Get ready for the digital switchover
Digital switchover is the biggest change to television since the introduction of colour. Between now and 2011, analogue TV broadcasts will be switched off across the country and replaced with digital (Freeview) signals. Virtually every home in Scotland will then be able to receive extra TV channels, digital radio and interactive services free via an aerial.
Scottish Borders became the first region to complete the change in November last year. Switchover will now progress to south-west Scotland in June, continuing to the north of Scotland throughout 2010 and finishing in Lothian, parts of Edinburgh and Fife by June 2011.
If you currently receive just the traditional five UK channels (BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, Channel 4 and Five ) - or only some of them - on any of your TV sets, you'll need to think about your options for getting digital. Even if you're already watching digital TV on your main set, you still need to think about other televisions around your home which may need updating.
Digital UK, the independent body leading the change, is urging people to get ready for the switch. There are three main ways to go digital - by converting your existing TV with a digital box, opting for a digital service via satellite or cable, or by buying a new TV with a built-in digital tuner.
Paul Hughes, Digital UK's National Manager for Scotland said: "Viewers must make sure that their TVs are capable of receiving a digital signal in order to continue receiving television services after switchover. Virtually any TV, even black and white ones, can be converted with a digital box.
"As part of our information campaign we'll be writing to every household and holding around 300 events across Scotland. We are also working with retailers, charities and local councils to make sure people in each area know what is happening and how to prepare."
To help you prepare for switchover, here are five top tips
1. Know your switchover date. You can find out when you switch by typing your postcode into the Digital UK website www.digitaluk.co.uk or by ringing our helpline (08456 50 50 50).
2. Check your options for going digital. There are a number of ways to get digital television (via an aerial, satellite, cable or phone line) and both subscription and non-subscription services are available. The Digital UK postcode checker can tell you what services are available where you live.
3. Look for the 'digital tick'. This is the special logo that identifies television products and services that are designed to keep working after switchover. Remember, you don't need to buy a new television for switchover as almost any set can be converted using a digital box, available from around £20.
4. Think about recording. After switchover, video and analogue DVD recorders will still be able to play tapes and discs but you'll need to connect them to a digital television or one which has been converted with a digital box in order to record programmes. They will only be able to record the channel being watched. If you want to record one channel while watching another, the simplest way is to get a digital TV recorder. This also gives you extra features too, such as the ability to pause live TV and record an entire series at the touch of a button. A model with a 'twin tuner' can be used to convert your TV and recording equipment at the same time.
5. Check if you qualify for help. The Switchover Help Scheme can provide eligible people with assistance to convert one TV to digital. People are eligible if they are 75 or over, have been living in a care home for six months or more, are registered blind or partially sighted, or entitled to certain disability allowances. It costs £40, or if you're eligible and also get certain income-related benefits, it's free. If you're eligible, the Help Scheme will be in touch in plenty of time to ask if you want help.
