Between now and the end of 2012, television services in the UK will go completely digital. After switchover, the old analogue signal will be switched off and all television will be broadcast in digital, giving you more choice, improved quality and new features.
If you’ve got an analogue television, you’ll need to upgrade to be able to receive the new digital services. You may also need to upgrade your aerial to ensure you get all channels with the best possible reception.
More information on the digital switchover
To make sure your TV service is not interrupted, you will need to make sure you have either:
- A television with a digital (freeview) tuner – all new televisions come with these built in.
- A separate freeview box that you can connect up to your existing television.
Sky and cable services will not be affected by the switchover, so if you already use these services, or are planning to before your switchover date, you don’t need to worry.
If you want to check if your aerial will need to be upgraded, you can get a good indication by using the ‘teletext test’ on teletext page 284. You can find more information on this on the Digital UK website.
For more information on digital television and more details on switching over, visit our Digital World page.
TV Installation
If you’re buying a new television to get ready for the digital switch over, we can make sure you are up and running immediately. When we deliver your new TV, we will
- Connect up your TV to the aerial and up to 4 additional units
- Tune in the digital channels
- Take you through the key features of the TV
For full details of the service, and pricing, see the TV installation section on the installation page.
We also offer a wall mounting service for your new TV - you can read the details of this service on the installation page as well.
Aerial and Additional Point Installation
If you do need a new aerial to get the most out of the digital channels, with this service, we can:
- Supply and install a new digitally compatible aerial,
- Set up your TV so you can receive digital channels.
- Make sure it's working properly and getting the best possible signal for both analogue and digital signals,
- We can also install aerial points in up to 4 rooms.
Alternatively, if you’ve already got a suitable aerial, but want to make sure that the rest of the rooms in your home are ready for digital, we can add additional aerial points in your home.
For full details of the service, and pricing, see the Digital Aerial installation section on the installation page.
Freesat Installation
Another alternative for digital television is Freesat. This uses a satellite dish to receive all the freeview channels, as well as some extra ones, without any monthly subscription. To get this service, you will need a freesat box, or a TV with freesat built in, and a satellite dish.
If decide on this option, our freesat installation service can supply and fit your new dish as well as connecting up your freesat box and setting everything up for you.
For full details of the service, and pricing, see the Freesat section on the installation page.
The process of digital switchover will take place between 2008 and 2012, TV region by TV region. The exception is Whitehaven, Cumbria, which became the first place to switch in October 2007.
Switchover is a complicated process, and needs to be done in stages so that everyone in the country will be ready for it.
Click here for a map of when the switchover will happen in your area
75% of the UK population can already receive digital Freeview broadcasts through an aerial. After the switchover, the digital signal will be boosted so nearly all UK households will be able to enjoy digital TV. Before upgrading your equipment, you should check you live in a digital Freeview area:
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Before upgrading your equipment, you should check you live in a digital Freeview area:
- Use the postcode checker on the Digital UK website
- Text your postcode to 83331*
*Standard network charges apply
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