Digital TV switchover: Let us put you in the picture

Confused by the digital TV switchover? Our guide will help ensure you can keep watching come June 1

What is digital TV switchover?

The process of converting the UK's terrestrial television system to digital. By the end of next year, analogue channels broadcast from more than a thousand transmitter sites across the UK will have been switched off region by region and replaced with Freeview digital TV and radio services.

Why is it happening?

Households in many parts of the UK are currently unable to receive Freeview services. Switching off the existing analogue broadcasting system will create the capacity necessary to extend coverage to the whole country. Broadcasting in digital format is also a more efficient way to transmit TV signals and will free up airwaves for new services such as ultra-fast wireless broadband and mobile television.

What happens at switchover and what do viewers need to do?

Switchover is a two-stage process. At stage one, BBC2 will cease broadcasting in analogue and BBC digital channels will become available for the first time to viewers watching local "relay" transmitters. At stage two, the remaining analogue channels will be permanently switched off and replaced with additional digital services. All Freeview, BT Vision and Top Up TV viewers will need to re-tune their equipment at both stages of switchover. Most people have already converted their main TV to digital. Viewers must ensure that their TVs are capable of receiving a digital signal in order to continue receiving television services after switchover. Virtually any TV, even black and white ones, can be converted with a digital box. Anyone buying new TV equipment should look for the "digital tick" logo which identifies equipment designed to work through switchover.

When will it happen here?

That depends where you live. For most of Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife the process will start on June 1, with stage 2 on June 15, when the Craigkelly transmitter above Burntisland, whose red light can clearly be seen at night across the Firth of Forth, is switched off. The Black Hill transmitter near Airdrie, which serves parts of west Edinburgh and most of West Lothian, will be switched off in two stages on June 8 and 22.

A postcode checker at digitaluk.co.uk will tell you which transmitter is most likely to serve your set, but if you've got an analogue TV you will know for sure in the coming days when a switchover message is beamed direct to your screen from the relevant transmitter.What are the different ways to get digital TV?

There are three main options:

• Convert your existing TV with a set-top box (for example Freeview, Top Up TV, BT Vision).

• Get a service like satellite or cable TV installed for you (such as Sky, Freesat, Virgin Media, Wight Cable or SmallWorld).

• Get a new TV with digital built in (for example, Freeview, Freesat).

The postcode checker on the website digitaluk.co.uk tells viewers which options are available in their area now and after switchover.

How much does digital TV cost?

For those getting digital for the first time or who are converting secondary sets around the home, the cost will vary according to the number of TVs and method of conversion. It's estimated that five to ten per cent of households may need to replace damaged aerials to receive Freeview signals.

• Freeview boxes start from 20.

• Digital televisions start from around 150.

• Freesat from Sky costs approximately 175 (includes installation).

• Freesat from BBC/ITV costs from 30 for a digital box or 450 for a digital TV. Satellite dish installation (if required) from 80.

• Subscriptions (such as Sky, Virgin, Top Up TV) start from approximately 10 per month.

• Digital television recorders cost from around 80.

• A standard new roof aerial normally costs 60-180.

What channels will viewers get?

Switchover will make Freeview television channels available across the UK. Viewers choosing to get digital television this way will be able to receive BBC1, BBC2, STV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, plus around 40 digital channels and other services free via an aerial in the vast majority of homes.

What other equipment is affected by the switchover?

Analogue recorders will be able to play tapes and discs but will need to be connected to a digital TV or one converted with a digital box to record new programmes. However, analogue recorders will only be able to record the digital channel your television is tuned into at the time.

What help is available?

Digital UK, an independent not-for-profit organisation set up by the main broadcasters to implement the switchover, operates an advice line on 08456 50 50 50 as well as the digitaluk.co.uk website. The BBC's Switch- over Help Scheme offers extra help to seven million people who are aged 75 or over; have lived in a care home for six months or more, get (or could get) certain disability benefits; or are registered blind or partially sighted. They qualify for equipment to convert one television, installation and follow-up support for a flat fee of 40 or free for some benefit claimants.