Digital switchover - frequently asked questions

Want to know more about the switch to digital? Consult our comprehensive FAQs to get all the information you need on the digital switchover...

Top five questions

What channels will I get with digital TV?

You'll be able to get more channels with digital than with terrestrial analogue television - but how many depends on the digital service you choose.

With Sky TV, you're able to build a package that mirrors your interests and passions. And because you can choose to receive 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 of our Entertainment Packs - each containing a set of themed channels - you only pay for the TV you want to watch. Our Premium Packs, the Movies Pack and the Sports Pack are also available. Plus you'll automatically receive more than 200 free-to-air digital channels, four times more than Freeview, including all your BBC, ITV and Channel 4 favourites. And with Sky+ you can watch what you want, when you want, so you can make the most of what's on offer.

Why is the digital switchover happening?

Switching to digital enables viewers to experience much more through their televisions, now and in the future. Digital TV signals use less broadcast space than analogue, allowing more capacity for other services - including more TV channels, new features and high definition (HD) television. Once analogue is switched off, the strength of the digital signal will be boosted, improving levels of availability and broadcast quality throughout the UK.

Do I need a new aerial?

With Sky, you will receive digital quality pictures and sound through your minidish - meaning you won't need an aerial upgrade which, if required, can cost up to £180. If you choose to receive a service like Freeview you may need to upgrade your aerial after the switchover.

Will my video still work?

Your recorder may be affected after the switchover, with some DVD and video recorders losing the ability to record one programme while you watch another. Sky+ is a digital TV switchover solution and digital video recorder in one, meaning you can continue to record and store your favourite programmes to watch.

I already have Sky. Does that mean I have digital TV?

Yes. Sky provides a digital signal through your satellite, so you're already watching digital TV in your home. Remember, you need to convert all the TVs in your house to digital, not just your main one. If you want to watch Sky on more than one TV in your house, find out more about Sky Multiroom today.

About digital switchover

What is the digital switchover?

The digital switchover is the process of switching the traditional analogue TV signal over to a digital TV signal, taking place on a region-by-region basis across the UK between now and 2012. It means that television viewers will need to convert, upgrade or replace their TV equipment to receive digital signals.

Why is the digital switchover happening?

Switching to digital enables viewers to experience much more through their televisions, now and in the future. Digital TV signals use less broadcast space than analogue, allowing more capacity for other services - including more TV channels, new features and high definition (HD) television. Once analogue is switched off, the strength of the digital signal will be boosted, improving levels of availability and broadcast quality throughout the UK.

What will happen if I don't do anything?

Once your TV region has switched to digital, you will not be able to watch TV using the traditional analogue signal through your TV aerial. Getting digital TV from Sky or another provider is the only way to ensure you won't lose your favourite channels.

Who is responsible for digital switchover?

The Government is responsible for digital switchover policy and made the decision to turn off the analogue signal and switch to digital. Digital UK (digitalUK.co.uk) is a not-for-profit organisation leading the implementation of the switchover.

What is the digital tick logo?

The 'digital tick' logo is an official certification mark, usually black with a pink tick, to help consumers identify products and services which will work through switchover. If you're buying a new TV or new TV equipment, for example, look for the 'digital tick' logo - this indicates that the product is designed to work both before and after the switchover.

When is the digital switchover happening?

The digital switchover will be taking place on a region-by-region basis between now and 2012. To find out when your local area will be switching to digital, take a look our interactive digital switchover map.

How do I know when my local area is switching to digital?

The switchover is happening between November 2007 and 2012 on a regional basis. To find out when the digital switchover is coming to your region, consult our interactive digital switchover map.

Why isn't every region being switched over at the same time?

There are over a thousand TV transmitters to switch to digital across the UK, therefore in order to minimise the risk of disrupting TV services and ensure a smooth transition from analogue to digital, the switchover is being staggered by region.

Will I have to buy a new TV?

No. Virtually all TVs will work after the switchover - even old or black and white televisions - as long as you can connect it to a digital box like a Sky+ box. A SCART lead is the best way to connect your digital box to your TV set. If your TV was manufactured after 1996, it will probably have a SCART socket (it's the rectangular socket with holes for 21 pins). If your TV doesn't have a SCART socket there are still other methods to connect your TV to your digital box - ask your local electrical retailer for the available options.

