FAQs
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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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Why should I have to pay because someone else has decided to change TV?
The Government wants everyone in the UK to benefit from digital TV. Switchover is taking place because it will provide everyone with better, more varied television, irrespective of where they are in the UK, and broader access to a wider range of digital services.
Digital TV is also more efficient. It can carry many more channels than analogue and will free up spectrum that can be used for a range of services, such as more TV services in either standard or high definition, mobile TV, wireless broadband, local TV, wireless home hubs and many others.
Digital switchover is Government policy, so if you have further questions about the policy you can contact the Department of Culture, Media and Sport or Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform .
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Will I have to throw out my TV, especially if it's old?
No. With very rare exceptions, all TVs can be converted to digital with a digital box - even black and white ones.
If your television was manufactured after 1996, it will have a Scart socket. This means it can be connected to a digital box with a Scart lead, which is the best quality connection.
If your TV does not have a Scart socket on the back, and has only a small round aerial socket instead, you can still adapt it for digital. Just make sure you ask your retailer for a digital box with an "RF modulator" built in. This means the box can be plugged into the small aerial socket without the need for a Scart lead (please note that the signal with an RF through-loop or RF modulator will not be as good as the one through a Scart socket). These typically start at about £25.
Unfortunately if your television does not have either of these inputs it cannot be converted to receive digital television.
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What is Freeview?
Freeview is a free digital TV service bringing you channels including ITV2, E4 and BBC Three. Freeview also offers access to digital radio stations such as BBC 6 Music as well as "red button" interactive services and digital text.
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Will a set-top aerial work for Freeview?
Usually a rooftop aerial is more reliable for Freeview boxes. However, if you have good reception now, a set-top aerial may work in certain circumstances. Please see the survey from Ricability which provides advice on set-top aerials.
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I have a portable television. What do I need to do to go digital?
You will need to get a digital box at a one-off cost. Look for the ‘digital tick’ logo and ask a retailer for more information.
Whilst the vast majority of televisions can be converted to receive a digital signal, your television needs to have either a scart or RF input. An example of this kind of portable TV is DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting).
Unfortunately if your portable television does not have either of these inputs it cannot be converted to receive digital television.
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What is the Digital Tick logo?
The ‘digital tick’ is a certification mark that appears on products and services that are designed to work before, during and after switchover. It will also be seen on badges worn by retail staff who are trained to answer questions about digital TV switchover, and is used to identify aerial installers accredited as Registered Digital Installers (RDI).
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Will switching to digital mean that I can get High Definition TV (HDTV)?
No. HDTV is a new technology that will enable viewers to get higher definition television pictures. An HD-Ready TV is not necessarily a digital TV. Make sure that it carries the digital ‘tick’ logo, or get a digital box, to ensure that you are set for digital.
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Will switching to digital affect my TV licence?
No. The TV licensing requirements for digital television are the same as for analogue. A TV licence is required to install or use a television receiver to watch any television programme service. The TV licence fee is payable whether or not you receive or watch any BBC programmes.
Over 70 per cent of UK households have already switched to digital and continue to pay their television licence fee as before.
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Will the licence fee pay for digital switchover?
The costs assigned to support switchover will be less than 20% of the total proposed increase in the licence fee.
Digital UK welcomes the BBC's support. Switchover is a monumental challenge, and requires a properly funded organisation (Digital UK) to manage it. The proposed funding will help to make its implementation as smooth as possible, and help to ensure that viewers are properly advised and reassured about switchover. With the BBC's support, switchover will ensure that the UK will enjoy a digital future of increased choice and high-quality programming.