What is the Digital TV Switchover?

From the beginning of 2008 and ending in 2012 all of the UK will be switched over to a digital TV signal. The switchover is being done region by region to help make the process easier and smoother.

Once the switchver takes place the analogue signal will be turned off and replaced with a digital signal, TV sets that are not ready for the digital signal will no longer be able to receive TV programmes. This does not mean that you need to rush out and buy a new TV set, there are a number of ways that most analogue TVs can be made ready for the digital era. see below

Why are we switching to Digital Signals?

Analogue signals have provided a steady platform for many years, however to benefit from the advances in technology the system needs to be digital. Digital signals can provide improved pictures, sound quality and because digital signals are more efficient extra channels can be screened.

New features of the digital system include widescreen pictures, on-screen programming guides and interactive services.

When will it happen?

From the beginning of 2008 and ending in 2012 all of the UK will be switched over to a digital TV signal. The switchover is being done region by region to help make the process easier and smoother.

View the map to find out when your region starts the digital process.

How much will it cost?

The price of digital television depends on how your household chooses to receive the signal, there are a number of ways to view digital television.

The cheapest is by purchasing a Freeview box also known as a digibox, these range from £20 up to £70 and provide you with up to 40 channels.

Sky will install a one off payment satellite system known as freesat, this costs around £150 but will provide you with over 200 channels.

Sky and Virgin operate a subscription service which costs from £11 - £50 per month depending on equipment and channel selection.

Some broadband operators offer freeview over the phone line with additional services from £5 per month.

Many LCD or Plasma TV sets ave a built in digital decoder, but can be expensive if you are not ready for a new TV.