
    • BBCi Interactive “red button” services, Teletext, Teletext Cars, Teletext on 4.
    • Remember all of these channels and more are already available now on  Sky and freesat from Sky.

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  • Why is Whitehaven going first?

    The Whitehaven area was chosen to lead the switchover process following a feasibility study led by Digital UK. Whitehaven was chosen because:

    • It is an area of clearly-defined terrestrial television coverage with little TV signal overlap from other areas.
    • The presence of three different transmitters (Whitehaven, Gosforth, Eskdale Green) make it suitable technically.
    • Research shows that people in the region have the UK’s highest levels of awareness and understanding of switchover.
    • The area has a good mix of households spanning rural and urban areas.
    • The switchover  will make one of the most popular ways of getting digital television (via a rooftop aerial) available to residents for the first time.

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  • Will I lose access to TV through my aerial as a result of the Whitehaven switchover?

    Everyone with a good analogue signal via their aerial today should be able to receive a digital signal at switchover. For those living outside terrestrial coverage alternatives are available such as Sky Digital (monthly subscription) or freesat from Sky (one-off payment).

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  • How will I know whether my aerial needs work in advance of switchover?

    A minority of homes will need a new aerial. As a rule of thumb, if you get a good analogue signal now, you should be able to get a good digital signal after switchover. If you have a poor analogue signal, consider having your aerial checked by a qualified installer. Digital UK has developed a handheld aerial checker which is available to rent from local retailers. This will allow viewers to test their aerial reception in their home. Alternatively, visit p284 and look at the grid of white boxes that appears. If the grid is missing four or more white blocks, it is likely you will need a new aerial. (Ignore any rows which are completely missing; this doesn't indicate a problem with your aerial.)

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  • What help is on offer?

    The Help Scheme has been put in place to provide practical support to help people select, install and use digital TV equipment. Where necessary this may include the provision of a set top aerial or a rooftop aerial upgrade. Each eligible household will be provided with equipment to convert one set.

    There will be Digital Help Centres running in the Copeland area over the course of Switchover week at Whitehaven Harbour (old Customs House), Cleator Moor (Civic Hall), Egremont (Falcon Club) and Seascale (methodist Church Hall).

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  • Who is eligible for the Help Scheme?

    You are eligible if you, your partner or a dependent child are:

    • entitled to one of the following social security benefits: Disability Living Allowance, Constant Attendance Allowance (CAA) under the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit scheme and CAA and War Pensioners Mobility Supplement under the pre-2005 War Pensions scheme.
    • registered as being blind or partially sighted.
    • 75 years or over

    If you are eligible and you have a partner or dependent child who is also eligible then you will only get help to convert one TV set between you. However, if there is another adult living at the same address who is also eligible they will be counted as a separate unit and will also receive help to convert on TV set.

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  • How much will this cost?

    The scheme will cost eligible households a subsidised amount of £40 for the basic equipment and help, unless you are on Pension Credit, Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance in which case it's free.

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  • What equipment will I get?

    If you are eligible and you want to, you will receive help to convert one TV set.

    • You can choose to get a Freeview digital box provided by the Scheme, and if required, help to install it and an aerial upgrade.
    • Or you can choose to get a digital televsion recorder or a digital TV from the Scheme, for an extra cost.
    • Alternatively you can get some money off a Sky subscription or Freesat from Sky.

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  • What do I need to do?

    All residents in the switchover area have been sent a letter inviting them to apply for the scheme. If you think you are eligible, you will need to respond to the letter as soon as possible, or contact Digital UK on 0800 5 19 20 21.

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  • What does switchover in Whitehaven involve?

    BBC2 analogue was turned off on October 17th and the first group of Freeview digial channels: BBC1, BBC2, BBC Three, BBC News 24 and CBBC have become available.

    During this transitional stage, analogue ITV1 has moved to button 2 on remote controls to make way for the first group of digital channels.

    On November 14th the remaining analogue channels will also be permanently switched off.

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