Digital switchover involves the switch-off of the analogue terrestrial transmissions network that has been in place for more than 65 years - and its replacement with an all-digital terrestrial network.

Switchover will affect all viewers who have any televisions through which they can only receive analogue services BBC1, BBC2, ITV, C4/S4C and (where available) Five services through the TV aerial.

Beginning in late 2007 it will take around four to five years to complete the switchover process and it will take place region by region.

 

Once the switch is complete, the existing analogue services will be turned off, leaving anyone that hasn't switched to a digital TV, without a TV service. Digital boxes now cost around £30 as a one-off payment. It's assumed that the low-cost outlay for the benefit of an extra 50+ channels will be enough to encourage most people to switch.