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Can I test my aerial before the digital switchover?
You can test your current aerial through analogue Teletext. This test is designed to check if your current aerial will need to be replaced or upgraded to receive digital TV through your aerial after the switchover.
The test pattern is broadcast on Teletext page 284 on BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 and S4C. You should carry out the test on all channels and under different weather conditions (fog, rain, fine dry weather, etc) to achieve a more accurate and objective result. If there are more than 4 squares missing (randomly spaced – complete lines missing are fine) then your aerial needs checked or replaced. Ideally, the screen should display a full grid of vertical/horizontal white boxes.
Factsheet: Indoor Aerials
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Factsheet: Technical Aerial Information
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How much should a new roof aerial cost?
Most aerials should work after digital switchover, but a few may require an upgrade or new cable connections if you decide to get Freeview.
If you do need a new aerial, installation is likely to cost around £60-£180, and an additional socket costs around £45.
If you need to upgrade your aerial, look for an installer belonging to the Registered Digital Installer Scheme (RDI), identified by the 'digital tick' logo. Registered Digital Installers are security checked and aerial experts.
I do not think I can get digital TV through my aerial now - do I have to wait and see whether I will?
You can test your current aerial through analogue Teletext. This test is designed to check if your current aerial will need to be replaced or upgraded to receive digital TV through your aerial after the switchover. The test pattern is broadcast on Teletext page 284 on BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 and S4C.
You should carry out the test on all channels and under different weather conditions (fog, rain, fine dry weather, etc) to achieve a more accurate and objective result. If there are more than 4 squares missing (randomly spaced – complete lines missing are fine) then your aerial needs checked or replaced. Ideally, the screen should display a full grid of vertical/horizontal white boxes.
What if I live in a flat or care home and am not responsible for my aerial?
You should contact your landlord, property manager, managing agent or care home manager to find out what plans they have made for preparing for the digital switchover. They should arrange to have any shared aerial system or wiring upgraded if it is needed.
You will however be responsible for converting your own TV.
Will I need a new TV aerial?
Most households won’t require a new TV aerial. As a rule of thumb, if you get a good analogue signal now, you should be able to get a good signal after the switchover.
Will set-top aerials work at switchover?
Set-top aerials are more susceptible to interference than a good roof-top aerial. General rule of thumb is that, if you currently get a good, clear analogue picture with a set-top aerial, you stand a fairly good chance of doing so after the switchover. But you may have to upgrade that indoor aerial. If you don’t currently get a good clear signal, you’re unlikely to with digital TV.
To test the performance of your set-top aerial please visit analogue Teletext page 284, or 484 on S4C in Wales.
Will my Video/ DVD recorder still work once I get digital?
After switchover video and analogue DVD recorders will still play back videotapes and DVDs as before, but will not be able to record one digital channel while you watch another.
If you would like to continue doing this after switchover the simplest way is to get a digital TV recorder. There are three types of digital TV recorders: a recorder that records onto a hard drive, a recorder that records onto a DVD and a recorder that allows you to do both.
If you have an analogue TV, consider getting a digital TV recorder that will also convert your TV with a 'twin tuner'. Look for the 'digital tick' logo. It means the product is designed to continue working after switchover.
Factsheet: Troubleshooting
This factsheet covers the following: