The digital switchover is when your local TV transmitter will stop transmitting the analogue signal (the 5 channels that older TVs and VHS Video recorders can receive), and only transmit the Digital TV signal.

 

Why the switchover? Its a Government Policy, and means that almost everyone will be able to receive digital TV through an aerial. With digital only signals there will be more room for wireless broadband and High Definition (HD) channels.

What are the benefits? More channels to choose from Lots more features such as on-screen listings, interactivity, sub-titling, audio description Optional premium channels and access to HD TV

What do you need to do?

The most simple is a digital receiver and a digital aerial

To continue to receive TV through an aerial without paying a subscription, you will need to switchover to a digital receiver with Freeview: 

• a digital Freeview receiver is built into most new TVs
• as a separate set top box with or without a recorder, see our Freeview range.

To obtain good performance from your digital receiver, you will need a modern digital aerial installed and setup. Your existing aerial may not provide a strong enough signal, which will make it difficult to setup your TV. It is the digital aerial and it's setup where you need our expert help - see our TV aerial installation page.

A satellite based system

At Handley Aerials we are able to provide and install satellite digital packages (equipment, satellite dishes, cabling, subscriptions) that include additional channels, digital recording, multi-room, and HD TV.

A satellite system is good in areas of poor aerial reception, or where a signal is shielded by buildings. There are a still many areas where a satellite digital system will perform better than an aerial system.

We are both SKY and freesat approved installers for:

• The full range of SKY satellite packages - subscription based
• Sky Freesat  - one off payment
• freesat, freesatHD and freesat+ from the BBC and ITV  - one off payment

When will the switch over happen?

The switchover date depends on where you are and which transmitter you receive your signal from. The two primary transmitters that affect Lancashire and West Yorkshire are:

Winter Hill - November 2009 Covers the Lancashire areas	Emley Moor - 2011 Covers West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire including: some parts of Barnoldswick and Earby
Check your transmitter area by postcode on the DigitalUK website

We cover Burnley, Nelson, Colne, Pendle, Accrington, Hyndburn, Blackburn, Darwen, Clitheroe, Ribble Valley, Preston, Rossendale, Haslingden, Bury, Rochdale, Lancashire, Keighley, Todmorden, Skipton, Settle, Halifax, West Yorkshire.