Some information on the digital switchover... Its not as scary as it may seem!

So, what is switchover? Switchover is when all television in the UK switches to a digital signal. This is happening between 2008 and 2012, one region at a time. (Note: digital switchover doesn't apply to radio.) When the switchover happens in your region, you will need to have digital equipment to continue watching TV. If you don't, you won't be able to receive any TV programmes.

Digital UK, an independent organisation, is co-ordinating the switchover. You will get plenty of advance warning, and there will be lots of information and help available. Going digital is not difficult and need not be expensive. The switchover will happen between 2008 and 2012, one region at a time. The regions are the ITV regions. Look at the map to see when yours will be switched over. If you're not sure which ITV region you're in, see which ITV news service you receive, or look at Teletext page 106. The first region to be switched over will be Border, in 2008. Digital UK already has information for viewers there, including a helpful leaflet that you can download free to get an idea of what will happen when it's the turn of your region.

What do I need to do to be ready for switchover?

You need to make sure your TV can receive digital signals. If you can already watch more than five channels, it is probably digital already. If not, you will need to adapt it by connecting it to a digital set-top box, or replace it. This applies to all the TV sets in your home, and to any recorder (video or DVD) that you use to record from the TV. For ease of use, the TVs come with Freesat EPG and Gemstar GUIDEplus, 7-day on-screen electronic programme guides with easy to navigate categories for both satellite and terrestrial digital services. Another easy operation innovation is Enhanced Viera Link, which allows interlinked operation of various Panasonic AV devices using only the Viera remote control, by simply connecting the devices to each other by an HDMI cable. The PZ81 also benefits from 3 HMDI Connectors.

All Panasonic Freesat models are supplied with HD & SD Digital Satellite, SD Digital Terrestrial and SD Analogue Terrestrial Tuners with easy user navigation between Freesat, Freeview and analogue terrestrial services.

You can wait to go digital until nearer the time if you want, or you can get ready now by visiting our product pages!

Can I get help with the switchover?

The Government has announced a Help Scheme for some people who may have difficulty in going digital. This scheme is being funded by the BBC licence fee. If you are eligible you will receive equipment, help with installation and follow-up support, either free or for a subsidised fee. The Help Scheme is available to people who are aged 75 or over, or registered blind or partially sighted, or entitled to certain social security benefits. For more information, please visit Switchover Help Scheme.

Why is the switchover happening?

Digital is now the best technology for broadcasting TV. To make sure everyone in the UK can receive it, the signal needs to be available for free everywhere, ideally through a normal aerial. At present, around 74% of households are in areas where this is possible. Digital signals for the rest of the country can only be switched on when the existing analogue ones are switched off. After switchover almost everyone (at least 98.5%) will be able to receive digital TV through an aerial.

All Panasonic Freesat models are supplied with HD & SD Digital Satellite, SD Digital Terrestrial and SD Analogue Terrestrial Tuners with easy user navigation between Freesat, Freeview and analogue terrestrial services. For ease of use, the TVs come with Freesat EPG and Gemstar GUIDEplus, 7-day on-screen electronic programme guides with easy to navigate categories for both satellite and terrestrial digital services. Another easy operation innovation is Enhanced Viera Link, which allows interlinked operation of various Panasonic AV devices using only the Viera remote control, by simply connecting the devices to each other by an HDMI cable. The PZ81 also benefits from 3 HMDI Connectors. great spec, you will not need anymore than this.

All Panasonic Freesat models are supplied with HD & SD Digital Satellite, SD Digital Terrestrial and SD Analogue Terrestrial Tuners with easy user navigation between Freesat, Freeview and analogue terrestrial services. Some companies have reduced the VAT charged and this now reflects in the price shown above. Any merchant who has not already reduced the VAT charged will make an adjustment at the checkout. The PZ81 series also features 100Hz Double Scan to ensure beautiful, flicker-less on-screen motion and an extra wide colour gamut with x.v.Colour, which produces richer, more vivid colouring from x.v.Colour signals The full HD resolution panel of the PZ81 series beautifully reproduces all High Definition sources including Blu-ray and the Freesat HD programming.

Plus the V-Real Pro 3 processor also offers up-scaling capabilities, second to none when it comes to reproducing standard definition sources such as DVD or TV programming, where HD is not yet available. Panasonic Viera Freesat PZ81B ,PZ81 series are able to achieve a staggering 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio meaning that on screen blacks are true, deep, silky black and not the washed out grey that many other products suffer from.

With such a dynamic range of black to white, the viewer will be immersed in the action as a more life-like image is reproduced on screen. All Panasonic Viera Freesat PZ81B models are supplied with HD & SD Digital Satellite, SD Digital Terrestrial and SD Analogue Terrestrial Tuners with easy user navigation between Freesat, Freeview and analogue terrestrial services. These sets also come equipped with a LAN Connector for connection to a broadband router, enabling internet connection for future service enhancements. (Suitable broadband router and contract with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) will be required - not supplied). All of Panasonics PZ81 models benefit from an optical output for Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound output for connection to a 5.1 channel amplifier, so that viewers can enjoy a home cinema surround sound experience.

Another easy operation innovation is Enhanced Viera Link, which allows interlinked operation of various Panasonic AV devices using only the Viera remote control, by simply connecting the devices to each other by an HDMI cable.

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