The digital switchover is an exciting time in the digital TV world. It will see TV signals switching from analogue - which sends TV signals through airwaves - to digital, where signals are converted to small packets of information before being sent through an aerial, satellite, cable or phone line.

Fairer TV access for everyone!

The digital switchover will make TV access fairer for everyone, as channels become more universally available. The channels that will be available to all after the digital switchover will include the public service channels BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1, C4 (plus S4C in Wales) and Five, plus associated digital channels such as ITV2, E4 and BBC Three. What's more, the picture quality can be better too.

Get ready for the switchover

To get ready for the switchover, you must convert all the TVs in your home; otherwise you won't be able to watch TV anymore.

The digital switchover is happening right now, and the analogue to digital switchover will be completed by 2012. So far the digital switchover timetable is in the early stages. Whitehaven in Cumbria was the first place to switch in October 2007, and the UK will be completely digital when the switchover finishes with Tyne, Tees and Ulster in 2012. You can find out when the digital switchover is happening in your region by visiting our 'When is it happening' section.