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 everyone's TV equipment to be capable of receiving a digital signal, either through a digital box or a TV with a built-in box.
* 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.
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.
There are four main options:
Check out what options are available to you by using the postcode checker on the Digital UK website
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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.
After digital switchover, coverage for digital TV through an aerial (Freeview) will match that of the current analogue signal as the power of the digital signal will be boosted.
This means sets that currently receive a good TV signal will be able to get digital TV, through an aerial after switchover. In the meantime, those who want digital TV but do not wish to pay a monthly subscription can get a non-subscription service from BSkyB.
If you have any questions about switching to digital TV, contact Digital UK on 08456 50 50 50 or visit digitaluk.co.uk.
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