The Digital Switchover Explained?

Getting set for the digital TV switchover

Television in the UK is going digital, bringing us all more choice and new services. Starting in 2008, the UK will switch to digital TV, transmitter by transmitter. The exception is Whitehaven, Cumbria, which became the first place to switch in October 2007.

What is the digital TV switchover?

Starting in 2008 and ending in 2012, TV services in the UK will go completely digital, TV region by TV region. This process is called digital switchover. The UK's old television broadcast signal (known as "analogue" ) is being switched off and replaced with a "digital" signal. Any TV set that's not converted to digital when the switchover takes place will no longer receive TV programmes.

What are the benefits of digital TV?

Compared to traditional TV, it brings many new ways to enjoy your TV:

• You'll receive all your usual TV channels and many more as standard including BBC Three, ITV2, E4, More 4, S4C2, Sky News, Cbeebies, CBBC, CITV, ITV3 and FilmFour* (*from July 2006).

• Subscription channels

  If you choose to take out a subscription, you can get many more dedicated channels including sport, films, music channels, and access to services that let you watch what you want, when you want.

• Improved quality

  Digital TV can improve the quality of your TV picture.

• New features

  Including on-screen TV listings, true widescreen picture and red-button interactivity.

• Access services

  Some digital boxes have special features for people with visual and hearing impairments such as audio description and subtitling. For more information on audio description call the RNIB on 0845 766 99 99.

How does it work?

With digital TV, sound and pictures from the broadcaster are converted into 'bits' of information and sent through an aerial, satellite, telephone line or cable. This digital signal is then turned back into pictures and sound by a digital box or a digital TV set.

How do i make the switch?

If you currently receive just the traditional five UK channels (BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, Channel 4 and Five) - or only some of them - on any of your TV sets, you'll need to think about your options for getting digital TV. Every TV set you want to keep watching in your home will need to be converted or upgraded to digital.

How do I get set for digital?

First you need to choose how you want to receive your TV signal;

How do I know what to buy or rent?

You don't need to replace your existing TV unless you want to but you will need a digital box (via aerial, satellite dish or cable).

However if you are thinking of upgrading your current set consider getting a TV with a digital box built in (a "digital TV") and look for the 'digital tick' logo.

And don't forget your video recorder: If you use a video (VCR) or a DVD recorder for recording you will still be able to record and play back tapes/DVDs as before. But, if you want to record one digital channel while you are watching another, you'll need a digital TV recorder with one or more digital tuners (Freeview Playback, Sky+ or ntl: Telewest TV Drive).

Look for the 'digital tick' logo which certifies products and services that are designed to keep working after switchover.

When is it taking place?

The process of digital switchover will take place between 2008 and 2012, TV region by TV region. The exception is Whitehaven, Cumbria, which becomes the first place to switch in October 2007.

Switchover is a complicated process, and needs to be done in stages so that everyone in the country will be ready for it.

The best way to check which TV region you are in is by seeing which ITV news service you receive or by going to Teletext page 106.

Don't worry; you'll get plenty of notice before services in your area are affected, and advice on what to do.

How much will it cost?

The cost will vary depending on what TV service and TV equipment you choose.

Converting your TV can cost from as little or as much as you like depending on if you want to pay a monthly fee or a one-off payment. It also depends on how many TV's you have in your house and if you want to convert them all.

Other influencing factors are recording equipment and aerials which could need replacing at switchover.

Speak to one of our tv rental advisors for more information about the switchover