The digital switchover - when the traditional analogue TV signal switches to digital - takes place between 2007 and 2012. The first switchover takes place in Copeland, Cumbria on October 17, 2007.
All TV viewers in the UK need to convert or upgrade their television equipment so that they are able to receive digital signals. Follow these tips to ensure you're prepared for the change.
1. Find out when your area is switching
The digital TV switchover is being rolled out over six years across the TV regions. Check the timings in your area - your local council should be able to help, or contact Digital UK, the independent organisation leading the switchover awareness campaign.
2. Choose the best option
There are a number of ways that you can receive digital television.
- Digital satellite TV - Sky Digital is available through a satellite dish and digital box
- Digital cable TV - provided by Virgin Media through a cable connection and set-top box
- Digital terrestrial TV - also known as freeview, you receive channels for free through a set-top box or integrated digital television
- Digital TV via broadband - internet digital ADSL TV can be received via a high-speed internet connection
3. Consider an all-in-one package
A bundled package, where you pay a single monthly payment for digital TV and a combination of other services including broadband, home phone or mobile, could save you money overall.
4. Calculate costs
The cost of upgrading to digital depends on which option you go for. Freeview boxes cost from £20 to £70. You'll need a box for each TV set in your home. A cable or satellite connection will involve an installation charge and monthly subscription cost, anywhere from £10 to £45 depending on the number of channels you want. Compare different providers and packages to find a deal that is suitable for your requirements.
5. Buy new equipment
You do not need to replace your current television set, unless you wish to invest in an all-in-one integrated digital TV. All you need is a digital box or receiver for each TV set in your home.
Some other extras include digital TV recorders for recording digital channels, and a new aerial to get a better quality picture. When shopping for new electrical items, look for the 'digital tick' logo. This certifies that products are fully compatible.
6. Consider extra complications
Getting a digital connection is less straightforward in certain cases. Rural areas, for instance, may have have limited options and might not be able to pick up a signal without extra equipment.
A satellite connection involves placing a dish on the exterior of your property. It needs to face south west and be unobstructed. You may also need permission to erect a satellite dish - check with your local council regarding your area, with your landlord if you live in rented accommodation, or with your fellow householders if your property is leasehold.
7. Enjoy the benefits
Once you've switched to digital, you'll get extra TV channels as standard, including ITV2, BBC Three and Four, E4, More4, Sky News and FilmFour. You should also notice an improvement in picture quality, better services for people with hearing or visual impairments and added features such as the red button.
Countdown to digital
Be prepared for when your region switches:
2008 - 2009
- Border
- West Country
- Granada
2009 - 2010
- Wales
2010 - 2011
- West
- STV North
- STV Central
2011 - 2012
- Central
- Yorkshire
- AngliaMeridian
- London
- Tyne Tees
- Ulster
Related services
Public awareness
- 86% are aware of the digital switchover
- 82% are comfortable with the switchover process
- 50% of households have digital television sets
- 66% know what to do to prepare for the change
- 16% know when analogue switch-off is taking place in their area
- 3% of tenants have discussed switchover with their landlord
- 58% recognise the 'digital tick' logo
Source: Digital UK
More information
› Digital UK - for more advice and information on the digital switchover
Your comments (7)
Frank (Peterborough), on 21/11/2007 at 16:22
Re-cycle says the government & all so called "good doer's" but where do we recycle old TV masts & aerial's, video & DVD recorders, TV's. The charity shops & public don't want them and the government etc are not issuing guidelines either. Oh and don't forget about the radios, Hi Fi sets, and also car radios as it's a certainty DAB will take over. It's all just another con trick to take our money and give massive publicity about how many channels we can watch & how good it all is. If you look carefully Sky is just mainly old repeats and freeview is repeats as well. Also when I first got a digital TV I could listen to Radio 1,2,3 & 4 but all of a sudden it's not broadcast any more, "why?" The carbon footprint appears not to matter in the entertainment & manufacturing business but public transport & fuel, well all of a sudden this is discussed and massive taxes are imposed. This government has certainly a long way to go if it wants backing 100% by the public to help global warming. It's the old old storey "Do as I tell you not as I do" Perhaps it's me being a grumpy old man, I wonder.
Kitty (King's Lynn and West Norfolk), on 21/11/2007 at 11:45
We have sky in one room with a digital signal but the picture is not always good, it freezes and pixilates, looses sound and generally is unwatchable when this happens, I fear the switch is going to cost more in equipment, power and co2 footprint and we will have a worse service for moor money. As my husband and I are both pensioners there is the cost to buy this new equipment.
Will regard to getting rid of old TV's no one wants the old large screen they all want flat ones, and the charity shops wont take them either.
Paddy (Bedford), on 21/11/2007 at 10:58
You forgot to say that Scart Connectors are needed and a lot of old TV Sets do not have these so they will all be dumped. You can get Scart adaptors to conect to video or dvd equipment so if going freeview only one set top box per telly is needed.
Paddy-Bedford.
Amanda (Sheffield) (Sheffield), on 20/11/2007 at 16:57
The one option not discussed of course is getting rid of the TV altogether. This is cheap, green (if you pass it on to someone who wants one, rather than just dumping it) and easy. In the 11 months since I got rid of mine I can honestly say I haven't missed it (and I used to watch it every night after work and a big chunk of the weekends too).
James (Bexley), on 20/11/2007 at 16:50
Joanne wrote:
Its all very well saying that all you need is a digital box for each TV set, but don't you also need one for each video recorder as well if you want to record one channel and watch another? Thats 2 boxes for each room. This digital signal is going to end up being a bit expensive!!
As video is been overtaken by dvd recorders, if you purchase a dvd recorder with freeview you will only need it.
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andrea (Wandsworth), on 20/11/2007 at 16:04
All this extra equipment will also use extra energy - not only will energy bills increase, but everyone's carbon footprints will be larger. So, costly and environmentally unfriendly - who really gains here?
Joanne (West Lindsey), on 20/11/2007 at 14:46
Its all very well saying that all you need is a digital box for each TV set, but don't you also need one for each video recorder as well if you want to record one channel and watch another? Thats 2 boxes for each room. This digital signal is going to end up being a bit expensive!!
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