What is the digital switchover?

The digital TV switchover is the process of turning off the UK's analogue TV signal and replacing it with a digital signal. It will mean that almost everyone will be able to receive digital TV through an aerial. This stronger signal delivers better picture and sound quality, plus on-screen TV guides and interactivity.

Digital TV uses less broadcast space which means that after the switchover, there will be more room for new services such as wireless broadband, local TV and High Definition Television. To keep your current TV service, you will need to convert your TVs to digital before your area’s switchover date.

Switchover essentials

To be fully prepared for the switchover, you need a TV that can receive a digital signal. If you have an old TV that is not digital-ready you will need to upgrade it, either using a set-top box (STB) or by buying a new digital TV. Here are some of our suggestions for how you can be ready for the switch, including set-top boxes, digital recorders, and small and large screen TVs.

Required

If your TV is more than five years old, it will probably need to be upgraded and the easiest way is to purchase a set-top box

Upgrade

Update your set-top box to a digital recorder and record your favourite programmes

Full Upgrade

Update your TV to take advantage of new features and performance from today’s latest technology

Don't forget

Make sure you have all the essential cables & accessories

Set-top boxes

Purchase a digital set-top box that has Freeview built-in giving you 50 digital channels and interactive services through your aerial.

Digital recorders

Upgrade your Freeview set-top
box to a Freeview+ digital recorder which allows you to record your favourite programmes.

Televisions

Small screen TVs
Upgrade your existing TV to a fully compatible smaller screen model without compromising on quality.

Other essentials

Find the perfect accessory from cables to TV stands and brackets.

Purchase a digital set-top box that has Freesat built-in giving you 140 digital TV and radio channels plus interactive services.

Upgrade your Freesat set-top box to a Freesat+ digital recorder which allows you to record your favourite programmes.

Large screen TVs
Upgrade to a large screen, state-of-the-art television for a truly immersive experience.

Our KNOWHOW experts can deliver direct to your door and install your purchases for you.

The digital switchover allows some programmes to be broadcast in HD.
Get the most out of your digital experience by upgrading your set top boxes, digital recorders and TVs to HD.

When do I switch?

Most counties have already been switched over, but if you are in one of the remaining areas your switchover will be during 2012.

Here is a map that shows which areas have been switched and which are remaining.

Digital switchover dates by TV region & transmitter groups

Meridian TV Region

Heathfield

May 30 2012

Tunbridge Wells

May 30 2012

Hastings

May 30 2012

Dover

Jun 13 2012

Bluebell Hill

Jun 13 2012

Tyne Tees TV Region

Bilsdale

Sep 12 2012

Chatton

Sep 12 2012

Pontop Pike

Sep 12 2012

If you want further information on digital switchover or what channels are available in your area click here.

TV Regions already switched

Border • West Country • Granada • Wales • West • STV North • Channel Islands • STV Central • Yorkshire • Anglia • Central • Hannington • Midhurst • Rowridge • Whitehawk Hills • London