What?

Put simply, the digital switchover is the process of turning off the UK’s analogue TV signal and replacing it with a digital signal.

In 2007, the process started with the town of Whitehaven in Cumbria, and by 2012, the whole country will be receiving their TV signal digitally.

Why?

There are a number of reasons why the Government have decided to make the switch –

• Currently, 25% of UK households cannot receive digital television via their aerial. By switching off the existing analogue signal, the digital TV signal is boosted and therefore provides people with a greater choice of digital options.
• Digital TV uses less broadcast space which means that after switchover, there will be more room on the digital spectrum for new services such as wireless broadband, local TV and High Definition Television (HDTV).
• It offers new features such as on-screen listings, interactivity, audio description and subtitling for people with visual and audio impairments.

When?

The digital switchover in your area depends on where in the country you live. It’s happening TV region by TV region and to help you, the proposed start dates for each region are as follows –

Now what?

For further information and advice on how the digital switchover is likely to affect you, and to discuss the various options available, please contact TVAV Installations today.

Mr F Stenson, Finchley, London