The Digital Switchover - What Is It?

By 2012, the whole of the United Kingdom will become digital, but the transition from the analogue to the digital signal will happen much sooner than this, with some areas switching over to digital from 2008/2009!

What is the Digital Switchover?
The digital switchover is the process of which the analogue signal is turned off and over 1,100 transmitters throughout the United Kingdom will switch to the newer, better digital signal, providing more channels and enhanced digital services, including interactive television.

Why have the Digital Switchover?
The UK is switching over to Digital to enable all households to receive a new television viewing experience.

In comparison to digital, the analogue signal utilizes much more of the frequency band, and leaves little to no space for further television channels or upgraded services. The digital signal requires much less broadcasting space, therefore there is much more room for a greater variety of tv channels, further digital entertainment and interactive services, and in the near future, HDTV.

Although HDTV, hundreds of tv channels and improved digital interactive services are currently available through other media sources, such as Sky Digital or Freesat systems, these services are still being developed with Freeview TV, and to make this more publicly available, switching the UK onto digital is the only way to maximise the potential and exposure of these tv services in this medium.

What do I need for the Digital Switchover?
Providing you have a digital television with either a built in Freeview TV tuner, or a separate Freeview receiver, with a digital compatible television aerial installed at your property, you should be able to receive the digital Freeview television service.

You must also consider every television you have in your home, as these will also need to be digital compatible either via built in freeview tuner, or a separate freeview receiver, so everyone can continue to watch Freeview television programming after the switchover.

If you already have a Freesat, Sky or other digital system installed, then the digital switchover should not affect your home viewing.

To ensure you are ready for the Digital Switchover in your area, or wish to discuss the options available to you (Digital TV from either Freeview, Sky or Freesat), then please do not hesitate to contact our sales team on 0800 0224420.