Your guide to the digital switchover

The next switchover is: 22 February 2012 - Meridian
Stage Two: Hannington transmitter group

TV in the UK is going digital, and the existing analogue TV signal will be switched off transmitter group by transmitter group between now and 2012. Switchover means that almost every household will be able to receive digital TV through their aerial giving many people access to a wider choice of channels.

When do I switch?

When your home switches to digital will depend on where you live in the UK. The final switchover dates for 2012 have been released to the public and are listed below. To find out when you switch visit the Digital UK postcode checker. Switchover happens in two stages to give people the chance to check their equipment. It is important you are ready by stage one. Anyone with a Freeview service will need to retune their digital TV or box at both switchover stages.

How do I switch?

There are a number of ways to get digital television and both subscription and non-subscription services are available.

• Convert your TV yourself with a set-top box or digital TV recorder
• Have someone else convert your TV by installing satellite or cable
• Replace your TV with an Integrated Digital TV

Remember to convert every TV set that you want to continue watching before your switchover date. If you decide to get new equipment, look for TV sets, digital boxes and digital TV recorders that carry the ‘digital tick’ logo. It identifies products and services designed to work through switchover.

What channels will I get?

With digital TV, you can enjoy the five traditional TV channels, plus lots more.

All viewers who receive Freeview services will get around 15 channels with most receiving more than 40 channels depending on where they live. To find out which ones you are likely to receive visit the Digital UK postcode checker. If you’d like a greater choice of channels, you should consider a subscription service through satellite or cable and receive up to around 400 channels.

Retuning

Switchover is a two-stage process. If you have, or are planning to get Freeview, BT Vision or Top Up TV, you will need to retune your digital box or TV:

• At both stages of switchover
• If at any time you find you have lost any TV channels

Retuning regularly is good practice. This ensures that you keep equipment up to date, and that you have all of the latest channels. If you are not sure how to retune, please visit the Digital UK website, contact your local electrical retailer or ask friends and family.

Satellite and cable television does not need to be retuned.

How will recording be affected?

If you currently own a video or analogue DVD recorder, it will continue to record and playback videos or DVDs, however it won’t allow you to watch one channel and record another at the same time.

If you want to continue doing this, consider getting a digital TV recorder with a ‘twin tuner’ that will also convert your TV. The most popular type records directly onto a hard disk, but there are other options, including recorders that record onto DVDs.

Is your TV aerial ready for the digital switchover?

Any roof top aerial in good condition is capable of receiving analogue and digital TV services. You don’t need to have a ‘digital aerial’ for switchover. If you have good analogue reception now it is unlikely you will need to replace your existing aerial. If you think you need to repair or replace your aerial, ask for a recommended installer.

Switchover Help Scheme

If you are eligible, the Switchover Help Scheme will be in touch in plenty of time to ask if you want help. Alternatively, you can contact them on 0800 40 85 900.