TV digital switchover in West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent

Thousands of homes will be able to receive Freeview signals for the first time

Digital switchover has started across West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent during which the five analogue TV channels will be switched off.

Freeview signals will be boosted enabling thousands of homes to receive the digital service for the first time.

An advice line and website are available to help with the switchover.

Analogue services are scheduled to be switched off in two stages at each transmitter group. BBC Two will become digital on the first date.

Switch over dates

At stage one, analogue BBC Two will be switched off and the first group of Freeview digital channels will become available from relay transmitters for the first time.

At stage two, the remaining analogue channels will be permanently switched off and replaced with additional digital TV, radio and text services.

Freeview channels

Before switchover, Freeview channels are available from main transmitter sites only, offering viewers with digital TVs or set top boxes a line-up of more than 40 channels.

Switchover will see more than 1,000 local relay transmitters upgraded to digital.

After switchover, relay transmitters will broadcast around 15 Freeview TV channels, including BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5 plus associated services such as ITV2 and BBC Three.

Viewers can use the postcode checker atdigitaluk.co.ukto check channel availability in their area or ring the advice line on 08456 50 50 50.

Almost any TV, including black and white sets, can be converted to digital using a digital box. Video and DVD recorders will be able to play and record after switchover, but most will not allow the viewer to record one channel while watching another.

A digital TV recorder with twin tuners will also convert your TV to digital.

The Switchover Help Scheme will offer equipment and practical support to older and disabled viewers. It will write to eligible viewers in the run-up to switchover. Call 0800 40 85 900 or visithelpscheme.co.ukfor more details.

Digital TV is also available via cable, satellite and broadband.