Are you ready for the digital switchover?

If you're still using an old-style analogue TV aerial, time is running out to convert to a digital tuner as the London area will switch over from an analogue to a digital signal this April. London is one of the last areas in the UK to covert from analogue to digital, and the switchover will take place in two stages on 4 and 18 April this year. 

Any modern flatscreen TV will almost certainly be able to receive a digital signal, meaning you will be able to tune to dozens of free-to-air digital channels such as BBC Three, Film4, VIVA and Sky News. If you have an older television set that does not currently receive digital channels, you will need a digital set-to box in order to continue receiving broadcasts after the switchover.

A Freeview set-top box costing from just £20 will give you access to over 40 free digital channels; fancier options include one-off installations of freesat (freesat.co.uk) offering over 120 TV channels, or www.freesatfromsky.co.uk with over 240 channels. If you want extra sports and movie packages, you might prefer a satellite or cable TV subscrtiption package such as those offered by Sky, BT or Virgin Media.

Older and disabled people can take advantage of the government's switchover help scheme, which offers equipment and installation at a heavily subsidised cost for eligible residents. Check here to see if you or a family member might qualify.

If you have more general questions about the digital switchover timetable, see the Digital UK website for more help and information.