The switchover is billed as the biggest event in broadcasting since the introduction of colour and will require consumers to buy new equipment if they are not already receiving digital TV.
The seven-year campaign will target retailers to encourage them to carry the digital tick logo, showing customers which products will work during the switchover. Information leaflets will also be available for retailers to distribute in-store.
It is estimated that the switchover will cost the average household£130.
Little Britain comedian Matt Lucas will front the campaign, which will include television adverts and radio and press campaigns. The first advert, to be broadcast tonight, will be shown across all terrestrial and digital channels simultaneously -the first time this has ever happened. In addition, every household in the UK will be contacted by Digital UK directly.
Broadcasting minister James Purnell said: 'The Government has made it clear that digital switchover will happen between 2008 and 2012, bringing the benefits of affordable digital television to the whole country. Making sure people are aware of the digital switchover, and how to prepare for it, will be fundamental to the success of this ambitious and unprecedented plan.'
The latest figures show that 70 per cent of homes already have at least one digital television. However, only one in four UK adults lives in a home where all sets have been converted.
Border, West Country and Wales will be the first regions to switch. Work has already begun on the first antenna in the Border region. Over the next seven years, all the 1,154 transmitters across the country will be upgraded with digital antennas.
Digital UK, an independent body created by the broadcasting industry, is leading the£200 million campaign.
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