It will take around four to five years to complete the switchover process. It will take place region by region (very likely to be based on ITV regions). Viewers in each region will have a minimum of two years notice about when the switching process will start in their region.

The process of switchover will take place between 2008 and 2012, ITV region by ITV region:

2008 Border
2009 West Country, HTV Wales, Granada
2010 HTV West, Grampian, Scottish Television
2011 Yorkshire, Anglia, Central
2012 Meridian, Carlton/LWT (London), Tyne Tees, Ulster

In each region, consumers can expect changes to take place over a period of weeks. This could happen as follows;

Messages appear on screen saying that from next month one analogue service (for example BBC TWO) will no longer be available. On the named date, the analogue service stops and the digital multiplex carrying BBC TWO (and also BBC ONE, BBC THREE, BBC FOUR, CBBC, CBeebies) will move to the frequency channel vacated by analogue BBC TWO. Shortly afterwards, messages appear on screen saying that some or all of the other analogue services are about to stop. On the named day, or days, BBC ONE, ITV1, Channel 4 (or S4C in Wales) and Five stop transmitting in analogue, and the multiplexes carrying these digital services move to the frequency channels vacated by the analogue service

Each of these changes should happen overnight. Each set top box or integrated digital television for terrestrial services will need to rescan (either automatically or manually) so that the viewer can watch the digital services at their new settings.

The way that we watch TV through a normal aerial is changing. The services that are currently available are transmitted by an analogue service which is being phased out and replaced by digital transmissions. This process is called "Digital Switchover" and was outlined by Ofcom in February 2005 and confirmed in the governments pre-election manifesto for 2008-2012.

This switchover is going to affect the way that everyone is able to watch their TV. The good news is that it is relatively inexpensive to receive digital transmissions. All that is required is a good quality aerial and a digital set top box. It works like traditional TV but because the signals are Digital you need a set top box to convert them (or a new Digital TV with all the technology in a box already built-in). This means more channels can be transmitted with extra features such as interactivity and widescreen pictures. Digital reception can never be guaranteed and additional amplification may be needed, however, we have carried out many successful installations in areas that have been deemed unsuitable for digital reception.

In the past aerials were divided into groups depending on what frequencies were required to receive a signal from the local transmitter. Locally this meant that to receive a signal from the Sudbury transmitter a group B aerial covering UHF channels 35 to 53 was used. To receive signals from the Tacolneston transmitter a group C/D aerial was used covering UHF channels 48 to 68. However some of the new multiplex channels are outside of the range that was covered by older aerials. What this means is that to receive all the digital channels a new wideband aerial covering UHF channels 21 to 68 has to be used.

If you currently receive your TV signal from the Tacolneston transmitter you should currently be able to receive all the new channels as the multiplexs have been allocated channels within the range of the old group C/D aerials, however, after the switcover some multplexs will move out of the old aerial group. If you receive your TV signal from the Sudbury transmitter you will find that you are unlikely to be able to receive multiplexs 5 and 2 as these have been allocated channels outside of the older group B aerials.

Digital Upgrade
We will replace your old aerial with a new wideband one using the existing mast, brackets and cables, as long as it is safe to use them. Our engineer will always tell you if any part of your existing set up needs changing before any work is carried out. Prices for this service start from just £100* inc VAT

Digital Loft Installation
We will install a new wideband aerial into your loft space using new brackets, mounts, cabling and connectors. Prices for this service start from just £112.50* inc VAT

Digital External Installation
We will install a new wideband aerial on to your property using new brackets, mast, cabling and connectors. Prices for this service start from just £125* inc VAT

Full Freeview Installation
We will install a new wideband aerial on to your property using new brackets, mast, cabling and connectors. We will then fit and set up a brand new Freeview set top box. Prices for this service start from just £165* inc VAT

Full Setanta Installation
We will install a new wideband aerial on to your property using new brackets, mast, cabling and connectors. We will then fit and set up a brand new Freeview set top box which includes Setanta. Prices for this service start from just £175* inc VAT

Deluxe Freeview Installation
We will install a new wideband aerial on to your property using new brackets, mast, cabling and connectors. We will then fit and set up an integrated Freeview HDD recorder giving you the option to record one digital channel while watching another. You also have the option to “pause live TVâ€�, just like a Sky+ box. Prices for this service start from just £250* inc VAT

* Prices quoted for properties within a 10 mile radius of Stowmarket. For properties outside of this area please call for a quote. We can never guarentee the reception of digital TV signals and extra amplifacation and/or bracketry may be required.

Ashtons Aerials & Satellite are pleased to be able to supply or install a wide range of products and services specific to viewing terrestrial TV. Services range from picture improvement, aerial upgrades, extra viewing points, complete installations from single properties through to communal viewing solutions. For sales, service or free advice, please call into our shop, phone us or email us by clicking here.