Digital Switchover

 

In September 2005 the Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell outlined the timetable for Britain’s switch to digital television. Starting in the Border region in 2008 and ending with London and Ulster in 2012, switchover, as the process is known, will see the aging analogue signals that have been used to transmit terrestrial television for nearly 70 years replaced by a completely digital network. After the analogue signal has been switched off in your area you will only be able to receive a TV signal via a traditional roof-top aerial if you have a digital set-top box or an integrated digital television (IDTV).

Over 70% of UK homes have already chosen to go digital but a significant minority, around 1 in 4, cannot receive digital terrestrial television. Only by completely switching off the analogue signal will the rest of the population gain access to the increased picture quality, extra channels and interactivity that digital television offers. Switchover will also free up spectrum to introduce exciting new services such as high-definition television (HDTV) and mobile TV.

The government and the BBC are working together to provide a support scheme to fund the cost of switchover for households in which one or more resident is aged over 75 or has a significant disability. There will also be assistance for low income households.

(This article was posted on the DTG website)

» learn more about Digital Switchover and Freeview