Top 10 Digital Switchover TV Deals

Digital Switchover TV Deals explained

The digital switchover is a landmark in telecommunications history. By the end of 2012, all regions of the UK will have made the move from analogue to digital, massively transforming the range of TV channels and radio stations available across the country and ushering in new, interactive services that were not possible before.

Here we talk you through the switchover and explain what it means for the entertainment options available to you.

What is the digital switchover?

In a nutshell, the digital switchover is the process of turning off the analogue signal that has traditionally provided you with TV and replacing it with a digital signal.

The process has been been ongoing since 2009 and will be complete by the end of 2012.

What are the advantages for consumers?

Moving to digital is a boon for UK consumers. Here are some of the positive changes it will bring:

• More programmes to choose from on TV. With digital TV, everyone gets at least 40 channels totally free of charge, including the five terrestrial channels. You'll also get the option to sign up for pay channel provider and get even more choice.
• A wider choice of radio stations.
• Extra interactive services.
• Better reception and picture quality. *More room for new services such as wireless broadband, local TV and High Definition Television (HDTV).

These are just the improvements that affect everyone. The digital changeover also allows for improved subtitling, as well as additional audio accompaniment and sign language - all of which will has the scope to make programming more accessible to elderly and disabled viewers.

Paid-for digital TV services

Choose a TV package from Sky, Virgin Media and BT and alongside the channels everyone gets, you'll be able to subscribe to extra channels and services. These take in amazing premium channels. And you'll be able to combine your TV with broadband and telephone services and benefit from cheaper monthly outgoings too.

When does my region make the switch?

As detailed above, the digital switchover has been ongoing since 2009. At the time of writing, the only remaining TV regions to make the change are London, Meridian and Tyne Tees.

Within most regions, the switchover is staggered according to which transmitter provides you with your signal. In this section, we provide a one-stop guide to when you can expect the change to happen and which transmitter you're likely to be covered by.

London

London differs from other regions in that there is only transmitter group, namely Crystal Palace. Covering Greater London and parts of the Home Counties this is set to switch over on April 4th 2012.

Meridian

Meridian started the switchover on February 8th 2012. Below is a list of the transmitter groups that have already made the change, as well as those yet to switch over

• Hannington Covers parts of Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey and is now complete
• Midhurst Covers much of West Sussex and is now complete
• Rowridge Covers Hampshire, areas of Dorset, the Isle of Wight, Wiltshire and West Sussex and is now complete
• Whitehawk Hill Covers the Brighton area and is now complete
• Heathfield Covers the majority of East Sussex and south west Kent. Set to start on May 30th 2012
• Tunbridge Wells Covers much of Tunbridge Wells area. Set to start May 30th 2012
• Hastings Covers the Hastings area. Set to start May 30th 2012
• Dover Covers south and east Kent, as well as parts of East Sussex. Set to start June 13th 2012
• Bluebell Hill Covers North and mid Kent. Set to start June 13th 2012

Tyne Tees

Tyne Tees is covered by three transmitters. All three groups are set to switchover on September 12th 2012. These are:

• Bilsdale Covers Teesside and parts of North Yorkshire and starts September 12th 2012
• Chatton Covers North Northumberland and starts September 12th 2012
• Pontop Pike Covers Tyne and Wear and County Durham and starts September 12th 2012

Digital TV with Sky

• Choose Sky's digital service and you get all the Freeview channels, and the likes of Sky Atlantic, Sky Living Comedy Central and FX as optional extras.
• On top of that you automatically receive more than 200 free-to-air digital channels, four times more than Freeview.
• All Sky boxes come with Sky+, so you can pause and rewind live TV.
• Sky+HD boxes let you access over 50 channels in HD.

Digital TV with Virgin Media

Here is a quick precis of what you get when you go digital with Virgin Media.

• Catch Up TV – that means you can watch the last 7 days' TV from BBC iPlayer, ITV Net Player and 4oD.
• Use of TV Choice on Demand, offering a huge library of shows, films and entire series that you can watch whenever you want.
• The option to add the likes Sky Sports, Sky Movies and more
• Tivo Box to enable you to pause and rewind live TV.

Digital TV with BT

• Includes freeview TV via BT Vision, including 50 free television channels and 20 radio stations.
• Get pay monthly BT Vision and it includes catch-up TV with Replay. That means you can catch up on terrestrial TV from commercial broadcasters from the last seven days.
• BBC iPlayer also lets you catch up with a further 400 hours of your favourite shows.
• Add Sky channels for an extra charge, including sports, movies, HD and 3D programming.