If you're buying a new TV, look for the 'digital tick' logo. This indicates that the equipment is designed to work after the digital switchover.

Do I need a new aerial?

With Sky, you will receive digital quality pictures and sound through your minidish - meaning you won't need an aerial upgrade which, if required, can cost up to £180. If you choose to receive a service like Freeview you may need to upgrade your aerial after the switchover.

Will my video still work?

Your recorder may be affected after the switchover, with some DVD and video recorders losing the ability to record one programme while you watch another. Sky+ is a digital TV switchover solution and digital video recorder in one, meaning you can continue to record and store your favourite programmes to watch.

Will my TV licence by affected by the digital switchover?

No. You will need to pay your TV licence as usual.

Is digital TV the same as high definition TV (HD TV)?

High definition or HD refers to a screen definition standard that offers four times more picture detail, incredibly vibrant colours and superb quality sound, rather than digital compatibility. If you're buying an HD TV, look for the digital 'tick' logo to ensure that your HD TV is also designed to work with digital TV. Find out more about HD and Sky+HD here.

What is the Switchover Help Scheme?

The Switchover Help Scheme is a government scheme set up to help eligible households to switch one of their TV sets to digital. The scheme will explain the digital switchover process to you, discuss your requirements and set you up with everything you need. It's thought that over seven million households are eligible to receive help - find out more by visiting the Digital UK website, DigitalUK.co.uk.

Am I eligible for the Help Scheme?

It's estimated that over seven million households are eligible to receive help through the Switchover Help Scheme. The Switchover Help Scheme is available if:

  • You are aged 75 or over
  • You are living in a care home, and have done so for six months or more
  • You are registered blind or partially sighted
  • You are receiving Disability living allowance

If you're unsure, call Digital UK on 08456 50 50 50 or visit DigitalUK.co.uk.

Sky and the digital switchover

Why should I choose Sky as my digital TV provider?

Let Sky take care of your switch to digital TV. Here are six reasons why...

  1. Great value, quality TV - up to four times the number of channels currently on Freeview
  2. The Sky+ box - it's a digital receiver and recorder in one, meaning you can watch what you want, when you want to
  3. Professional set-up - no need to worry about wires or retuning your TV yourself
  4. A digital quality minidish - no need to check if you need to upgrade your aerial
  5. Free broadband and calls for the ultimate home entertainment package
  6. Peace of mind after the switchover - you'll get a 12 month warranty on your box, there's no need to re-tune your equipment after each switchover and our helpline is available to answer any questions every day, from 8.30am - 11pm

Find out more about your complete digital switchover solution from Sky today.

I already have Sky. Does that mean I have digital TV?

Yes. Sky provides a digital signal through your satellite, so you're already watching digital TV in your home. Remember, you need to convert all the TVs in your house to digital, not just your main one. If you want to watch Sky on more than one TV in your house, find out more about Sky Multiroom today.

How is Sky installed?

Arrange a time and date that suits you to get set up, and we'll take the care of the rest, including putting up your minidish, setting up your equipment and showing you how everything works.

What are the benefits of going digital?

Switching to digital means viewers will be able to experience much more through their televisions, now and in the future. Digital TV signals use less broadcast space than analogue, allowing more capacity for other services, including:

  • More TV channels
  • Digital radio through your TV
  • New technology including high definition (HD) television (when you have an HD box)
  • Improved picture quality and reliability
  • Wider geographical availability and quality of TV channels
  • New features, including on-screen TV listings and interactive TV (the 'red button')

What channels will I get with digital TV?

You'll be able to get more channels with digital than with terrestrial analogue television - but how many depends on the digital service you choose.

With Sky TV, you're able to build a package that mirrors your interests and passions. And because you can choose to receive 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 of our Entertainment Packs - each containing a set of themed channels - you only pay for the TV you want to watch. Our Premium Packs, Sky Movies Pack and Sky Sports Pack are also available. Plus you'll automatically receive more than 200 free-to-air digital channels, four times more than Freeview, including all your BBC, ITV and Channel 4 favourites.

I can't receive channel Five. Will I be able to receive digital?

Yes, you will still be able to receive digital. In fact, after you switch to digital you should be able to watch Channel Five as well.

