Digital Switchover: Get set for digital - a guide to ways you can get ready

UK TV Region Map

UK TV Region Map Our guide to getting ready for the digital switchover...
Soon, your current analogue TV signal will be switched over to a new digital TV service which will give more channels and a higher quality picture, as well as interactive services and music channels. When the digital switchover happens in your area, the analogue signal will disappear completely so if you haven't already done so, you'll need to replace or upgrade your analogue TV to make it compatible. You'll need to do this before your area's digital TV switchover date so you can continue to watch your favourite programmes.

When will my area switch to the digital TV signal?
Depending on how many "transmitter groups" there are in a particular region, there may be more than one digital switchover date. Exact switchover dates haven't been confirmed yet for all regions, however some areas are due to switch very soon indeed (if they haven't done so already) as shown in pink on the map opposite. To find out the exact digital TV switchover date for your postcode, click here to visit the official Digital UK website now.

How can I get ready to receive the digital TV signal?
There are three main ways you can get ready for the digital TV switchover...

Replace your current non-digital TV with a new model that includes an in-built digital tuner;
Convert your existing non-digital TV by connecting it to an external digital receiver; or
Get a TV subscription service such at BT Vision - the subscription service will provide your TV with the digital signal

You can learn more about each option, by clicking on the relevant banner below:

Purchase a new TV: Most new TVs include a built-in digital tuner allowing you to receive the new digital TV channels now (subject to coverage), even if your area doesn’t turn off the analogue system for a while. Plus, today’s flat screen TVs are more compact than bulky analogue sets and are likely to have much improved picture clarity and quality.

Purchase a digital receiver: If you don’t want to replace your TV, you can receive the new digital signal by attaching a separate receiver to your existing set which will give you up to 48 digital TV channels (suject to coverage). Either choose a basic standalone freeview receiver, or go for a hard drive with a receiver built-in to enjoy the added benefits of being able to record, pause and rewind live TV. Alternatively, choose a DVD recorder with a built-in Freeview receiver.


In weak signal areas, you may need a digital TV aerial booster to receive all the new digital TV channels (subject to coverage), even if the picture you get at the moment looks okay. This might apply if your 2nd TV is in the bedroom or kitchen and not connected to your main aerial, but uses a "set top" aerial instead.	If your main TV is already set up to receive digital TV, you can "send" the signal to other TV sets in the house (like your bedroom or kitchen) by using a video sender. This is a great way to "share" your subscription services throughout the house without having to purchase additional Freeview boxes for each TV. However, viewers of TVs in other rooms will need to watch the same channel and programme that's showing on the main TV

Aerial boosters - If your TV is equipped to receive digital channels already but your reception isn't great, you may need an aerial booster to get all the channels available. Click for details

If you already have digital-enabled TV (perhaps on the main TV in your house), you can send the signal to other TVs in the house wirlessly using a video sender. Click for more details.

In weak signal areas, you may need a digital TV aerial booster to receive all the new digital TV channels (subject to coverage), even if the picture you get at the moment looks okay.

This might apply if your 2nd TV is in the bedroom or kitchen and not connected to your main aerial, but uses a "set top" aerial instead.

If your main TV is already set up to receive digital TV, you can "send" the signal to other TV sets in the house (like your bedroom or kitchen) by using a video sender.

This is a great way to "share" your subscription services throughout the house without having to purchase additional Freeview boxes for each TV. However, viewers of TVs in other rooms will need to watch the same channel and programme that's showing on the main TV

The Digital Switchover UK Help Scheme may be able to help convert your TV to digital in time for the Digital Switch over, if certain criteria are met e.g. if you are over 75. The Digital TV Switchover will be sure to revolutionise the way in which we watch TV and digital switchover dates have been the topic of conversion for many months now, with the digital switchover timetable a handy resource for both young and old.

The digital TV switchover is Government policy and it will mean that nearly everyone will be able to receive digital TV through an aerial (Freeview). For the Digital switchover, it's in everyone's best interest to ensure their TV is converted to digital. The digital switchover UK runs from 2008 to 2012, and by then the government hopes each region on the digital switchover timetable has been successfully met.

Dabs offer a great range of TV's ready for the Digital TV Switchover in the UK at competitive prices. We aim to give you the best digital TV performance, meaning the UK digital Switch over will help enhance your viewing. The government has done its part helping answer digital switchover FAQ's and ensuring customers understand what the digital switchover means, and the digital TV switchover dates are made known to everyone throughout the UK.