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Frequently Asked Questions
- What if I have more than one TV?
- What would happen if I didn't do anything?
- What if I already have digital TV?
- Will my video or DVD recorder still work?
- When will the switchover happen?
- Will my aerial still work?
- What if I live in a flat or care home and am not responsible for my aerial?
- Will I have to throw out my TV, especially if it is an old one?
We will help you convert one TV to digital, even if you have already converted another TV in your home. You will need to arrange to have any other TVs converted.
^ Back to FAQ listIf you don't already have digital TV and don't do anything, you won't be able to watch television after the switchover.
^ Back to FAQ listIf you have already have digital TV switched to digital (for example, Sky TV is digital TV) you can use the Help Scheme to convert another TV at your home.
^ Back to FAQ listAfter the switchover, your video or DVD recorder will still be able to play video tapes or DVDs and record digital TV programmes. However, unless it is a digital recorder, it won't be able to record TV programmes on one channel, while you are watching another.
^ Back to FAQ listWhen 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. The dates for switchover of each region are as follows:
* Border has already switched.
* West Country has already switched.
* Granada has already switched.
* Wales starts in August 2009 and finishes in 2010.
* STV North switches in 2010.
* STV Central switches between 2010 and 2011.
* West switches between 2010 and 2011.
* Channel Islands switch in 2010.
* Central, Yorkshire and Anglia switch in 2011.
* Meridian switches between 2011 and 2012.
* London switches in 2012.
* Tyne Tees and Ulster switch in 2012.
Check to see more details about when your region goes digital
^ Back to FAQ listIf you get a good TV picture now, your aerial should continue to give a good picture after the switchover. If you get a poor picture at the moment, you may need a new aerial.
^ Back to FAQ listYou should contact your landlord, property manager, managing agent or care-home manager to find out what plans they have made for preparing for the digital switchover. They should arrange to have any shared aerial system or wiring upgraded if it is needed. You will still need to convert your own TV.
^ Back to FAQ listNo. Almost all TVs, even black and white ones, can be converted to digital with a set-top digital box.
^ Back to FAQ listIf you cant find the answer to your query and need more help, please visit the Digital UK website for more information.