Digital TV switchover
Between autumn 2007 and 2012, the analogue signal (the signal that allows you to watch BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 and five only, through an aerial) will be switched off. Any TV set or video recorder that’s not converted to digital when the switchover takes place will no longer receive TV programmes.
Information about the switchover is available from Digital UK, the not-for-profit organisation set up by the public service broadcasters - see www.digitaluk.co.uk
It means that you will need to make sure that every one of your TV’s that you want to keep watching after switchover can receive a digital signal.
Beware
- You don’t need to replace your existing TV unless you want to but you will need a digital box (via aerial, satellite dish or cable).
- However if you are thinking of upgrading your current set consider getting a TV with a digital box built in (a “digital TV”) and look for the digital ‘tick’ logo.
- And don’t forget your video recorder: If you use a video (VCR) or a DVD recorder for recording, then you will need to adapt it with a digital box, or replace it with a digital recorder that has an inbuilt digital box, sometimes called a PVR.
- Look for the digital ‘tick’ logo which certifies products and services that are designed to keep working after switchover.
- Stores displaying ‘get set for digital’ will stock certified products.
For detailed consumer advice on buying digital equipment, visit www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk
