Digital Television FAQs

What are the different ways to get digital TV?

There are up to four options, depending on where you live:

  • Through an aerial (Freeview, Top Up TV, BT Vision*), either through a digital box or a television with a built-in tuner (an IDTV)
  • By satellite (Sky, or non-subscription freesat from Sky)
  • Through a cable (Virgin Media, Wight Cable or SmallWorld)
  • Over broadband (e.g. Tiscali TV)

What is digital TV switchover?

Switchover is the process of converting the UK’s terrestrial television network to digital. Turning off the old analogue TV system will free up capacity to extend digital terrestrial television (commonly known as Freeview) to the whole country. When switchover is complete in 2012, digital terrestrial television will be available to virtually all UK households.

Why is it happening?

Currently, 73% of homes in the UK can access digital television via an aerial. Switching off the existing analogue broadcasting system will extend digital terrestrial television to the one in four homes currently unable to receive it. It will also free up the airwaves for new services such as ultra-fast wireless broadband services, mobile television or additional television channels and will ensure that the UK remains a world leader in broadcasting.

What do people need to do?

Every viewer must ensure that their TVs are capable of receiving a digital signal in order to continue receiving television services after switchover. Almost every TV can be converted to digital with a set-top box, even black and white ones. Anyone buying new TV equipment should look for the ‘digital tick’ logo (below) which identifies equipment designed to work before, during and after switchover.

What about recorders?

Analogue recorders will still be able to play tapes and discs but will need to be connected to either a digital box or digital television in order to record programmes after switchover. They will only be able to record the digital channel being watched.

Increasing numbers of viewers are swapping their old analogue equipment for a digital TV recorder (DTR) or a digital DVD recorder. These often have added benefits such as the ability to pause or rewind live TV, and some models feature two tuners allowing you to record one digital channel while watching another.

How much does digital television cost?

Most homes already have digital television on the main set. For those getting digital for the first time or who wish to convert secondary sets around the home, the cost will vary according to the number of TVs and method of conversion. Some homes (an estimated 5-10%) may also require a new aerial to receive digital signals.

  • Subscription (eg Sky, Virgin, Top Up TV) start from approx £10 per month
  • Freeview digital boxes cost from approx £25
  • Integrated digital televisions start from £99
  • Digital television recorders start from approx £100
  • A standard new roof aerial normally costs £60-180.

When will switchover happen?

The UK’s first switchover was completed in the lead area of Whitehaven in November 2007. The process will continue transmitter by transmitter across each TV region from 2008-2012. The map (right) shows the years in which each region will switch.

Will everyone get the same channels?

After switchover, virtually all households will be able to receive digital TV free through an aerial (up from 73% today). In addition to the main public service channels and digital radio, around nine out of ten households will be able to receive commercial digital services