The detailed plans for the Oxford Digital Switchover have now been released.

The switchover is in two parts, on the 14th September and 28th September.

Every digital television and freeview box will need to be re-tuned on BOTH of these dates.

The switchover will be done in the night from midnight and so will be completed by 6am on each of the named days. On the 14th we will lose BBC2 analogue. This is to serve as a warning to anyone who is still relying on analogue TV for their viewing to get a digital TV or a freeview box before the 28th. Also on the 14th the BBC digital frequency will change and the new signal will be of the new higher power. All of the other analogue and digital signals will remain. On the 28th, again before 6am, all of the old analogue broadcasts will be turned off for good.

All of the new digital signals will be live and at higher power than they are now. All digital TVs and freeview boxes have different menu systems and so it is not possible to explain exactly how to do the re-tune. In general you need to go into the menu, look for the tuning sub menu and then select digital retune and re-scan for all new channels. If asked whether you want to replace the existing channels press "yes".

Although the new signals will be stronger and reception will be generally improved there may still be problems. Some very old receivers such as the old On-Digital boxes will not work at all on the new digital signals. Also, if the aerial system is amplified the new signals may end up being too strong and so a signal reducer may need to be fitted.

The final part of the switchover will happen next year on April 18th when some of the digital signals will be turned up to their final strength. Nothing will need to be done by viewers on that date. As ever, we are here to help with any problems that you have.