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Digital switchover is the conversion of television (TV) broadcasting from analogue to digital.  

Each TV region switches individually, so you could find out when you are due for switchover by visiting the Digital UK postcode checker.

The switchover in London will started on 4 April 2012, affecting up to 12m residents. Digital UK, the organisation leading the change, advised that the analogue channels will be turned off in two stages:

  • Analogue BBC2 broadcasts were switched off in the capital on April 4, 2012, in the latest phase of the UK's wholesale conversion to digital TV.

  • The other four channels, BBC1, ITV, Channel 4, and Five, were switched off on April 18, 2012.

After the switchover in your region

You may need to convert or upgrade every TV set you watch. Old televisions can be converted with a digital box.

  • All Freeview, BT Vision and Top Up TV viewers will need to re-tune their equipment at both stages of switchover.

  • People with satellite and cable are already converted and you won't need to re-tune your TV

  • If you currently receive television signals via an aerial and do nothing, you will not receive a picture

For more information, visit Digital UK or call their helpline on 08456 505050

Switchover help scheme

Help is available for some people affected by digital switchover including free equipment, installation and 12 months support.  To qualify you should satisfy one of the following:

  • Be aged 75 or over

  • Get or could get Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance,  Constant Attendance Allowance or mobility supplement

  • Have lived in a care home for six months or more

  • Be registered blind or partially sighted

If you qualify you should have already received a letter from Digital UK. If you haven’t but feel that you qualify visit the Switchover Help Scheme or call free on 0800 40 85 900. 

Scam with digital switchover

Reports from other TV regions in the UK state that during the switchover, door to door rogue traders have tried selling residents unnecessary digital TV equipment and used the opportunity to falsely claim their property requires other work doing.

Redbridge Trading Standards officers are advising residents not to fall for the bogus claims of switchover rogues and offer the following advice:

  • Use Registered Digital Installers who can be identified because they are entitled to use the ‘digital tick’ image.

  • Look for the 'digital tick' logo when buying new TV equipment, as it identifies equipment designed to work through switchover

Contact Redbridge Trading Standard or Digital UK for further information.

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