Where did BBC 2 go?

Yesterday the BBC 2 analogue signal was switched off in Wilmslow which marks the beginning of the switch to digital. The remaining analogue channels will be switched off on the 2nd of December. The digital switchover is thebiggest change to TV since the  introduction of colour in the late 1960's.

If you have not already switched there are four options for receiving digital TV, either through: an aerial (called digital terrestrial TV), satellite television, a cable TV connection or via broadband internet. 

If you decide to purchase new TV equipment with a digital box built in then you should ensure that is has the "digital tick" logo on the product. However you don't need to buy new televisions because almost all TVs can be converted with a digital box. Your television will need either a scart or RF input, if it doesn't have either of these then unfortunately it cannot be converted to receive digital TV. Most digital boxes come with scart sockets so you need to check that your TV has one, if it was made after 1996 it will have. If your TV doesn't have a scart socket then you must purchase a digital box that connects to the aerial socket (RF input).

Your analogue video recorders will still record after the switchover but most will not allow you to record one channel whilst watching another so you might want to consider purchasing a digital TV recorder. If you have an analogue TV then a digital TV recorder with a "twin tuner" is a good option as it will convert your TV as well.

Alternatively you can pick up your digital signal via satellite using either Sky or BBC/ITV. Sky is available for a one-off fee of £150 or on subscription. There is no subscription cost for BBC/ITV but an initial set up and installation fee of £80.

For further information on the digital switchover visit www.digitaluk.co.uk or www.bbc.co.uk/digital/tv.