FAQs and Jargon
Do you have questions about the switchover? Here are some the most common questions we get asked by our customers across the UK…
Why is the digital switchover happening?
What kind of digital TV is available in my area?
Why isn’t switchover to digital happening all at the same time?
If I don’t do anything will I lose my TV picture?
Will analogue radio be affected by the switchover?
Will switching to digital affect my TV licence?
I can’t currently receive Freeview in my area. Does this mean I will loose my TV at switchover?
Will a set-top aerial work for Freeview?
Why should I have to pay because someone else has decided to change TV?
Will I have to throw out my TV, especially if it's old?
I have a portable television. What do I need to do to go digital?
What is the Digital Tick logo?
Will switching to digital mean that I can get High Definition TV (HDTV)?
I brought an HD Television last year, will I be ready for digital?
Why is the digital switchover happening?
The UK’s analogue TV transmission is not an efficient use of broadcast space or bandwidth so the UK will be moving to a digital only TV signal. Currently, one in four UK homes cannot get digital TV via their aerial because the making the digital signal any stronger would interfere with the analogue signal so we cannot keep both types of signal. Therefore, the plan is to switch off the existing "analogue" TV signal and at the same time, strengthen the digital signal to enable the vast majority of the UK to receive it.
What kind of digital TV is available in my area?
To find out what kind of digital TV is available in your area enter your postcode into the Digital UK postcode checker via the link on this page.
Why isn’t switchover to digital happening all at the same time?
Switchover is happening region by region to minimise interference between different transmitters and reduce any risks of disruption to the implementation plan. Over 1,000 transmitters have to be converted to digital operation – it’s simply not practical to complete this in under four years.
If I don’t do anything will I lose my TV picture?
Yes - if you don't already have a digital ready TV (often identified by the Digital tick) or alternatively a digital set top box, you won’t be able to continue watching TV after the switchover happens where you live.
Will analogue radio be affected by the switchover?
No. The analogue radio service is unaffected by the digital TV switchover.
Will switching to digital affect my TV licence?
No. The TV licensing requirements for digital television are the same as for analogue. A TV licence is required to install or use a television receiver to watch any television programme service. The TV licence fee is payable whether or not you receive or watch any BBC programmes. Over 70 per cent of UK households have already switched to digital and continue to pay their television licence fee as before.
What is Freeview?
Freeview is a free digital TV service bringing you channels including ITV2, E4 and BBC Three. Freeview also offers access to digital radio stations such as BBC 6 Music as well as "red button" interactive services and digital text.
I can’t currently receive Freeview in my area. Does this mean I will lose my TV at switchover?
No. One of the reasons that switchover is happening is so that more people can get Freeview (TV through their aerial). Switchover will make Freeview available to virtually all UK households (up from 73% at the start of the switchover programme). It’s only by switching off the old analogue signal that power for the digital signal can be increased. Dependant on the age of your current aerial system you may need to check whether you need to upgrade your aerial to receive a good quality digital signal.
Will a set-top aerial work for Freeview?
Usually a rooftop aerial is more reliable for Freeview boxes. However, if you have good reception now, a set-top aerial may work in certain circumstances.
Why should I have to pay because someone else has decided to change TV?
The Government wants everyone in the UK to benefit from digital TV. Switchover is taking place because it will provide everyone with better, more varied television, irrespective of where they are in the UK, and broader access to a wider range of digital services.
Will I have to throw out my TV, especially if it's old?
No. With very rare exceptions, all TVs can be converted to digital with a digital box - even black and white ones. If your television was manufactured after 1996, it will have a Scart socket. This means it can be connected to a digital box with a Scart lead, which is the best quality connection. If your TV does not have a Scart socket on the back, and has only a small round aerial socket instead, you can still adapt it for digital. Just make sure you ask your retailer for a digital box with an "RF modulator" built in. Unfortunately if your television does not have either of these inputs it cannot be converted to receive digital television.
I have a portable television. What do I need to do to go digital?
You will need to get a digital box at a one-off cost. Look for the ‘digital tick’ logo and ask a retailer for more information. Unfortunately if your portable television does not have either of these inputs it cannot be converted to receive digital television.
What is the Digital Tick logo?
The ‘digital tick’ is a certification mark that appears on products and services that are designed to work before, during and after switchover. It will also be seen on badges worn by retail staff who are trained to answer questions about digital TV switchover, and is used to identify aerial installers accredited as Registered Digital Installers (RDI).
Will switching to digital mean that I can get High Definition TV (HDTV)?
No. HDTV is a new technology that will enable viewers to get higher definition television pictures. An HD-Ready TV is not necessarily a digital TV. Make sure that it carries the digital ‘tick’ logo, or get a digital box, to ensure that you are set for digital.
I brought an HD Television last year, will I be ready for digital?
HDTV refers to a new standard of screen definition that provides a sharper screen image than standard definition pictures. An HD-ready TV is not necessarily an integrated digital TV. You should look for the 'digital tick' logo which shows that the product is designed to work through switchover. HDTV services are already available via subscription satellite and cable. They may be available in the future on other platforms, including terrestrial TV, but this would require you to buy a new box.
Jargon Buster
- DTT system (Digital Terrestrial Television) - a communally wired system that provides Terrestrial Digital TV.
- IRS (Integrated Reception System) 5 wire - a communally wired system that enables Terrestrial Digital TV and Sky with a single coaxial feed to the dwelling or Sky + and Sky HD using a dual feed.
- IRS 9 wire - this system allows for an additional satellite eg: Hotbird.
