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.

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!

Beats by Dr Dre has teamed up with Oscar de la Renta to make these gorgeous plum fox fur headphones and they look for fab. We think they’re kind of hot and perfect for cold, wintry days.

Available on line at  www.oscardelarenta.com

Two thirds of us will excitedly unwrap a gleaming new gadget on 25th December, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. It’s been a bumper year for big technology launches from Nokia’s Lumia 800 Windows phone to the beautifully retro Fujifilm Finepix X100 camera, but as all sharp eyed tech fans will know, it’s Apple’s competitor-trouncing line up of iPhone 4S, iPad 2 and the incredibly slim MacBook Air which have topped Santa’s wish lists for 2011.

So, for all these new Apple converts, how do you make the leap from Windows to iOS with minimum effort? And how do you transfer your beloved pictures, videos and content over from your battered PC to your nifty new iPad?

A crafty piece of software called Parallels comes in handy here. Getting new tech to sync is much easier than dropping those extra Christmas pounds, with a little help from desktop virtualisation software.

Software such as Parallels Desktop 7 Switch to Mac edition helps when changing from a Windows laptop to Mac or iPad, by transporting files and programmes from one laptop to a Mac – it will even remember things like webpage favourites and book marks or your stored downloads. Rather than struggle to check your post-Christmas bank account on Safari, which many online banking sites don’t support, Parallels can create a virtual machine on your desktop so Internet Explorer can be used on a Mac.

Parallels is really simple to use and compatible with Mac’s, iPads, iPhones and the iPod Touch. The Parallels mobile app allows users to access everything on their Macbook remotely – that means films stored on your Macbook at work can be watched on the sofa at home and music libraries can be accessed wherever you are in the world. Perfect!

Ford USB Music Box is an aftermarket accessory enabling drivers of vehicles not factory-fitted with a USB port to connect any USB mass storage device to their vehicle’s stereo. Songs and albums can be selected via the steering wheel-mounted controls. Devices such as phones and MP3 players recharge when connected.

Anyone who has spent a long journey endlessly flicking through radio stations knows that sometimes only your own music collection will do. However, if your vehicle doesn’t have a factory-fitted USB port, connecting your MP3 player can often result in a maze of wires, inferior sound quality, and no remote control function. Thankfully, Ford is now offering an aftermarket accessorythat provides the solution – the USB Music Box.

Offered through Ford dealers across Europe, the USB Music Box enables drivers and their passengers to plug their MP3 player, or any USB mass storage device, into the car and listen to their choice of music in razor sharp quality.

The USB Music Box consists of a USB socket, which can be placed out of sight in the glovecompartment, centre console or armrest. Any USB mass storage device, such as a mobile phone, MP3 player or USB stick, can be connected. Stored music can then be played through the AUX channel on the car’s stereo. Songs, albums and folders can be selected through the steering wheel-mounted controls, while devices such as mobile phones, MP3 players and cameras will automatically recharge whenever they are connected. Simple Plug and Play wiring means the device can be fitted and ready to play your favourite tunes in less than an hour.

Price £82.99 Available New Years Day

Specifications:

The USB Music Box is compatible with all Ford audio and navigation systems with AUX button in these models:

· Fiesta 2006 – 2008

· Fusion from 2006

· Focus 2004 – 2011

· C-MAX 2003 – 2010

· Kuga

· Mondeo from 2004

· S-MAX

· Galaxy from 2006

· Transit Connect from 2006

· Transit from 2006