Digital TV Switchover in Sutton 2012

Soon all areas of the UK will have their national & regional television broadcast in Digital format (replacing the current Analogue signal which will be turned off for good). This switchover is due to take place in the London area (including Sutton) in 2012.

Digital TV Robot

 This means that viewers will have a greater choice in free television stations (via the 'Freeview' or 'Freesat' platforms), with clearer pictures & digital sound. The transfer from Analogue to Digital TV should be a very easy & seemless process but certain equipment is required & you may need to get a professional installation depending on what option you have chosen to view Digital TV.  

Note: You do not need to throw away your old TV as this can be used with a Digital Tuner after the Switchover.

What you may need to view Digital TV after the Switchover in 2012:

  • A Digital Television (a TV with an integrated Digital tuner or a Digital Freesat tuner) or
  • A Freeview Tuner (Digital Set-top box) - which plugs into the back of an Analogue TV (a TV without any Digital Tuners) or
  • A Freeview PVR (Digital Set top box) - A digital tuner which can record programmes & plugs into an Analogue TV or
  • A Freesat Tuner (Set-top box) - which is connected to a Freesat dish (you may have to have professionally installed) & plugs into the back of an Analogue TV. You may require planning permission to install a satellite dish so please check with your Local Authority planning department.

You can also view Digital TV on Satellite or Cable services (which can also offer the option to record programmes) - Note: these services are normally on a fee-paying subscription basis and you may require planning permission to install a satellite dish.

There are many options available to view Digital TV (before & after the switchover) which may require different types of equipment. Please refer to our 'Related Links' area at the bottom of this page to visit external sites which will be able to give further details on Digital TV, certain services & the equipment you may need. These links will open up a seperate window.

The 'Switchover Help Scheme' has been set up so that eligible people (those who are 75 years old or over, if they have lived in a care home for at least six months, or are suffering from sight impairment or receiving certain disability benefits) can switch from Analogue to Digital TV as painlessly as possible. Engineers can visit & install easy to use equipment & demonstrate how it all works. Please refer to the 'Related Links' below for further information & to see if you are eligible (this will open a new window).