As we've all heard, the digital switchover is imminent, and it’s widely accepted around the world that with a little preparation we’ll all get a better TV signal. It’s happening so that Freeview services can be extended to those who can’t currently get them. However, if you live in one of those areas that can’t get Freeview and you have already bought new equipment in preparation, it’s worth noting that it won’t work until after the switchover.
Keeping things local, people in Bury will receive their current TV signal from the Winter Hill group of transmitters, and the two stages for switchover here are on 4 Nov 2009 and 2 December 2009.
What action do you need to take?
If you have an Analogue TV you will need to change it or you won’t receive any channels. Look for TV sets, digital boxes or digital TV recorders that carry the “digital tick” logo. If you already have Freeview, BT Vision or Top Up TV, all you have to do is retune your set top box at each of the two stages. However, if you’re lucky and you have Sky TV, Freesat from Sky, freesat, Virgin Media or Tiscali on all of your TV sets, you don’t need to do a thing.
What happens at each stage?
Stage 1 – Analogue BBC Two is switched off, and the BBC digital channels become available. If you haven’t switched to digital, you won’t be able to view BBC Two.
Stage 2- All analogue services will be switched off and the remaining digital channels will become available. If you haven’t switched to digital, you will lose all of your television channels
If you’ve got any queries digitaluk have loads of advice and a help service. As mentioned, it is better to plan ahead, and then you’ll never have to miss out.