About digital switchover
What is digital switchover?
Between now and 2012 the government aims to turn off the analogue (traditional) TV broadcast service across Britain and switch over to a digital signal. People without the necessary equipment will lose all of their TV channels when the analogue signal is switched off.What are my options for converting my TV to Digital?
A. Upgrade my existing TV to receive digital TV
Do you want to get Digital TV through an aerial?
1) Digital TV Receiver
- This is the cheapest way to convert your existing analogue TV to receive digital TV.
- You can receive up to 48 digital TV channels
- Don't forget.. that you will need a twin scart box if you want to carry on using your VCR.
- Don't forget.. you might need to upgrade your aerial to receive a digital signal
2) Digital TV Recorder
- Receive all the Freeview channels in the same way as a digital TV receiver but with the added benefit of being able to pause, rewind and record live TV and store all your favourite programmes onto a hard drive.
- Don't forget.. that if you want to watch one channel whilst you record another you will need a box with a digital twin tuner.
- Don't forget.. a bigger hard drive will mean you can store more TV programmes.
- Don't forget.. you might need to upgrade your aerial to receive a digital signal.
3) Digital TV Recorder with DVD Recorder
- With all the benefits of a digital TV Recorder but with the additional feature of being able to record onto a DVD disc.
- Don't forget.. you might need to upgrade your aerial to receive a digital signal.
Do you want to get Digital TV through a satellite dish?
1) Sky
- Sky TV is a digital TV service through a satellite dish that requires a monthly subscription.
- Tesco exclusively offer a FREE Sky+HD when you buy any TV. Or alternatively purchase the Sky+HD for £49 without a TV.
- Sky brings entertainment to life with the UK's widest range of high definition programmes, across 33 HD channels. You can enjoy everything from movies and sports, to arts or drama or documentaries, all in stunning high definition.
2) Freesat
- Freesat is a subscription free way of receiving digital TV through a satellite with access to free HD channels from ITV and BBC.
- Within the range there are 4 options to choose from with Freesat
- Integrated Freesat TV - Some of our TVs come with Freesat built in.
- Standard definition Freesat box - Access all of the freesat channels through a satellite
- High definition Freesat box - Access all of the freesat channels through a satellite and also receive BBC and ITV HD channels as well
- High definition Freesat box with Hard drive - Receive HD Freesat but with the added benefit of being able to pause, rewind and record live TV and store all your favourite programmes onto a hard drive.
If you don't have a satellite dish already you will need one to receive Freesat. We offer a satellite installation service.
B. Buy a new TV from Tesco
All our TVs come with Freeview built in as standard allowing you to watch up to 48 Freeview channels and listen to 28 digital radio stations
buynowWhen does my house switch to digital?
Switchover will happen at different times across the UK over the next 3 years. The table below will show you when your region is switching over.
THE NEXT REGION TO SWITCH IS THE WEST COUNTRY
| Border | 2008/09 | Central | 2011 |
| West Country | 2009 | Anglia | 2011 |
| Wales | 2009/10 | Meridian | 2011/12 |
| Granada | 2009 | Yorkshire | 2011 |
| West | 2010/11 | London | 2012 |
| STV North | 2010 | Tyne Tees | 2012 |
| STV Central | 2020/11 | UTV | 2012 |
Things to consider when you're switching over
How many TVs do you have in your home?
Consider every TV set that you want to continue watching. Any TV left unconverted will not work after switchover, so don't forget about TVs in bedrooms and kitchens!
Do you like to record TV programmes?
Video and DVD recorders will still play back and record (if you have a twin scart digital box) but most won't be able to record one channel while you watch another. If you enjoy recording and want to watch something else whilst you're recording then you will need to purchase a box with a twin digital tuner.
You should check your TV aerial
If you choose to receive digital TV through your aerial you may need to upgrade your aerial. It is estimated that around 5-10% of rooftop aerials and up to 50% of set top aerials will be affected by switchover.
What to consider with a satellite service
If you choose a digital satellite service and live in a listed building or conservation area, you may need planning permission.
Will switchover affect my radio?
Your radio equipment will not be affected by switchover.
For more information about the digital Switchover, visit the official Digital UK TV site. Click Here