Freeview Digital TV

Digital switchover will happen TV region by TV region starting with the Border region in 2008 and the whole country will be digital by the end of 2012. Government has confirmed the following timetable for switchover.

The dates are as follows although these might be subject to change:

  • Starting in 2008 Border
  • Starting in 2009 West Country, HTV Wales, Granada
  • Starting in 2010 HTV West, Grampian, Scottish
  • Starting in 2011 Central,Yorkshire, Anglia
  • Starting in 2012 Meridian, Carlton / LWT, Tyne Tees, Ulster

More information can be found at www.digitaluk.co.uk

What is freeview?

Remember how CDs changed the way we listen to music? Digital technology is transforming the way we watch television. Compared to traditional "analogue" TV, it brings many exciting new ways to enjoy your TV.

Exciting new ways to enjoy your TV:

  • More TV channels to choose from as standard
  • Extra channels availabel through subscription
  • Better quality

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.

Why go digital?

Switchover makes it fairer

Today more than two thirds of UK homes have digital TV. However, one in four cannot get it via their aerial and many still cannot receive Five. Only by switching off the older analogue system is it possible to boost the digital TV signal and provide people with a greater choice of affordable digital TV options.

Digital TV is also more efficient

It frees up airwaves that could be used for innovations such as mobile TV or high definition TV.

A world leader in broadcasting

With many other countries switching to digital, moving to the best available technology will ensure the UK continues as a world leader in broadcasting.

What does this mean for me?

You will need to get set for digital.This will involve making sure that every one of your TV’s that you want to keep watching after switchover can receive a digital signal. The How section gives you more information on how to get set for digital.

How do I go digital?

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;

  • Through an aerial (via either a digital box or digital TV)
  • Through a satellite dish
  • Through a cable
  • Through a telephone line

How do I know what to buy?

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 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, then you will need to adapt it with a digital box, or replace it with a digital recorder that has an inbuilt digital box, sometimes called a PVR.

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

When do we go digital?

The process of digital switchover will take place between 2008 and 2012, TV region by TV region.

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.To see all the change over dates, click here.