The digital switchover is an exciting time in the digital TV world. It will see TV signals switching from analogue - which sends TV signals through airwaves - to digital, where signals are converted to small packets of information before being sent through an aerial, satellite, cable or phone line.

The digital switchover is happening right now and will be completed by 2012. Whitehaven in Cumbria was the first place to switch in October 2007, and the UK will be completely digital when the switchover finishes with Tyne, Tees and Ulster in 2012.

Fairer TV access for everyone

The digital switchover will make TV access fairer for everyone, as channels become more universally available. The channels that will be available to all after the digital switchover will include the public service channels BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1, C4 (plus S4C in Wales) and Five, plus associated digital channels such as ITV2, E4 and BBC Three. What's more, the picture quality can be better too.

Get ready for the switchover

To get ready for the switchover, you must convert all the TVs in your home; otherwise you won't be able to watch TV anymore.

Whether or not you're ready for the digital switchover depends on what type of TV you have. Here's what you'll need for the different types of digital TV to get digital switchover ready:

Digital terrestrial TV

If you are a viewer with a digital terrestrial TV, then to get ready for the digital switchover you'll need a digital set-top box or a new television with built in digital adapter (known as an integrated digital TV or IDTV). Some viewers may also need to replace their terrestrial aerial with a digital one to ensure you're ready for the digital switchover.

Digital satellite TV

To receive this, you'll need a satellite receiver and satellite dish, both of which will be provided by the satellite broadcaster you choose. That's it; you'll be ready for the digital switchover.

Digital cable TV

To receive digital cable - and this is still not available across the whole country - you'll need a connection to a cable system, with an indoor decoder box to take the signal and turn it into TV. The digital TV provider you choose will supply both of these, usually for no extra cash and then you'll be all sorted for the digital switchover.

Digital-friendly aerials

If you get a good picture on your screen now, your aerial will more than likely be fine. However, you may require an upgrade or new cable connections if you decide to get Freeview.