Please read the Terms and Conditions below:

Due to demand at Christmas existing customers may not be able to get installed in time to watch the Christmas channel.

For £18.50 you'll get Sky TV 2 entertainment packs (£18.50 a month), Sky Broadband Base (for £0 a month when you take Sky Talk, otherwise £5 a month) and Sky Talk Freetime (£0 a month)

1. Sky Broadband Base is free in Sky network areas when you take Sky Talk. Sky Talk Freetime includes selected free UK evening and weekend calls. UK calls are to 01, 02, 03 & 0870 numbers only (excludes calls to Channel Islands, indirect access numbers, dial-up Internet access and 070 numbers). Max price for other 08 numbers is 10ppm, with a max connection fee of 10p. Max price for 070 is 48ppm, with a max connection fee of 50p. Full tariff details at sky.com/callpricing. 'Free' and 'unlimited' calls last up to an hour, then UK calls charged at 5.25ppm at any time of day and international calls at Sky Talk standard rates, or hang up and redial as often as you like. Unlimited international landline calls to 20 countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and USA and calls to international mobiles in Canada and USA. Subject to Acceptable Use Policy. See sky.com/skytalk.

Sky+/Sky+HD box offer: Sky+HD offer ends 28 December 2009. Free Sky+HD box for new Sky TV customers taking Sky TV, Sky Movies Pack 1 or 2 and the HD Pack for 12 months. Offer also available to existing Sky TV customers joining Sky+HD with the HD Pack and taking a Sky TV package with Sky Movies Pack 1 or 2 for 12 months. Existing customers must also recommit to Sky TV for 12 months. Free Sky+ box for new Sky TV customers taking Sky TV for 12 months. Free Sky+HD and Sky+ box not available in conjunction with any other offer.

Online Marks and Spencer voucher offer: Join Sky TV online by 17 December 2009 and we'll send you a £50 Marks and Spencer voucher within 30 days of activating your viewing. Only available for new customers with their viewing card enabled by 17 January 2010. One voucher per household and only available when you join online. Marks and Spencer voucher is subject to separate terms and the offer is not available in conjunction with other offers.

^Dolby Digital 5.1 Available on many programmes. Compatible home cinema system required.

Set-Up: Current standard set up lead times for new Sky TV customers for UK mainland currently average 7-10 days and are likely to increase before Christmas. Existing customers may be longer. Standard set-up for free Sky+HD box is £30 for new and existing Sky TV customers (£15 if you take a new Multiroom subscription). Standard set-up for non-offer £49 Sky+HD box is £30 for new customers (£15 if you take a new multiroom subscription). and £60 for existing Sky TV customers (£30 if you take a new Multiroom subscription). Standard set-up for Sky+ box is £30 for new customers (£15 if you take Multiroom) or £60 for existing Sky TV customers. Non-standard set-up may cost extra. Standard set-up for a standard Sky box is £60 for new and existinf customers. Standard set-up £120 without Sky TV. Sky Broadband set-up fees for existing Sky TV customers £60 for Base, £30 for Everyday & Connect or free for Unlimited.

Sky TV Subscription: Packages from £18-£48.50 per month (pm). Sky Box Office costs extra. Free Sky+ box available with any package. Sky News and Sky Three are available without subscription; Sky Three, Ch4, Five, Five US and Fiver require a viewing card.

Sky+: If you do not take up this Sky+ offer Sky+ box costs £49 for new Sky TV customers. For existing Sky TV customers Sky+ box £149 (or £49 when taking a new Multiroom subscription). Existing customers need to sign up to another 12 month minimum term for Sky TV. One £49/£149 box per household and not available if you already have Sky+/SkyHD/Sky+HD box or if you take a Sky+HD box at the same time. Sky+ box up to £199 if you are not eligible for discounted price (Sky TV subscription required). Sky+ can store an average of 40 hours of programmes. Sky+ functionality requires a Sky+ subscription (free for Sky TV customers, or £10 pm) and two satellite feeds.

