The digital switchover will begin in the West Country in April 2009 and will be completed by September 2009. Torbay and south Devon will be the first area to switch to digital in this region, starting with the Beacon Hill transmitter group, in two parts on 8th and 22nd April 2009. This will be followed in stages throughout the rest of the region over the following months, ending with the Caradon Hill transmitter group (serving east Cornwall and Devon, including Plymouth) during August and September 2009. Digital UK (the organisation leading the digital TV switchover process in the UK) will get in touch with you prior to the switchover to confirm your exact digital switchover date.
Information about the switchover in your region
Digital UK will send you a leaflet nearer the time of switchover telling you more about the process. You can also download this from the Digital UK website. Digital UK is also running road shows to help residents understand the process further. These have already started in the West Country and will carry on until October 2008.
What happens after the switchover?
After the digital switchover, you should be able to receive a digital signal. The process will start by switching BBC2 only to digital, plus the first group of digital Freeview channels will become available. Following which there will then be a one month ‘grace' period to help Digital UK to resolve any problems that may arise.
If you receive your TV signals from another region, i.e. the Meridian Region, the Wales Region you may also be able to pick up your television signal from these areas. This will depend on when your aerial was installed. If you're unsure, you should contact your local Registered Digital Installer (RDI) for advice on which transmitter will give you the strongest signal.
If your current reception is slightly snowy, it's likely to improve after the switchover takes place. However, if your current aerial is in poor condition, or your current signal quality is very poor, you may need to look at other options such as cable TV or satellite TV.
How can I find out if I'm digital already and get the best deal?
If you haven't gone digital yet, our experts are available 7 days per week to offer free and impartial advice to help you find the best digital deal, or you can use Simplifydigital's online digital services comparison tool to find the best deal for you.