Your guide to the digital TV switchover.

STV Central TV region switches from 2010.

Your guide to the digital TV switchover.

STV Central TV region switches from 2010.

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What channels and services will you get? With Digital TV, you can enjoy the 5 traditional TV channels, plus lots more. Most households will be able to receive around 40 Freeview channels with all areas getting at least 20 of the most popular services, such as ITV2, E4 and BBC Three. If you choose a monthly subscription service like Sky TV or Virgin Media, you could receive hundreds of channels.

You’ll be able to receive radio channels and programme subtitles direct through your TV. Some equipment also provides audio description for people with sight impairments.

Interactive services

Radio channels

Subtitling

Plus

Any questions? Please call us on 08456 50 50 50* or visit digitaluk.co.uk

Channels are subject to change.

* Calls provided by BT charged at up to 2p per minute daytime and 0.5p per minute evenings (plus 6p BT connection charge). Rates may vary for calls from other providers including mobile operators.

What is the digital switchover?The digital switchover is the biggest thing to happen to TV since the introduction of colour. It is the process of converting the UK’s television system to digital which will mean that most UK households will be able to receive digital TV through their aerial (Freeview).

Who is ?We’re the not-for-profit company responsible for leading the UK digital TV switchover. We’re independent, which means that all the advice and information we provide is absolutely impartial and unbiased.

What’s more, we’re not working alone. Here’s who is helping us to make sure the digital TV switchover runs smoothly:

We are also working with the Switchover Help Scheme to give extra support to those who need it most, see page 10.

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Craigkelly

The STV Central TV region – when will you switch? In your region, the TV signal is provided by 4 transmitter groups that will switch over to digital at different times.

* Calls provided by BT charged at up to 2p per minute daytime and 0.5p per minute evenings (plus 6p BT connection charge). Rates may vary for calls from other providers including mobile operators. † This is a predictive coverage database and should be used as a guide only.

TRANSMITTER GROUP(including relay transmitters)

Darvel

If you live in an area that overlaps with a neighbouring TV region, you may be getting your service from a different transmitter that may switch at another time. You can find out which transmitter is likely to provide your TV signal by visiting our online postcode checker – see opposite.

Rosneath

Black Hill

Lothian, parts of Edinburgh and Fife 2010/2011

Parts of Central Scotland and Argyll and Bute 2010/2011

Rosneath 2010/2011

Glasgow, Central Scotland and parts of Edinburgh

2010/2011

SERVING DATE

Find out which transmitter is likely to provide your TV signal by visiting our online postcode checker† at

digitaluk.co.ukor calling us on

08456 50 50 50*

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^ Costs are correct at time of printing, March 2008. Cost details are standard pricing, other offers or packages may be available, please contact the service provider for further details. Some of these service providers are unable to offer 100% UK coverage. For full terms and conditions and to check availability in your area, please contact each supplier directly. *Minimum guaranteed line speed required. ‡Aerial upgrade may be required. † This is a predictive coverage database and should be used as a guide only. **Five will be joining freesat later in 2008. sTop Up TV is not available on local relay transmitters.

What are my options? Switching to digital needn’t be expensive. The price will vary depending on which TV service you choose. Visit our postcode checker† at digitaluk.co.uk to find out more about your digital options.

Digital boxes from £25.‡ Digital TVs from £150.‡ Self installation.

Up to 48 digital TV channels.0870 111 1240

www.freeview.co.uk

£150 including mini dish, viewing card, standard Skybox & installation.

Over 200 digital TV channels.08442 410 595

www.freesatfromsky.com

Digital boxes from £50. Installation (if required) costs from £80.

Up to 80 digital TV channels.**0845 313 0053

www.freesat.co.uk

From £16 – £45 a month depending on package. Installation costs from £30.

Up to 160 digital TV channels plus 200 free-to-air channels.

08442 410 285 www.sky.com

The basic package is free or up to £20.50 when you take a Virgin phone line (£11). Installation £30.

Up to 140 digital TV channels.0800 052 2525

www.virginmedia.com

Free with BT Broadband subscription which costs from £15.99/ month.* Set up charge of £30 may apply.

Up to 48 Freeview channels plus on demand TV, films and sport.

0800 678 1984 www.bt.com/vision

From £19.99 – £24.99 depending on package. Set up charge costs £30.

Up to 60 channels.0800 107 9000

www.tiscali.co.uk

Up to 40 Freeview channels plus on demand TV, films and sport.

