This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. Get advice relating to England

In Scotland the digital switchover means that the analogue TV signal has now been turned off and replaced by a digital signal. This means you may need to convert your television and upgrade your aerial to get television reception. This page explains how, and looks at what to do if you rent your home.

What is the digital switchover?

The digital switchover is a change to the way television is broadcast in the UK. Due for completion in 2012, television services are changing (or switching over) from the old 'analogue' broadcast signal to a digital signal.

When is the switchover taking place?

The digital switchover has already taken place in Scotland. Visit the Digital UK website for more information on the switchover in your area.

What does this mean for me?

The switchover means that you can only be able to watch TV if your television has been adapted to receive a digital signal. If you bought your TV recently, it probably is a digital TV - if you can watch more than the standard five channels (BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Channel 4 and Five), this means you already have a digital TV.

If you don't have a digital TV, you can buy a set-top box or 'digibox' that plugs into your television and aerial, enabling your TV to receive a digital signal. You can buy set-top boxes from as little as £20. Even if your TV is very old and doesn't have a 'scart' socket on the back, you can still convert it to receive a digital signal using a set-top box. Make sure you buy a box with an 'RF through loop' adaptor or 'RF modulator' - this means you'll be able to plug it into the small round aerial socket on your TV.

Alternatively, you can subscribe to cable or satellite television. Bear in mind that, depending on where you live, you may need planning permission to put up a satellite dish.

Make sure that any new equipment you buy has the digital 'tick' symbol on it. This means that it will work before, during and after the switchover

Will I need a new aerial?

If you don't get good TV reception at the moment, you may need to replace your aerial in order to receive a digital signal. The Digital UK website explains how to carry out an aerial test to find out for sure.

A new aerial will probably cost from around £80. You can find a reputable aerial installer at the Confederation of Aerial Industries or Registered Digital Installers websites.

If you need a new aerial, it's a good idea to get one as soon as possible. Depending on where you live, there may not be enough installers in your area to meet demand as the switchover approaches, so it's best to get in early.

I live in a flat or tenement building - how does this affect me?

If you live in a flat or tenement building, you may share an aerial or communal TV system with other residents. If you share an aerial, it's likely that this will only need to be replaced if the current signal is poor (see 'will I need a new aerial' above). If you share a communal TV system, this may need to be upgraded in order for you to get digital TV.

If you own your flat, you'll need to get together with the other owners in the building to arrange an upgrade. If you can't agree amongst yourselves on how to get the work done and how to split the payment, you can use the rules set out in the tenement management scheme to sort it out - the section on repairs in common areas has lots more information on this.

It's a good idea to start this process as soon as possible, as it may take longer than you think to agree on a plan, find a suitable installer and get a new aerial or TV system installed.

If you rent your flat, your landlord may well be responsible for upgrading the aerial or communal system (see 'I'm a tenant' below).

I'm a tenant - what does this mean for me?

If you rent your home, you will be responsible for making sure your TV can receive a digital signal, for example, by buying a set-top box. However, if you need a new aerial, your landlord may be responsible for providing this.

If you rent from a private landlord and you need a new aerial in order to get digital TV, it's a good idea to talk to your landlord about it as soon as possible. There's no law that specifically says your landlord has to maintain the aerial, however, your tenancy agreement may say whether or not they are responsible for this.

If your tenancy agreement doesn't mention the aerial, you'll need to come to an arrangement with your landlord. Your landlord is responsible for maintaining the structure and exterior of the property, so you may be able to argue that this includes the aerial. In addition, you can point out that the property will not be very attractive to future tenants if it doesn't have any television reception.

If you share a communal TV system with other tenants, your landlord will be responsible for upgrading it. Depending on the terms and conditions in your tenancy agreement, you may be charged for this.

If you rent from the council or a housing association and your home has a communal aerial or TV system, it'll be up to your landlord to arrange to have it upgraded. Ideally, your landlord should consult with you about this.

If you have your own individual aerial, it's up to you to ensure it can receive digital TV, even if the aerial was provided by the council or housing association.

If you want to install your own aerial or satellite dish, you should ask your landlord's permission first. In some areas, you may also need planning permission to put up a satellite dish.

Can I get any help?

If you're not sure what to do to get your home ready for the digital switchover, you can get advice from the Digital UK website, and from sales assistants in electrical shops and at TV rental and digital television companies. Look for an assistant wearing a badge with the digital tick logo on it - this means they've been specially trained to answer questions about the digital switchover.

A help scheme operated during the switchover for people who are 75 years old or over or who are disabled and receiving attendance allowance or disability allowance. Applications to this scheme are now closed, however, if you received help through this you're eligible for adivce and support up to a year after you recieved your TV equipment.