Girl Geek Chic

London TV region switches to digital in April which will be here before we know it. If you’re still not entirely sure what it all entails check out my quick guide to switchover.

What is the digital switchover?

TV across the UK is going digital. The existing analogue TV signal will be switched off and replaced with an improved digital signal.

Why is it happening?

The analogue system only allows people to receive the five standard TV channels: BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Channel 4 and Five. You will get a lot more channels after switchover as free view services will be extended to people who can’t get them at present.

What you need to do?

If you have Freeview, BT vision or Top Up TV just retune your TV at each stage to avoid losing channels.

If you have Sky, Freesat or Virgin Media you won’t need to do anything to your TV

If you have an analogue TV you will need to convert your TV to a digital TV.

For people who are 75 or over or eligible disabled contact the switchover help scheme who can provide you with all the information you need to keep watching your TV.

When is it happening?

Stage 1 on the 4th April 2012.

Stage 2 18th April 2012.

If you have free view you will need to retune on both these dates. Most homes if you have a free view service will get more than 40 channels after switchover.

Do I need a new TV?

No, you can convert almost any TV with a digital box connected to your TV using a SCART lead. If you don’t have a SCART socket you will need to connect with a built in RF modulator. You DO NOT need an HD TV for switchover. If you want new equipment look for the digital tick logo.

Do I need a new aerial?

If you have good analogue reception now you shouldn’t need to replace your aerial.

Tips

Analogue TVs will not work after switchover they will need to be converted.

If your VCR or DVD recorder is not digital it will not be able to record one channel while you watch another.

Check your aerial, if you have satellite or cable you don’t need an aerial.

Need Help

Visit www.digitaluk.co.uk for more details.

Tassimo Coffee Machine

I love my TASSIMO and with its innovative barcode technology it ensures that each sip is perfect. The machine automatically scans the barcode on each T DISC to obtain the information it needs: the amount of water, the brewing time, plus the exact temperature for your favourite drink.

Whether it’s a espresso, a revitalizing herbal tea or an extra creamy hot chocolate, it prepares every drink individually at the touch of a button –  deelish coffee every time!

Available from www.tassimo.o.uk Prices around £120, extra for the discs starting around £3-£4.

The Gamepad Chopping Board

The Gamepad Chopping Board is the must-have kitchen accessories for any hipster baker. Designed in-house at Firebox.com and manufactured by Joseph Joseph, the Gamepad Chopping Board is made from toughened glass and is etched with an iconic joypad design from the halcyon days of gaming. Featuring non-slip rubber feet, it provides a hygienic, odour and stain-resistant work surface for all types of food preparation.

Available from www.firebox.com Price £ 14.99

Aerolatte Moo

This small, lightweight cow patterned frother is perfect for cappuccinos, hot chocolate and milkshakes and it takes less than half a minute to get frothy perfection. Its black and white moo style will add a bit of fun to any kitchen. It comes in its own slimline carry case too.

Available from www.johnlewis.com Price £12

From smartphones to tablets, games consoles to computers, getting online has never been easier, so it is becoming increasingly important to protect your child’s safety on the net. Here are  my top tips to keep kids safe online on Tesco Magazine.

With YouTube on Xbox LIVE, you can watch millions of YouTube videos on your HD TV from the comfort of your own living room. From the most viewed to your favourite comedy clips everything is available at your fingertips or voice!  Search for any specific video or explore a category to find something new. Favorites, subscriptions, and playlists in your YouTube account are available right on your console.

It’s free to watch YouTube with your Xbox LIVE Gold membership. It’s simple and easy to setup, just navigate to the Apps Marketplace and download the YouTube app. Go GOLD today with this exclusive code for Girl Geek Chic readers : G1rlGkCh1c

What’s good is you don’t even have to use the controller, you can access content by waving your hand or using your voice with Kinect for Xbox 360.

By signing in to your YouTube account, you can see videos recommended just for you. It’s easy to set up, simple to use and much better watching clips on the best screen in your house.

Check out my quick (extremely homemade vid) to see just how good it is!

Zaggora launched Hotpants to the world with huge success – selling over 275,000 pairs within the first five months. The concept is focused on harnessing body heat which stimulates calorie burning and helps to reduce cellulite. Eagerly anticipated by women all over the world, Zaggora has now expanded its range of technology-advanced active wear to give workouts in 2012 more power.

The new range includes ‘Flares’, leggings that target thighs, calves and bottom, ‘Capri Flares’ three quarter length leggings and ‘Nude Hotpants’ which can be worn under garments.

How Zaggora products work:

By increasing perspiration during workouts, the new products follow the same concept as Hotpants, helping you get more out of your time and effort, burning more calories and creating smoother legs.

Best results are seen through exercise as the new products increase perspiration by up to 80 percent. An essential exercise partner for every woman, Zaggora’s new range provides the equivalent of a 60 minute workout in just 30 minutes. Research has shown that for every gram of sweat, you burn half a calorie.

Deemed the celebrity’s ‘secret weapon’, loved by the likes of Tess Daly, The Saturdays, Holly Willoughby, Fearne Cotton, Holly Valance and many more, the super comfortable ‘magic pants’ have become an essential ‘must-have’ accessory for every woman

Available from www.zaggora.com prices start from £44.99.