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Digital TV Switchover Checklist - How ready are you?

 

By the end of 2012, the UK Government is set to switch off the analogue TV service. It's not just your main TV that needs to "go digital"... there are other things to check.

Any piece of equipment that gets a TV signal via a TV aerial could be affected - that includes extra TV sets, video recorders and portable TV sets.

Here's a quick checklist of things that might require your attention:

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On your main TV set, can you currently watch digital TV channels like BBC Three, ITV2 and E4?

- This could be using a service such as Freeview, Sky (satellite), Freesat (satellite) or Virgin Media (cable).

If not, you'll need to set up your main TV to receive Digital TV. How to get Digital TV

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If you have a video recorder, DVD recorder or hard-disk recorder (PVR) connected to your main TV set, can it record digital TV channels like BBC Three, ITV2 and E4?.

- Your recorder may have a built-in Freeview receiver, or it may be connected to a digital set-top box.

- Be aware that if you want to be able to record one digital channel while watching a different digital channel, you may need two digital TV receivers.

More on Recording Digital TV
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Check each of your other TV sets in your home. Can they currently get digital TV channels like BBC Three, ITV2 and E4?

- If not, they may need their own digibox, or to be connected to your main TV's digibox to receive Digital TV. Digital TV in other rooms

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Are there any other video or DVD recorders in your house? If you want them to be able to record TV shows, can they currently can they record digital TV channels like BBC Three, ITV2 and E4?

More on Recording Digital TV
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Have you checked any other TV receivers, such as portable or handheld TV receivers, or any TV receivers that connect to your computer. Are they able to receive digital TV?