Digital-Switchover Explained
The Digital switchover involves the switch-off of the analogue terrestrial transmissions network that has been in place since the 1930s and its replacement will be an all digital terrestrial network.
At the moment Digital TV and analogue tv signals are broadcast simultaneously. But whilst the analogue signal is maintained, the digital tv signal can't be broadcast in full and at full power across the UK. The Digital Switchover will affect all viewers who have any televisions through which they can only receive analogue services BBC1, BBC2, ITV, C4/S4C and (where available)Channel Five services through the TV aerial.
To receive Digital TV services after the switchover, all these televisions will need to be converted either by the purchase of a digital tv set-top box, or by the purchase of an integrated digital TV set, which has an integrated digital TV tuner, or through connection to a cable or digital satellite TV service.
The Switchover will take place gradually, below is a table, which shows
when the switchover will take place in your area.
| Digital Switchover, Region-by-Region | |
| Year | Region |
2008/2009 |
Border |
2009 |
Granada, West Country |
2009/2010 |
Wales |
2010/2011 |
STV, Central & North West |
2011 |
Anglia, Central & Yorkshire |
2012
| London, Meridian, Tyne Tees, Ulster
|