Analogue TV broadcasting in the UK will end on 24 October 2012, with the last area to switch being Northern Ireland.
The first experimental analogue television broadcasts started in August 1932, while the technology was officially launched by the BBC in 1936. Eighty years on from these first experimental broadcasts, the old five-channel system will be switched off for good.
The date will also signal the completion of digital television switchover which started in 2008. At its conclusion in 2012, inside the timetable set out by Government, more than 15 million new viewers will have been brought into coverage for Freeview services. Digital UK is on course to complete the project at least £53 million under budget.
Announcing the end-date for analogue TV and switchover, David Scott, Digital UK Chief Executive, said: “The analogue era was a defining period for TV but the fully digital age will be even better, with a greater choice of channels for viewers everywhere. I’m looking forward to October next year when we will have brought the benefits of digital to every corner of the country.”
