Digital switchover
What is the Digital Switchover? 
The Digital Switchover means analogue terrestrial TV channels are switched off permanently and Freeview digital services are boosted. Many homes previously in digital blackspots will receive Freeview channels from local relay transmitters for the first time, boosting your choice of channels through an aerial from four or five to around 15. Viewers served by a main transmitter will be able to receive more than 40 channels. If you have an analogue TV, and do not subscribe to a satellite or cable provider, you will need to use a digital box or replace your TV with an integrated digital set.
When will your area switch?
The digital switchover will begin in 2012 for those of you living in the Meridian and London TV transmission areas. We’ll give you more information as it becomes available. In the meantime, you can check when your area switches by using the postcode checker on the Digital UK website www.digitaluk.co.uk or by contacting the advice line on 08456 50 50 50.
Over the next 12 months we’ll be getting ready for the switchover and upgrading all communal aerials to make sure you’ll be able to receive a digital TV signal through the main aerial once you’ve connected a digital box.You may be able to get some help with costs from the BBC
If you’re aged 75 or over, registered blind or partially sighted, entitled to certain disability benefits or have been living in a care home for six months or more you may be able to get some help. If you’re eligible you will be contacted directly before switchover. You can get more information by calling 0800 408 7654 or online at helpscheme.co.uk