Up to 50 channels.08000 70 61 50

www.smallworldmedia.com

Top Up TV digital TV recorder from £79.99 required. £9.99 ‡ a month for Top Up TV Anytime. No contract required. s

Up to 48 Freeview channels plus TV favourites, sport and films

08444 158 158 www.topuptv.com

PROVIDER COST^ CHANNELS CONTACT DETAILS

ONE-Off PAYMENT

MONTHLYSUBSCRIPTION

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If you have Sky TV or Virgin Media on all the TVs in your home, you don’t need an aerial.

How much does a new aerial cost?Installation of a standard new roof aerial is likely to cost £60 – 180 and an additional socket costs around £45.

How do I know if I already have digital TV? If you already have digital from Sky TV, Virgin Media, Freeview or another supplier on all your TV sets, then you are ready for switchover. However, if you only have digital TV on your main set you’ll need to think about converting any others.

Do I need a HDTV for switchover? No, there’s no need to get HD equipment for the digital switchover.

HD TV is a new technology that offers clearer picture and sound quality.If you do choose to buy HD TV equipment, make sure it carries the ‘digital tick’. Sky TV, Virgin Media and freesat currently all offer an HD service.

What do I do if I live in a conservation area or listed building?Special restrictions apply to listed buildings, those in conservation areas and national parks. Please check with your local planning department if you are in any doubt about whether the restrictions may apply to you.

Any questions? Please call us on 08456 50 50 50* or visit digitaluk.co.uk* Calls provided by BT charged at up to 2p per minute daytime and 0.5p per minute evenings (plus 6p BT connection charge). Rates may vary for calls

from other providers including mobile operators.

Your questions answered.Do I need a new TV? No, you don’t need to get a new TV as almost any TV can be converted with a digital box – even a black and white one.

Please note: Most digital boxes connect to a TV using a SCART cable. If there isn’t a socket for the cable on the back of your TV, you will need to ask for a digital box with an ‘RF-modulator’.

What should I look for if I decide to get new equipment?TV sets, digital boxes and digital TV recorders that carry the ‘digital tick’ logo are designed to continue working after the switchover. It looks like this:

Make sure you look for the ‘digital tick’.

Will my video or DVD recorder still work? Yes, your video or DVD recorder will still play back and record, but most won’t be able to record one channel while you’re watching another. The simplest way to do this is to get a digital TV recorder such as Sky+, V+ or Freeview+. A digital TV recorder will also convert your TV to digital if you ask for one with a ‘twin tuner’.

Will I need a new aerial? Most rooftop and some set-top aerials will continue to work after switchover. To check the condition of your aerial, visit Teletext 284 where a test shows your aerial strength.

If you need a new aerial look for an installer with the ‘digital tick’. It means they have been trained and security checked. Only Registered Digital Installers (RDIs) are permitted to use the ‘digital tick’ logo.

If you can’t find one, look for someone with Associate RDI, CAI Plus or IDSC status, or ask your local electrical retailer.

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Please note, during preparations for switchover there may be more interruptions to your television service due to engineering works than is usual. While digital switchover relates to TV, and not to radio, the preparations for switchover may also result in interruptions to radio services.

* Calls provided by BT charged at up to 2p per minute daytime and 0.5p per minute evenings (plus 6p BT connection charge). Rates may vary for calls from other providers including mobile operators.

Digital UK, PO Box 26886, City Point, Glasgow, G4 7BN.

The Switchover Help Scheme.There’s a Help Scheme for those who need the most assistance to switch to digital. You’ll be eligible for help to convert one TV set if:

• you are aged 75 or over, or

• you get (or could get): – disability living allowance – attendance or constant attendance allowance – mobility supplement

• or you’re blind or partially sighted.

It costs £40, but if you’re eligible and on certain income-related benefits, it’s free.

If you’re eligible the Switchover Help Scheme will be in touch in plenty of time to ask if you want help.

Call us on 0800 408 5900 or visit helpscheme.co.uk

What should I do if I live in a flat?If you live in a flat or you use the same aerial as another household, your TV signal probably comes through a communal aerial system. Many of these will need upgrading or adapting. Upgrades to communal aerial systems (such as in a block of flats) may result in an increased service charge. If you own your flat, you may have to contribute to the cost of the work with the other residents. The person who manages your property needs to take action before the switchover, so speak to your landlord, managing agent or property manager.

for more information, phone 08458 455 455* or visit digitaluk.co.uk/propertymanagers

If you need this information in large print, audio, Braille or another language, please call 08456 50 50 50.*

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, you can contact our textphone service on 0845 234 0380

If you’ve got any more questions,visit us online at digitaluk.co.uk

or call 08456 50 50 50* to talk to oneof our advisors.

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