The digital age is here
The digital switchover is on its way, technology is rapidly changing and television will never be the same again. If you want some simple advice, we’re here to help.
This page summarises all the information you need to get up to speed about the wonderful world of digital TV.
To download a more in-depth guide click below. Our handy booklet is bursting with no nonsense information and will answer all the questions you’ve been afraid to ask.
What's happening and why?
The switchover is a government initiative and later this year the UK will begin the switch from analogue TV to digital TV. Whitehaven in Cumbria will be the first town to have the analogue TV signal switched off. During the next four years all analogue TV signals will be turned off region by region.
Analogue signals are being turned off to allow for more powerful digital broadcasts, bringing digital TV to the one in four households who can't currently receive it through their aerials. Switching analogue signals off also frees up space for more services such as TV on demand, high definition TV pictures and TV via your mobile phone.
What do I need to do?
You'll know the digital switchover is coming to your region because months before analogue signals are switched off, you'll receive a Government leaflet telling you what to do. This guide will take you through the different ways you can get set up with digital TV and start enjoying the many benefits. These include increased channel choice, clearer picture quality, on demand services, digital teletext and interactive services.
If you're over 75 or have certain disabilities, you will be eligible for help with the digital switchover. You will be contacted by Digital UK before the analogue signals are switched off in your region. Digital UK is an independent, non-profit organisation which is responsible for co-ordinating the switchover.
Everything you need to know about digital TV
Digital TV is a wonderful thing. It means more channels, better picture quality and revolutionary new interactive services. It also means change – but that's not always a bad thing so don't be scared. But do be prepared!
The switch is coming soon
Between 2008 and 2012, old analogue television signals will be switched off and replaced with digital signals. The first area of the country to go totally digital will be the Border region. The last region will be London in 2012.
The vast majority of older televisions have analogue tuners built in, which receive broadcasts through a standard TV aerial. After analogue signals are switch off, you'll need a set-top box unless you've got a newer TV with a digital tuner built in. The good news is that digital set-top boxes can open up a whole new world of entertainment from browsing on-screen programme guides to pausing live TV.
High definition
High definition TV will change the way you experience television offering an experience more detailed, colourful and realistic than anything you’ve seen before.
TV now a hi-fi
Digital TV services allow you to access a wide range of digital radio shows. What’s more, cable and internet TV services are stuffed full of music videos, allowing you to turn your television into a video jukebox with thousands of songs at your fingertips.
Join in
From pressing the red button to accessing information about the show you’re watching, voting on reality shows, sending and receiving emails, playing games and catching up on the latest news headlines.
