The digital switchover is the biggest thing to happen to TV since the introduction of colour.

TV in the UK is going digital, and the existing analogue TV signal will be switched off transmitter group by transmitter group between now and the end of 2012.  Switchover means that almost every household will be able to receive digital TV through their aerial, giving many people access to a wider choice of channels.

Most households will be able to receive around 40 channels, with all areas getting around 15 of the most popular channels such as ITV2, E4 and BBC Three, subject to coverage.

Digital TV uses less broadcast space than analogue, which means that after switchover there will be more room for new services such as wireless broadband, local TV and High Definition Television (HDTV).

To keep your TV service, you will need to convert your TVs to digital before your area’s switchover date.

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.

To find out when you switch visit the Digital UK postcode checker at www.digitaluk.co.uk.

Switchover is a two-stage process. If you have, or are planning to get Freeview, BT Vision or Top Up TV, you will need to re-tune your digital box or TV:

• At each of the two stages of switchover
• If you find you have lost any TV channels

Re-tuning regularly is good practice. This ensures that you keep equipment up to date, and that you have all of the latest channels. If you are not sure how to re-tune, please visit www.digitaluk.co.uk for a copy of the Digital UK guide to re-tuning.

Satellite and cable television does not need to be re-tuned.

Video and DVD recorders 

If you currently own a video or DVD recorder, it will continue to record and playback videos or DVDs, however, it won’t allow you to watch one channel and record another at the same time. If you choose not to invest in digital recording equipment, you can convert your existing video or DVD recorder by using an additional digital box.

Digital TV recorders 

The simplest way to record after switchover is to consider replacing your video or analogue DVD recorder with a digital TV recorder like Sky+ or Freeview+.

The most popular type records directly onto a hard disc, but there are other options, including recorders that record onto DVDs.

A digital TV recorder with a hard disc offers the following benefits:

• Record at the touch of a button, no tapes or timers required
• Pause and rewind live TV
• Record a whole series at once
• On-screen electronic programme guide

A digital TV recorder with a twin tuner will also convert your TV to digital.

If you live in a flat, it is likely you receive your TV signal via a communal aerial system. If so, you need to talk to the person who manages your property as they may need to upgrade or replace your building’s communal TV aerial so you can receive a signal in your home.

The Switchover Help Scheme is run by the BBC and provides practical help to older and disabled people to make the switch to digital on any one TV set.

• Easy-to-use equipment.
• Home delivery and installation, if they wish, by an approved installer.
• An aerial check and, if needed, a replacement at no extra cost (subject to local planning or landlord permission).
• A free helpline, re-tuning advice and 12 month aftercare service.

There is a one-off fee of £40 for the standard offer, or for eligible people on certain income-related benefits, it’s free.

The following people can benefit from the Switchover Help Scheme:

• Is aged 75 or over, or
• Has lived in a care home for six months or more, or
• Gets (or could get) certain disability benefits, or
• Is registered blind or partially sighted.

The Help Scheme has written to all eligible people. To take up the offer, everyone who has received the mailing needs to reply.

Please call 0800 40 85 900 for further details or if you know someone who is eligible.