What is the Digital Switchover?
Between 2008 and 2012 Britain will be switching off its traditional analogue TV signals and going completely digital. Before your region switches over you will need to update your TV, as unchanged TV sets will no longer receive TV signals. To receive the signals people will need to buy a desk top set, which are currently available for less than £10. Currently 85% of people have a form of digital TV, which includes Digital Terrestrial Television (such as Freeview), Satellite systems (such as Sky), Cable and Broadband. You must make sure ALL TV sets in your house are prepared for Digital TV.
Why are we switching over?
Switching over was a Labour Party Manifesto commitment in 2005, and the process is taking place all over the world. Digital TV will provide the following benefits to consumers:
- More channels. With Freeview there will be 30 channels as a normal standard. This is instead of the current 5 terrestrial channels. This will include BBC News 24, Film Four, E4 and CBBC. You will also be able to receive around 30 radio channels through your television.
- There will be electronic TV guides and interactive features such as instant football results or interactive services. This makes life convenient and will allow people to participate in areas such as politics, when they would not normally have the time to do so, as this method is effortless.
- The ability to pause and rewind programs, so that you are able to view the ones you want in your own time and leisure.
- There would be better quality including improved sound and picture.
- No more fiddling about with aerials.
- Everyone will benefit from widescreen.
- People who could not receive satellite TV will be able to get digital through the cable or aerial, and the ‘switching off’ of the analogue signals will free up more space, so more people will be able to receive Freeview.
How much will the process cost me?
A digital box will cost you as little as £10, but you can buy boxes and subscriptions which provide a bigger service for a greater cost. Virtually all TV’s will be compatable with digital if they have been built after 1996. However they need either a SCART socket or a round aeriel socket. The latter will require a special box with an ‘RF Modulator’ built in. These will cost an extra £25. If you are going to buy a new TV between now and the digital switchover you should look for the ‘Digital Tick’ logo. There will be no increase in the license fee. Poor quality aerials may also need to be replaced. These cost between £80 and £150. To test your aerial you can visit teletext page 284, but a general rule is if you receive good signal now, you will not require a new aerial.
The BBC will be running a Help Scheme including financial and installation aid for households who contain at least one person who:
- Is aged 75 years and over.
- Has a significant disability and in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Attendence Allowance.
- Is registered blind or partially sighted.
You will need to meet these criteria at any time during the nine month period before the switchover in your area.
NB: ANY OFFICIAL INSTALLERS WILL HAVE A DIGITAL TICK LOGO.
NO-ONE WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY SENT BY DIGITAL UK TO YOUR HOUSE.
When will the switchover take place?
The switchover will be completed in an ITV region by region process:
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
The London Borough of Hounslow, as a member of the Carlton region will be switched over in 2012.
Further Information
Further information can be obtained from your local electrical operator or the Digital UK Website at www.digitaluk.co.uk.
Alternatively you can ring Digital UK on 0845 650 50 50. | 
