Switchover News

The Digital Switchover takes place in the Wales TV Region between 3rd and 31st March 2010 and in the West TV Region between 24th March and 7th April 2010.

If you live in either of these areas click here to find out more about the switchover and how it affects you.

Other News

Freeview HD has launched offering HD viewing through your existing aerial. Although only available in limited areas at present, by the time the 2010 World Cup begins on 11th June almost 50% of the UK will be able to get Freeview HD and 98.5% by the end of digital switchover in 2012. To get Freeview HD you will require a Freeview HD box which you’ll need to connect to your HD Ready TV. Alternatively, if you don’t already have an HD Ready TV, then you can buy a TV with an integrated Freeview HD Tuner.

To find out more about Freeview HD and to view our range of Freeview HD products please click here.

Sheffield Freeview re-tune

On Wednesday 17 March changes are being made to the Freeview TV service from the Sheffield transmitter. Everyone with a Freeview TV or box receiving signals from the Sheffield transmitter needs to re-tune to continue to receive BBC digital services. This re-tune is required as part of the technical preparations for the launch of Freeview HD services from the Emley Moor transmitter in the Yorkshire TV region.

Check your equipment manual for instructions on how to retune or visit www.tvretune.co.uk.

Digital World Map

Explore the map to see when the switchover comes to your region.

The switchover can be daunting but we are here to help make your switch as easy as possible - it's not as complicated as it first appears!

More FAQs

The Digital Switchover is now underway, with analogue TV signals being switched off gradually region by region between now and 2012.

As a result, every TV set and video recorder in your house will need to cope with digital signals. So, if you are thinking about buying a new TV or video recorder today, you need to think about your digital choices to future proof yourself for the switchover.

Find out more about the digital switchover

This guide gives you everything you need to know about the different Digital TV options available. We'll tell you about the different ways to receive and record Digital TV and even show you how to convert all the TVs in your house to digital.

What is Digital Television?

  • More channels
    Lots of new free channels as well as others you can pay for. Different digital options offer different channel choices.
  • Better picture quality
    Digital pictures aren't affected by interference.
  • True Widescreen
    Many Digital TV programmes are broadcast in 'true' widescreen.
  • Easier to find out what's on
    Digital viewers use an electronic programme guide to choose what to watch and record.
  • Interactive TV
    Some programmes have an interactive element. For example, during Wimbledon fortnight, the BBC offers all digital viewers a choice of which match to watch.
  • Digital radio
    You can listen to dozens of digital radio stations (also called DAB radio stations) through your TV.
  • Better sound quality
    Digital broadcasting means purer sound, often as good as CD quality.

How do I get Digital Television?

There are a number of different ways to receive Digital TV signals. Click the links below to find out more:

Getting more out of Digital Television

Aerial installation – be prepared for the Digital Switchover with a TV aerial upgrade

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