The digital switchover is a reality, so whether your analogue TV is in Norfolk or Wales or any other part of UK, it will have to be replaced with a digital TV. Digital switchover or the analogue switch-off or the digital television transition has already happened in a number of countries and is currently picking up pace in the UK. The process has already covered a few regions and by the year 2012, this television transition will be complete. Digital UK is the official name behind the process.

The first question that strikes is why do we need this change? Many of you might think that analogue TV was just fine, so why do we make so many adjustments for this new technique? Simply put, digital TV is better because it offers more options in terms of channels and advanced audio and visual features. In addition to on screen listings, interactivity and related services, optional / premium facilities can also be availed. So from the end user perspective, this one time transition brings along a host of benefits. However this transition is not optional i.e. it is mandatory to be a part of the digital TV switchover. The government has laid down a plan for this switchover, as per which regions will be covered. You can also find out the date of the transition for your TV from the internet. Norwich TV transition, for instance, is scheduled for 2011. For a more specific date, you can fill your postcode and house name / number at digital UK website’s postcode checker section and the results will be shown within seconds. With this detail handy you will have enough time to plan.

But what is to be planned, or let’s say what needs to be changed? For the purpose of digital TV transition you can either buy one of those new trendy sets or convert your existing TV with a digital box. Norwich TV shops are already prepared for the switchover with a wide selection of choice available for digital TVs, SCART cables or RF modulators. A SCART cable or a RF modulator will be required to make your existing set compatible with the digital technology. Old recorders should work fine, but in case you’d like to record one channel, while you are watching another, a digital TV recorder will have to be purchased. For the aerial, it needs to be checked and In case it needs to be upgraded, you will have to go for a digital installer.

A switchover help scheme has also been launched and not just for those who live in Norwich. TV viewers who are more than 75 years old or have been living in a care home for more than 6 months are eligible to benefit from the help scheme. Additionally blind or partially sighted or those getting disability living allowance / attendance or constant attendance allowance / mobility supplement, can seek benefits from the help scheme.

The outlined was more or less a general overview on the ongoing digital transition; however there are region specific updates which you need to be aware of. For instance let’s continue with the case of TV Norwich transition. Norwich city council’s executive members are in the process of installing a new system called IRS i.e. the integrated reception system. IRS focuses on placing a UHF aerial, satellite dish and radio antenna for people living in blocks. About 9000 homes, which are mainly flats, would benefit from this. So Norwich TV households will not have to bear the cost of a satellite dish and they still can avail the features of digital transition.