I Want Channel 5

Channel 5 is currently available on both analogue and digital. However by 2012 in a plan outlined by the government analogue transmitters across the UK will be turned off forever ITV region by ITV region. We would therefore advise you if you haven't got digital already to start considering your options. Full information can be found on the Digital UK website at www.digitaluk.co.uk

Please note 5* and 5USA are only available on digital.

Tune in Information

If you are unsure how to tune in your TV or set top box, we suggest that you refer to your television or set top box manual which will give you clear step by step instructions.  If you find that you are unable to receive a clear Channel 5 picture despite tuning in to our signal there are a number of options available to you.

1. Fit a signal booster
2. Adjust / replace your existing aerial
3. Digital Terrestrial (Freeview) via an integrated TV or set top box
4. Satellite (Sky Digital)
5. Cable (e.g Virgin Media)

1) Fit a signal booster

If your Channel 5 picture is slightly affected by poor reception you may want to fit a signal booster to improve picture quality. These are available from most high-street electrical retailers. All retailers should offer a money-back guarantee.

2) Adjust / replace your existing aerial.

It may be that your existing aerial was not designed to receive the frequency that we have been allocated in your area. Your aerial may therefore need adjusting / replacing. Please contact a Confederation of Aerial Industries registered aerial installer for advice. You can get a list of these installers by contacting the CAI. Your installer should also advise you on any adjustments or improvements you might need to make to your aerial to accomodate digital switchover. For furtherinformation on digital switchover please visit www.digitaluk.co.uk.

CAI contact details:

0208 8902 8998

email : office@cai.org.uk

or visit their website at www.cai.org.uk

3) Digital Terrestrial (Freeview)

Channel 5, 5* and 5USA are offered subscription free on the Freeview digital service.

You can either buy or rent an integrated digital television (idTV) or purchase a digital terrestrial receiver (set-top box) for your existing TV from your local electrical retailer. We recommend that you establish that you can pick up Freeview before you purchase an idTV or set-top box.

For more information on the availability of Freeview in your area, visit www.freeview.co.uk. For further information on digital switchover please visit www.digitaluk.co.uk. Most electrical retailers or approved aerial installers will be able to provide further information on the current availability of set-top boxes and their suitability.

4) Satellite (Sky Digital)

Sky Digital transmits digital pictures via satellite into a set-top box. You can either pay a monthly subscription fee for premium channels or pay a one-off fee for Freesat from Sky. Channel 5 is offered as a free element of any package.

Channel 5+1 will be available on both Sky and Freesat from Tuesday 6 December 2011. Our digital channels 5* and 5USA, as well as their +1 counterparts, launch on the service the same day.

For more information on Sky Digital please call 0870 240 40 40 or visit www.sky.com. Alternatively, all electrical retailers will have information on Sky Digital. Further information on Freesat from Sky can be found at www.freesatfromsky.co.uk, or telephone "Freesat" on 08442 410 595.

5) Cable (Virgin Media)

Channel 5 is available on cable as a subscription-free service, as is Channel 5 +1. If you already have cable, simply tune in your decoder to Channel 5. To do this zap through the channel line-up using your handset until you reach our signal.

Our digital channels 5* and 5USA, as well as their +1 counterparts, are also available on this service.

For more information on cable services, contact Virgin Media at www.virginmedia.com or telephone 0845 840 7777.