Digital switchover is on the way: make sure you're ready

Wales recently became the first nation in the UK to be fully digital, with the last of the analogue TV signals switched off. And the biggest change to TV since colour was introduced over 40 years ago is under way in Scotland. The area formerly covered by Border TV is now served by digital, and the switchover in the Grampian TV region begins next month.

Most of Scotland will have analogue signal until next May, when the Ayrshire, Arran, southern Argyll and parts of Dunbartonshire signals will be switched off.

Fife, Lothian and the remainder of the Central Belt will switch fully to digital in early June 2011, with the last stage of the switchover coming when the final analogue signals are turned off that month in Edinburgh.

After this date, anyone without a digital box, a television able to accept digital signals, or a cable or satellite service will be unable to watch television, but that will be a tiny proportion of households. The process has caused some confusion, with many homeowners worried that they will be left without television altogether, or concerned that they will need to fork out for a new television set, which is not the case.

"The biggest myth is that you need a new TV," said Paul Hughes, Digital UK's national manager for Scotland. "But 90 per cent of households in Scotland can already get digital, so most people are sorted. If you have got a good analogue signal, you will get a good digital signal."

Digital UK and the Switchover Help Scheme have launched campaigns in Scotland to explain the changes and how they will be implemented.

Trisha McAuley, the head of services and advocacy at Consumer Focus Scotland, said: "Many consumers will not have to do anything for the switchover if their existing TV or other viewing equipment is ready to receive a digital signal. For those who have to upgrade for the switchover, it is important that they understand the range of options available and that it doesn't have to cost a lot."

So what do households need to do when the change takes place in their area? When analogue signals are switched off, channels still running on those signals will be replaced with digital services providing Freeview.

If your current aerial signal is good, your digital reception will work well too and will provide most homes with about 20 Freeview channels, with a large proportion getting 40 or more channels to surf.

If you don't want a lot of additional challenges or the latest high-definition technology, the conversion does not have to be a burden on your finances. The cost of going digital depends on a range of factors, such as the type of digital box required, the number of viewing options you want and how many TVs in your home that you want converted.

Prices start at about 20 for a basic Freeview box that connects to your TV so it can receive Freeview, with no further subscription costs. But if you want more than the basic channels, it's worth looking at cable and satelite services, such as Sky and Virgin Media. They are also more expensive, although they can be bought as part of home communications bundles that also include phone and broadband services.

There is also the option of Freesat, a non-subscription digital service offered by the BBC and ITV, providing more than 100 channels for a one-off payment of about 50. High definition (HD) Freesat boxes start from about 150, although you need an HD compatible TV. Alternatively, it's now possible to buy new TVs with digital services built into them, albeit for about 150 or more.

If you already use Freeview, BT Vision or Top Up TV, they will need retuning. Most TVs are able to receive a digital signal and even old black-and-white models can be converted, but if you're buying new equipment, make sure you look out for the digital tick logo confirming that it will work during and after switchover.

A small number of households will only be able to get satellite or cable after the switchover, but most of those will already have it, as they would have experienced difficulties getting a reception through the analogue signal.

Those eligible for help, including people aged 75 or over, the blind or partially sighted and those living in care homes, can pay 40 for equipment to switch one TV per household to digital, plus the option of installation help, guidance on using it and a helpline. The help is free for those who are eligible and also on income-support related benefits. Elderly and disabled people eligible for support in making the switch will be contacted by the help scheme ahead of the changeover. The scheme can also be contacted on 0800 40 85 900, and information can be found on its website at www.helpscheme.co.uk.

To find out when your area switches, call 08456 505050 or visit www.digitaluk.co.uk.