Breakfast's simple guide to the digital switch over

Over the coming months we'll be looking at some of the technological changes that are happening across the media.

Today, in the first of our reports, Susannah Streeter is in Dumfries, in Scotland.

It is the first region to go fully digital - in 2008, Wales will follow in 2009.

Susannah Streeter in Dumfries

Susannah spoke to a representative of Digital UK. He said that a small number of people will need a new tv ariel to get digital television.

For more information on what the switch to digital means, we've put together a simple guide and you can get comprehensive details including why the switch is necessary, and the timetable for each region from Digital UK

What is digital television?

At the moment, television sets all receive an analogue signal, but this only provides the five main channels.

Of course many people already watch digital pictures through a satellite, digital cable, or Freeview which uses a normal tv aerial plugged into a box, which is in turn connected to a television.

But they can also watch programmes via the analogue signal.

Eventually, everyone in the UK will need some means of watching programmes from a digital service as the analogue service is being phased out.

When is this happening?

The first region to change is the Border region - in 2008. The regions relate to the television regions that serve each part of the UK.

It will take until 2012 for every part of the UK to be switched over.

How can I watch digital tv?

Many people are already using digital equipment, either by satellite, cable, by phone service provider or digital terrestrial, or Freeview in the UK.

As each region converts fully to digital, it will be necessary to use one of these 'platforms' or methods to view television programmes.

In some areas of the media, the change has been referred to as 'switching off the analogue transmitter'.

This is not strictly true - after the change, you will still be able to watch programmes via your aerial and a Freeview box, even though the existing five channels won't be available on analogue, through your aerial.

Many people have been concerned about the cost and inconvenience of having a new aerial - this won't be necessary.

If you want to have the extra premium satellite channels, from one of the commercial companies, then you will need either a digital satellite and receiver, or you may be able to get digital cable, if you live in an area where it is available.

Will I be able to use my existing television set?

Yes, but many new televisions now come with a terrestrial digital (Freeview) box already built into the set, which saves space and the hassle of connecting up wires and leads.

Some digital terrestrial boxes are now also incredibly small, and simply plug directly into the back of your television.

What's the main advantage of digital tv?

Better quality pictures, and a greater choice of channels. If you live in an area where the existing Freeview signal is poor, there is no need to worry as the signal will eventually be boosted, so again you won't have to switch to cable or satellite.

Will I be able to watch and record videos?

You will but it's best to consult the Digital UK website for information on how to do this. Eventually, there will be new VCRs capable of recording a digital programme while you watch another.

Will I have to pay to subscribe to services?

No, a Freeview box, or a terrestrial receiver built into your television will provide you with several different channels without cost.

You will have to continue to pay for you television licence, irrespective of which digital platform you use.

How can I find out if a new television or other equipment will be suitable for digital?

The Digital Tick Logo This logo shows whether new television equipment is suitable for digital use Digital UK website

Digital UK is has all the information about the changeover.

It has a comprehensive website with all the relevant information on the changes.

It has also devised a special logo - called the digital tick.

You should keep an eye out for the Digital Tick when buying or renting television equipment, to make sure is capable of receiving digital television.