Digital Switchover
The digital switchover was rolled out on a region-by-region basis across the UK. It began in late 2007 with Copeland in Cumbria and was completed in October 2012 in Northern Ireland.
The switchover programme carried out by Digital UK involved turning off the UK's analogue TV signal that had been used to transmit terrestrial television for nearly 70 years and replacing it with a digital signal.
By switching to digital, UK viewers gained the ability to receive the Freeview and Freeview HD services. In preparation for switchover, consumers were advised to purchase products that featured the digital tick logo. This certification mark was used to identify products that would work through switchover.
To receive Freeview HD consumers need an integrated Freeview HD TV or a Freeview HD set-top box/recorder to work with their HD Ready TV.
Following the completion of switchover Freeview channels are now available to 98.5% of the UK.