Digital Switchover FAQ
FAQ
What is the digital switchover?
In April 2012, analogue television will be switched off across London. The existing analogue TV signal will be turned off and replaced with a new, stronger digital TV signal. If you don’t have digital TV by the time of switchover, you will lose your TV channels.
Why is it happening?
Switchover is happening so that people who do not currently have Freeview services (digital TV through an aerial) can have access to them. With digital TV, you can enjoy the five traditional TV channels, plus others. You will also be able to listen to radio channels through your television as well.
What do I need to do?
If you have:
- Analogue TV (5 channels or less) – you will need to convert your TV or you will lose your channels at switchover.
- Freeview, BT Vision or Top Up TV – you will need to re-tune your digital TV, or the box attached to it, at switchover.
- Sky TV, Freesat from Sky, freesat, or Virgin Media – If you have this service on all of your television sets, then you don’t need to do anything.
Do I need to buy a new television?
No, you don’t need to get a new TV as almost any TV can be converted, even a black and white one. Most digital boxes connect to a TV using a SCART cable. If your TV doesn’t have a SCART socket, you will need to ask for a digital box with a built in ‘RF modulator’. Staff in your local electrical store will be able to help you identify an appropriate digital box.
What should I do if I decide to get new equipment?
Look for TV sets, digital boxes and digital TV recorders that carry the ‘digital tick’ logo. It identifies products and services designed to work through the switchover.
Is there any help available for older and disabled viewers?
Yes. For older and disabled viewers who may find making the switch difficult, the BBC-run Switchover Help Scheme is at hand to provide everything you need to switch one TV set to digital.
Most eligible people will be asked to pay £40 towards the standard option of help. For eligible people on income-related benefits, it’s free. This includes easy to use equipment, an approved installer to supply and install the equipment, and a 12 month aftercare service including a free helpline.
If you’re 75 and over or eligible disabled, the Help Scheme will write to you directly and in plenty of time to ask if you want help.
For further information on the Switchover Help Scheme visit helpscheme.co.uk or call free on 0800 40 85 900. Textphone users can call 0800 40 85 936.
I would like information about the digital switchover in another language, or another format. Where can I get it?
There is information in several community languages, including Polish, Arabic, Bengali, Punjabi, Turkish, Urdu and Russian, as well as telephone lines in different languages on the digital switchover website.
There is also a series of films you can watch, which have subtitles and British Sign Language options.
Who do I speak to if I have any questions?
If you have any questions about switchover, you can call the Digital UK advice line on 08456 50 50 50 or visit digitaluk.co.uk. There are also roadshows being held, more information about these can be found here