Digital Switchover Are you ready?..

We're ready - are you?

The digital switchover is due to happen in the Meridian region in 2011 and 2012. Now is a great time to get ready for this historic event. If you have any queries regarding the digital swtichover, then please do not hesitate in giving us a call.
Below are some common questions we get asked, and so may answer your initial queries...

What would happen if I didn't do anything?

If you don't already have digital TV and don't do anything, you won't be able to watch television after the switchover!

Will my video or DVD recorder still work?

After the switchover, your video or DVD recorder will still be able to play video tapes or DVDs and record digital TV programmes. However, unless it is a digital recorder, it won't be able to record TV programmes on one channel, while you are watching another.

When will the switchover happen?

When your home switches to digital will depend on where you live in the UK. The switchover happens TV region by TV region, transmitter by transmitter. The dates for switchover of each region are as follows:

* Border has already switched.
* West Country has already switched.
* Granada has already switched.
* Wales starts in August 2009 and finishes in 2010.
* STV North switches in 2010.
* STV Central switches between 2010 and 2011.
* West switches between 2010 and 2011.
* Channel Islands switch in 2010.
* Central, Yorkshire and Anglia switch in 2011.
* Meridian switches between 2011 and 2012.
* London switches in 2012.
* Tyne Tees and Ulster switch in 2012.

Will my aerial still work?

If you get a good TV picture now, your aerial should continue to give a good picture after the switchover. If you get a poor picture at the moment, you may need a new aerial.

What if I live in a flat, rent my property or live in a care home and am not responsible for my aerial?

You should contact your landlord, property manager, managing agent or care-home manager to find out what plans they have made for preparing for the digital switchover. They should arrange to have any shared aerial system or wiring upgraded if it is needed. You will still need to convert your own TVs.

Will I have to throw out my TV, especially if it is an old one?

No. Almost all TVs, even black and white ones, can be converted to digital with a set-top digital box.