Department for Culture Media and Sport
digital television
Starting in 2008 and ending in 2012, television services in the UK will go completely digital.
The old analogue television signal will be switched off TV region by TV region and the digital terrestrial signal will be boosted. This process – known as digital switchover – has important benefits:
- Switchover is fairer
Today one in four households cannot get digital TV via their aerial, and many still cannot receive Five. By switching off the existing analogue broadcasting system we can boost the digital TV signal and provide people with a greater choice of affordable digital options.
- Digital TV is more efficient
It can carry many more channels than analogue and will free up spectrum that can be used for a range of services, such as more TV services in either standard or high definition, wireless broadband, local TV, wireless home hubs and many others
- A world leader in broadcasting
Moving to the best available technology will ensure the UK continues as a world leader in broadcasting.
The Government has announced the establishment of a Help Scheme for those who may made need practical assistance with switchover.
We are working with the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), Ofcom (the independent regulator for the broadcasting industry) and Digital UK (the not-for-profit organisation set up by the broadcasters to lead the switchover programme) to ensure that digital switchover is a success.
For more information about the detailed timetable and switching to digital television please visit www.digitaluk.co.uk. For queries relating to local, technical and reception issues you can contact Digital UK on 0845 6 50 50 50.
For more about the Government policies and initiatives on digital television, see our dedicated website www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk.
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