What and why is it happening?
TV is going digital. The existing analogue TV signal will be switched off and replaced with a new, stronger digital TV signal. It will mean that almost everyone will be able to receive digital TV through an aerial (Freeview).
Digital TV also uses less broadcast space which means that after switchover, there will be more room for new services such as wireless broadband, local TV and High Definition Television (HDTV).
To keep your TV service, you will need to convert your TVs to digital before your area’s switchover date.
Download more information about the digital TV switchover.
Benefits of going digital
Digital TV offers new ways to enjoy your TV service:
Greater choice of TV channels
New features such as on-screen listings, interactivity, audio description and subtitling for people with visual and audio impairments.
Optional additional channels and services including premium channels(e.g movies, sports), broadband and telephony.
Keep upto date with all things Digital
Digital switchover
Digital switchover
TV Explained
TV Explained
Television signals can be received via an aerial, satellite, cable or broadband connection. Switchover affects any TV that receives its signal from an aerial.
If you use an aerial, it will receive its signal from a transmitter. In the UK, there are more than 1,150 transmitters organised into around 80 transmitter groups that switch to digital one by one. Each group has a main switchover transmitter and local relay transmitters.
Before switchover, local relay transmitters are only able to transmit an analogue TV signal. After switchover, for the first time, all transmitters including local relay transmitters will transmit a digital signal and increase the number of channels available from around 5 to around 15.
Why is it important that I understand which transmitter I am watching?
Your switchover date and the number of channels you receive will depend on which transmitter you receive your signal from. Signals from nearby transmitters often overlap, so you may have a choice of which one you can watch. One may give you a better signal than another, or increase the number of services you can receive.
If you are watching a main transmitter you will receive more than 40 digital channels. If you are watching a relay transmitter you will receive around 15 digital TV channels.
If you use an aerial, it will receive its signal from a transmitter. In the UK, there are more than 1,150 transmitters organised into around 80 transmitter groups that switch to digital one by one. Each group has a main switchover transmitter and local relay transmitters.
Before switchover, local relay transmitters are only able to transmit an analogue TV signal. After switchover, for the first time, all transmitters including local relay transmitters will transmit a digital signal and increase the number of channels available from around 5 to around 15.
Why is it important that I understand which transmitter I am watching?
Your switchover date and the number of channels you receive will depend on which transmitter you receive your signal from. Signals from nearby transmitters often overlap, so you may have a choice of which one you can watch. One may give you a better signal than another, or increase the number of services you can receive.
If you are watching a main transmitter you will receive more than 40 digital channels. If you are watching a relay transmitter you will receive around 15 digital TV channels.
TV Signal condition
TV Signal condition
If you have good reception now, you are unlikely to need to replace your aerial for switchover. However, there's a chance you will get more channels and improve reception if you replace your aerial. There are two tests you can use to help you decide if you need a new aerial. We recommend you carry them out before you arrange to get your aerial checked by an installer as it may help avoid having unnecessary work done.
