The Basics of the Switch

Television in the UK is changing by 2012, and changing for the better. The analog television signal that can be received right now will no longer be in existence, and only a digital signal will be used. This will provide a higher quality of television programming, and may even make it so that people can receive a higher number of channels. However, you will have to be ready to make the switch or you will miss out on these benefits.

When the Switch Will Happen

Overall, the Digital switchover is happening by 2012. However, the specifics depend on where you live, in which region within the UK. To find out when you switch, you will need to visit the Digital UK postcode checker. The following information has already been released, and relates to the known switch times; the first date is for Stage One, while the second date is for Stage Two:

STV Central Region

Torosay - Complete

Darvel - 11 May 2011 and 25 May 2011

Rosneath - 11 May 2011 and 25 May 2011

Craigkelly - 01 June 2011 and 15 June 2011

Black Hill - 08 June 2011 and 22 June 2011

Central Region

Nottingham - 30 March 2011 and 13 April 2011

Lark Stoke - 06 April 2011 and 20 April 2011

Bromsgrove - 06 April 2011 and 20 April 2011

Ridge Hill - 06 April 2011 and 20 April 2011

The Wrekin - 06 April 2011 and 20 April 2011

Waltham - 17 August 2011 and 31 August 2011

Fenton - 07 September 2011 and 21 September 2011

Sutton Coldfield - 07 September 2011 and 21 September 2011

Oxford - 14 September 2011 and 28 September 2011

Anglia Region

Sandy Heath - 30 March 2011 and 13 April 2011

Sudbury - 06 July 2011 and 20 July 2011

Tacolneston - 09 November 2011 and 23 November 2011

Yorkshire Region

Belmont - 03 August 2011 and 17 August 2011

Oliver's Mount - 03 August 2011 and 17 August 2011

Chesterfield - 10 August 2011 and 24 August 2011

Sheffield - 10 August 2011 and 24 August 2011

Emley Moor - 07 September 2011 and 21 September 2011

How To Switch

Switching is easy, and there are three different options. The first is that you can make the switch yourself with a converter box that goes on top of the television you already own. The second way is that you can contact a cable or satellite provider and order their services, which will automatically convert your television. The final option is that you can purchase an Integrated Digital TV.

Aerials and Recording

Your rooftop aerial should be ready to go, as long as it is in good condition; there is no need to replace this under the new system. Your recording system should also still work as it always has, though you will not be able to watch one channel while you are recording another; you will simply be able to record while the set is off.

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