Digital Switchover
In late 2007 Copeland in Cumbria became the first UK region to switch to digital television.
Digital switchover is now being rolled out on a region by region basis. This started in the Border region in 2008 and will end with London and Ulster switching in 2012.
The digital switchover is the process of turning off the UK's analogue TV signal that has been used to transmit terrestrial television for nearly 70 years and replacing it with a digital signal.
After the analogue signal has been switched off in your area you will only be able to receive a TV signal via a traditional roof-top aerial if you have a digital set-top box or an integrated digital television (IDTV). Digital television is also available via Satellite, Cable and IPTV (Internet Protocol Television).
Most UK homes have chosen to go digital before switchover but a significant minority cannot yet receive digital terrestrial television. Only by completely switching off the analogue signal will the rest of the population gain access to the increased picture quality, extra channels and interactivity that digital television offers.
The government and the BBC provide a switchover help scheme to fund the cost of switchover for households in which one or more resident is aged over 75 or has a significant disability. Assistance is also available for low income households.
For more information on digital switchover contact Digital UK, the not-for-profit organisation set up to coordinate the UK’s switch to digital:
- Web: www.digitaluk.co.uk
- Tel: 0845 6 50 50 50.
Useful links