Digital switchover has started in the UK.
 
Between 2008 and 2012 the digital TV switchover will take place, region by region. After switchover, you will need a digital box or digital TV to watch television. Main transmitters and their associated relays turn off analogue and change to digital only.

Switchover is usually split into 2 parts

First BBC Two will switch to digital only, and some new digital channels become available. This means that:

• · If you haven’t switched, you’ll lose BBC Two

· At this time, if you have Freeview, BT Vision or Top Up TV you’ll need to re-tune your equipment

Then approx 3-4 weeks later - All the remaining analogue channels will switch to digital and the remaining digital channels will become available. This means that:

• · If you haven’t switched to digital, you will lose your TV service
• · There may be a slight delay but services will resume by 6am for most people, but not until late afternoon for others and will be digital only.

At this time, if you have Freeview, BT Vision or Top Up TV you’ll need to re-tune your equipment again.



No problems have been reported and there are advantages, good clear pictures, no ghosting, Interactive services and the digital system uses less power - and of course loads of extra channels

As a guide people who can receive from the main transmitter will receive the full range of digital channels, people who receive from relays will have a reduced number of channels (20+) but all the BBC/ITV/Ch4/5 channels will be there.
you will need a digital receiver such as a TV with digital tuner or a separate box for example a Freeview box which can be obtained at a very reasonable price.
Look out for equipment displaying the digital tick it will work before, during and after switchover.