digital TV switchover

By 2012, analogue television services in the UK will be replaced by digital.

The old analogue television signal will be switched off a region at a time, and the digital terrestrial signal will be boosted.

This process, known as digital switchover, has important benefits:

more choice
It is important that people have a choice of options for getting digital television. Homes in many parts of the UK cannot get digital television via their aerial. Switchover will extend digital terrestrial TV to 98.5% of households, the same as the current analogue coverage
it is more efficient
Digital broadcast signals can carry many more channels than analogue. This releases broadcasting space that can be used for a range of services, such as more TV channels in either standard or high definition, wireless broadband and local TV
it is cutting edge
switching to digital will ensure the UK keeps pace with other countries, many of which are also switching to digital broadcasting

We are working with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Office of Communications (Ofcom) and Digital UK to ensure that digital switchover is a success.

More information about switchover is available at the Government’s Digital Television site.

How to make the switch

For details of the options available in your area, timetable information and help with switching to digital television, visit Digital UK. There is also a scheme to help people with the switchover.

Websites of interest