Get ready for the digital switch-over

If you live in Bristol or the South West then it's likely you are currently preparing yourself for the digital switch-over. If you're not, then come the 7th of April you could find yourself staring at a blank box in the corner of your living room.

If your area is covered by the Bristol Barton House transmitter then on the 24th March 2010 the first of two stages will begin, which will result in your analogue TV transmission being turned off in favour of digital signals.

To find out what transmitter covers your area and confirm your digital switch-over date, visit www.digitaluk.co.uk.

So why is it important you understand what transmitter you're watching?

The date you will switch over to digital and the channels you will be able to receive are dependant on which transmitter you receive your signal from. If you are close to a main transmitter then you could benefit from over 40 digital channels including BBC3, ITV2, ITV3, More4, E4 and many other free to air digital channels. People receiving their signal from a relay transmitter will likely get around 20 digital channels.

Dates you need to be aware of:

The digital switch-over for West TV region viewers will begin. BBC2 analogue will be switched off.

All analogue tv channels will be switched off on 7th April 2010. After this time you will need a digital receiver to view television channels in your area and re-tune to find all those available to you.

Do you have all the equipment you need?

If you're still looking to buy digital ready TVs, receivers or other equipment then Trade-It may be able to help you kit out your house without breaking the bank. And if you need a qualified installer to help then we can help you find these too.

View TV's available on Trade-It
Satellite and cable equipment available on Trade-It
Find a qualified installer to prepare you for the digital switch-over

Win a 19" Sharp TV with built in Freeview!

Check out our competition to win a 19" digital TV which will give you immediate access to the digital channels available to you when the switch-over happens.

This Sharp TV comes HD Ready for those of you with a HD digital receiver or Sky HD box and at 19" would make an excellent second TV for a bedroom or as a replacement for a non-digital TV anywhere else in your house.

Entering couldn't be easier. Simply answer the multiple choice question before March 25th and we'll let you know if you are the lucky winner.

The prize comes courtesy of Richer Sounds. Check out their website for other great ideas to prepare you for the digital switch-over and find your local Richer Sounds store.