Your guide to the digital switchover
TV in the UK is going digital, and the existing analogue TV signal will be switched off transmitter group by transmitter group between now and 2012. Switchover means that almost every household will be able to receive digital TV through their aerial giving many people access to a wider choice of channels.When do I switch?
When your home switches to digital will depend on where you live in the UK. The following switchover dates have been released to the public. Other TV regions yet to switch will go in 2011 or 2012, and will be listed once specific dates have been announced. To find out when you switch visit the Digital UK postcode checker. Switchover happens in two stages to give people the chance to check their equipment. It is important you are ready by stage one. Anyone with a Freeview service will need to retune their digital TV or box at both switchover stages.
Yorkshire TV region
How do I switch?-
- Belmont transmitter group - 03 August 2011 (Stage One) and 17 August 2011 (Stage Two)
- Oliver's Mount transmitter group - 03 August 2011 (Stage One) and 17 August 2011 (Stage Two)
- Chesterfield transmitter group - 10 August 2011 (Stage One) and 24 August 2011 (Stage Two)
- Sheffield transmitter group - 10 August 2011 (Stage One) and 24 August 2011 (Stage Two)
- Emley Moor transmitter group - 07 September 2011 (Stage One) and 21 September 2011 (Stage Two)
There are a number of ways to get digital television and both subscription and non-subscription services are available.
- Convert your TV yourself with a set-top box or digital TV recorder
- Have someone else convert your TV by installing satellite or cable
- Replace your TV with an Integrated Digital TV
What channels will I get?
With digital TV, you can enjoy the five traditional TV channels, plus lots more.
All viewers who receive Freeview services will get around 15 channels with most receiving more than 40 channels depending on where they live. To find out which ones you are likely to receive visit the Digital UK postcode checker. If you’d like a greater choice of channels, you should consider a subscription service through satellite or cable and receive up to around 400 channels.
How will recording be affected?
If you currently own a video or analogue DVD recorder, it will continue to record and playback videos or DVDs, however it won’t allow you to watch one channel and record another at the same time.
If you want to continue doing this, consider getting a digital TV recorder with a ‘twin tuner’ that will also convert your TV. The most popular type records directly onto a hard disk, but there are other options, including recorders that record onto DVDs.
Is your TV aerial ready for the digital switchover?
Any roof top aerial in good condition is capable of receiving analogue and digital TV services. You don’t need to have a ‘digital aerial’ for switchover. If you have good analogue reception now it is unlikely you will need to replace your existing aerial. If you think you need to repair or replace your aerial, ask for a recommended installer.
Switchover Help.
If you are having reception problems prior to the digital switchover, or if you are looking to change to Digital now, please do not hesitate to contact us either via our web booking form.