Digital switchover in the islands

Digit Al can help you out with switching to digital TV

Since 2008 the British Isles has been switching from analogue broadcasts (through an aerial) to digital (through an aerial, satellite dish, cable or internet) region by region.

It was previously believed that the Channel Islands would be the final region to switchover in 2013. This was mainly down to issues with available frequencies (how the picture is sent).

In January 2009 Digital UK confirmed that the Channel Islands will actually switch three years earlier than expected - on 17 November 2010.

So what does this mean for the islands' television viewers?

Well if you already have Sky or Freesat it will not mean quite as much as it will for people with only an aerial - but it is still worth reading the following FAQ.

Basically digital switchover means that the existing television signal (giving you BBC One, BBC Two, ITV 1 and Channel 4) will be turned off and replaced with a digital signal.

To receive this you will need a television with a built in digital receiver or an external digital receiver (for example: a Freeview set-top box).

Do I need digital?

From 17 November 2010 all television in the Bailiwick of Guernsey is being switched over to digital, so you will need digital equipment to watch it. You can wait until nearer the time to go digital, or you can make the switch now.

Do I need a new TV?

You will not need to buy a new TV to watch digital television but you will need a set-top box. This could come in the form of a Freeview box (connected to a television aerial) or a satellite box (Freesat or Sky connected to a satellite dish).

To continue watching TV via an aerial after switchover, viewers will need to convert their television using a digital box or make sure they have an integrated digital set.

Subscription and non-subscription digital TV services are also available via satellite (Sky and freesat).

What channels will I get?

After switchover, virtually all Channel Islands' households will receive 15 of the most watched Freeview channels and text services.

These will include the public service channels BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1, C4 and Five, plus associated digital channels such as ITV2, E4 and BBC Three.

You will also be able to receive those and others without a subscription through Freesat or Sky.

How much will it cost?

A Freeview box is currently available for around £30 and a Freesat box can be brought for around £50. However you may need a new aerial to receive Freeview if you are in a poor reception area or a dish to receive Freesat.

If you live in a flat with a satellite socket in the wall or a house with an existing Sky dish you will be able to use that connection for Freesat (you may void your contract with Sky if you have had the dish less than 12 months) or to receive channels from Sky without a subscription.

How will switchover work?

Terrestrial television in the Channel Islands is provided by the Fremont Point transmitter in Jersey and seven 'relay' masts in Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney.

Switchover takes place on Wednesday, 17 November. Shortly after midnight, analogue terrestrial TV channels (BBC One, BBC Two, Channel TV and Channel 4) will be permanently switched off and replaced with Freeview digital versions.

Additional TV, radio and text services from the public service broadcasters, including Five, will also become available for the first time.

All terrestrial TV services will be off-air during the night and are expected to be restored in some areas by around 6am and in other areas (served by relay transmitters) by around late afternoon.

Viewers should tune in Freeview equipment once signals are restored in their area.

How will I know when this is happening?

Digital UK will send leaflets to every home in the Channel Islands explaining switchover and the options available for going digital.

These will be backed up by radio and television advertising.

Six months before switchover, on-screen captions reminding viewers to get ready will appear on the television sets of those still watching analogue broadcasts.

What if I can not afford a digital box?

Digital UK will work in partnership with the islands' authorities and local organisations to provide advice and assistance for those who may need extra help.

A help scheme will be available to those who need most assistance. You will be eligible if you are over 75 or entitled to certain disability benefits. The help scheme will be in touch in plenty of time to ask if you want help.

What does 'digital' mean?

Digital means that the pictures and sounds are converted into computerised 'bits' of information and compressed, and then sent from a transmitter to your TV set.

The signal arrives at your set via an aerial or via a satellite dish, a cable or broadband.

The signal is then converted back into pictures and sounds with the aid of a decoder which is either built in to the TV, PC, or in a set-top box connected to it.

What is the difference between digital and the old system?

Because the digital signal is compressed, it takes up much less space in the airwaves (bandwidth) than the old system (known as 'analogue').

This makes it possible to fit more TV channels, radio networks and other services into the same amount of space.

Advice Points

On the day of switchover and the days after Digital UK will have special advice points around the islands for anyone need assistance with process.

Wednesday 17 November

Beau Sejour Leisure Centre - 1000-1600
La Trelade Hotel - 1000-1600
Peninsula Hotel - 1000-1600

Butes Centre, Alderney - 1000-1900

The Island Hall, Sark - 1300-1500 and 1730-1900

Thursday 18 November

Beau Sejour Leisure Centre - 1300-1900
La Trelade Hotel - 1300-1900
Peninsula Hotel - 1300-1900

Butes Centre, Alderney - 1300-1500 and 1730-1900

The Island Hall, Sark - 1300-1500 and 1730-1900

Friday 19 November

Beau Sejour Leisure Centre - 1300-1900
La Trelade Hotel - 1300-1900