Sky+HD: £10 pm for the HD Pack. HD channels received depend on your Sky TV package. If you do not take up this Sky+HD offer Sky+HD box costs £49 when you take the HD Pack and Sky TV and existing customers sign up to another 12 month minimum term for Sky TV. One £49 box per household and not available if you already have SkyHD/Sky+HD box or if you take a Sky+ box at the same time. Sky+HD box up to £199 if you are not eligible for discounted price (Sky TV and HD Pack subscriptions required). Sky+ functionality requires a Sky+ subscription (free for Sky TV customers, or £10 pm) and two satellite feeds. Sky+HD can store an average of 30 hours of high definition and 80 hours of standard definition programmes. HD ready TV required. Luxe TV HD, Channel 4 HD and BBC HD are available without subscription. Channel 4 HD requires a viewing card.

Sky Multiroom: £10 pm. Provides the same Sky TV channels as your main Sky TV subscription on a box in another room. You must subscribe to Sky TV throughout and an extra box is required for each Multiroom subscription. Each box you have must be connected to the same fixed telephone line at all times. To receive your HD subscription channels in another room, you'll need another Sky+HD box and HD Pack subscription.

Remote Record: Recording requests must be made at least 30 minutes before start of programme. Confirmation costs 25p. Mobile network charges apply. See Sky Active OR sky.com for full details.

Sky Anytime TV: Sky+ subscription & Sky+HD or recent Sky+ box required. Available programming will depend on your Sky TV subscription.

Sky Player: Price and availability of content depends on whether you are a Sky TV customer and the kind of subscription you have. PC with Microsoft Windows XP or Vista or Intel based Mac required. Sky Multiroom, Broadband Unlimited, or Sky Player subscription required for Live TV. Minimum 2Mb broadband connection recommended. Some programmes from live Sky TV channels are unavailable to show online (see skyplayer.sky.com).

Introduce A Friend offer: Only available by the steps set out on Sky.com/friend and not by any other means e.g. via a retail outlet. Offer ends 8 December 2009. New customer cannot be in same household. Vouchers sent within 30 days of receipt of first subscription payment from new customer provided existing customer's account is active. Existing customer must remain an active subscriber to qualify. M&S vouchers subject to separate terms and conditions. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Offer excludes Sky group employees and agents and cannot be offered commercially.

Sky Broadband: You must subscribe to your chosen Broadband product for 12 months. Monthly subscription providing you remain a Sky Talk subscriber: Base £0; Everyday £5; Unlimited £10 (otherwise £5, £10 or £15). Connect at £17 pm is available to customers outside our network area. Monthly usage caps: Base – 2GB; Everyday – 10GB; & subject to Traffic Management Policy. Maximum upload speed: Base –400Kb; Everyday –600Kb; Unlimited –1.3Mb; Speed you get depends on factors including distance from the exchange and line quality. See sky.com for more details and our Usage Policies. McAfee Security Free Trial: Base-3 months, Everyday-3 months, Unlimited-12 months, Connect-3 months, then £3 per month unless you let us know you no longer wish to subscribe.

Sky Talk: 12 month minimum term applies to new Sky Talk customers and to existing customers taking up Sky Talk Line Rental. Sky Talk is only available to Sky digital subscribers paying by Direct Debit/continuous credit card mandate. Calls only packages not available to BT line rental customers with BT Basics or if outgoing calls are barred. Compatible BT line required for Sky Talk line rental. Codes of Practice for sales and marketing and premium rate/NTS services can be found at sky.com/skytalk.

General: Pre-registration required for existing customers due to exceptional demand. Once registered you will receive an indication of when you can complete your order. Your Sky box(es) must be connected to a fixed telephone line for 12 months. Sky+/Sky+HD box prices may vary if you live in a flat. You must get any consents required (e.g. landlord's). Minimum Sky TV/Sky+/HD Pack/Multiroom subscriptions 12 months. You must be 18 years or over. Channels/programmes & prices subject to change. Prices shown apply to customers paying by Direct Debit. For continuous debit/credit card mandate, 50p monthly charge applies. Information only applies to residential customers in UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. Further terms apply. Calls cost 5p per minute (plus up to 9p connection fee) for BT customers. Calls from other providers may vary. Correct at 27 October 2009.

3 BT line rental £12.50 a month with paper-billing (£11.25 a month for paper-free billing). Sky Talk line rental £11 a month. Sky Talk customers can request paper billing at no extra cost.