Max Your Cash: Digital Switchover
You may know everything's going digital soon, but do you know exactly what the switchover will mean to you?
Lucy Owen has some top tips for joining the digital age.
The big picture
There are lots of different ways of getting digital TV so the first thing to find out is which services are available in your area.
If you type your postcode into the Digital UK website it will tell you which services you can get now and after switchover. You can also phone them on 08456 505050.
Freeview is free digital TV received through your aerial. One in three Welsh homes can't get it now but after switchover, 98% will be able to get around 20 Freeview channels and 73% will have more than 40 to flick between.
If you already get more than the standard four or five channels, then you already have digital. But, remember, it's not just your main television that you need to think about. If you have other TVs around the house, you'll need to get those ready for switchover too.
Box cleverMost of us have seen the TV adverts, posters and leaflets about switchover, but there still seem to be some myths around getting digital TV. Here are some commonly asked questions:
Do I need a new TV?No. You don't have to consign your old set to the scrapheap. Virtually all TVs, even black and white ones, can be converted using a digital box.
Do I need a special aerial?Probably not. Most rooftop aerials will work fine to get digital TV but around half of set-top aerials won't. You can find out if you'll need a new one using the test on Teletext page 284. Installing a new rooftop aerial will cost £60 to £180 and you should look for an installer with the digital tick logo. Remember, if you get cable or satellite, you won't need an aerial at all.
When will digital switchover happen in my area?When you switch depends on which transmitter you get your signal from. First to switch in Wales is the Swansea area in August and last is south east Wales next March. Knowing which area you fall into might not be as straightforward as it sounds. Digital UK's postcode checker or helpline can tell you the date for your home.
How much will it cost?The cost of going digital depends on which service you choose to get and how much choice you want. The simplest, cheapest way is to plug a set-top box into your TV so it can receive Freeview. Boxes start from £15 and after that, there's nothing to pay.
If you want more channels but don't want to be tied to a contract, you could look at Freesat which is a satellite service for a one-off fee.
If you're buying a new TV anyway, you could opt for one with a digital tuner built-in which start from around £150. Sports or movie fans will get the most choice with a cable or satellite service, but will have to pay a monthly subscription.
There's also extra help for disabled and elderly people who can get a TV converted through a Government scheme. This costs £40 or is free if you're on certain benefits.
Lucy got some money saving tips for going digital from Matt Bath, of consumer organisation Which?
He said: "If you're considering the Freeview or the Freesat service, then you're just paying for a one off box right from the off, after that there are no on going subscription charges.
"If you already have digital and you want more channels or maybe want to save some money then it is definitely worth considering worth changing your digital package.
"Retailers at the moment really want to shift those big TVs so if you're considering wanting to watch high-definition content there are lots of TV bargains to be had at the moment."
Web links and phone numbers:- Digital UK: , 08456 50 50 50
- Switchover Help Scheme: , 0800 40 85 903
- Consumer test reports on digital TV products:
