What is digital switchover?
Television is going completely digital. Switching the UK to digital-only TV is called digital switchover. And it's the biggest change in broadcasting since colour television was introduced in 1967.
This process will be happening in your area some time between 2008 and 2012. It will happen ITV region by ITV region, depending on where you live.
How will it affect me?
All these changes may seem alarming, but don't worry, because as a boxclever customer you have us to help and support you through this change, and there is still plenty of time. Nearly all existing TVs can be simply adapted to digital by adding a a convertor box. We have covered the basic information in more detail below, if if you have any more questions please do call us on 08705 546 563.
Why is it happening?
About 70% of UK households get digital TV already.
But the Government wants everyone to enjoy the benefits of digital TV. Key to this is to ensure that everyone has a greater choice of digital TV options they can afford.
Today, about 1 in 4 UK households cannot get the full range of digital TV services available free through an aerial, and 1 in 5 UK households cannot get Five through their aerial. The number of UK households that can get these services can only be increased through the process of digital switchover. So switchover will make it fairer for everyone.
Switching to digital will free up spectrum that could be used for new services such as high definition television (HDTV) and broadcasting to mobile phones.
Digital switchover will also help the UK continue as a world leader in broadcasting. It will ensure that today's ageing terrestrial broadcasting network is replaced by the best available technology, digital.
Look for the logo
The digital switchover Certification Mark (the 'digital tick') certifies information, goods and services designed to help you through digital switchover. Look for the mark when getting digital television equipment.
You will get more information about what is happening in your area and what you need to do closer to the time from Digital UK. There will also be messages that will appear on your TV screen.
What you get with digital TV
When you get digital TV, you will still get all the channels and services that you get today including ITV1, BBC One, Channel 4, S4C, Five, BBC Two, Subtitling and Teletext.
Depending on how you choose to get digital TV (Sky, Freeview or Cable) you will get many extra channels and services as standard and at no extra cost, such as:
BBC Three, BBC Four, BBC News 24, CBBC, Cbeebies, ITV2, ITV3, Sky News, E4 plus on-screen TV listings, interactivity (often through a 'red button') and radio services.
Depending on where you live and how you choose to get digital TV, there are many more TV and radio channels available on subscription offering services such as films, sports, documentaries and much more besides....
How to go digital
There are several ways that you can get a digital TV signal -
- Through an aerial
- By satellite
- By cable
- Through a telephone line
Not all options are available in all areas. Some areas will not be able to get digital TV through an aerial until after switchover. For more information, check at www.digitaluk.co.uk , or ask us for details.
Then you need to choose what to do with your TV set
You have two choices:
- Simply convert your existing TV set
This is done by plugging a digital box into the back of the set
- Take the opportunity to upgrade to a new TV set
You can rent a TV set with a digital box built inside it, often called an 'Integrated Digital TV' or idtv which will let you receive the free digital TV services (from FREEVIEW) through an aerial.
Don't forget your video recorder
You will be able to use your current video recorder unless you want to record one programme while watching another. Then you will need to get a digital TV recorder.
Rental is still the best option
Remember when the time comes you can simply add a digital box to your existing TV to convert it to digital and you will receive all the channels you get today and more.
With today's digital technology continuously changing who knows what new products will be available during the switchover period? Continuing to rent really does provide you with a sensible option and peace of mind.
Freeview - no contract - where great TV is free
Over 8 million people now have Freeview. With over 30 non-subscription channels available it is the place where good things happen!
Questions?
If you have any further questions, please refer to our digital questions and answers section or contact us and we'll do our best to answer your query.