Planning for the digital switchover
August 1, 2011 2 Comments
I received the following email late last week regarding the Digital Switchover and I wanted to share it with blog readers as it affects everyone in North Lincolnshire:
WITH just days to go until analogue TV starts being switched off throughout Lincolnshire, latest research indicates nine out of 10 homes in the area have gone digital but thousands of viewers still need to get ready or risk having a blank screen. Digital UK, the independent body in charge of the process, is now launching the final stage of its information campaign, ahead of the first stage of switchover on August 3 affecting 1.7-million viewers. Large warning messages will be broadcast on analogue channels, reminding viewers to get ready for switchover.
The switchover will take place in two stages and will see Freeview coverage boosted to reach thousands of viewers who get their signal from local relay transmitters. At both stages, new and existing viewers with Freeview, BT Vision and Top Up TV will need to retune their TVs or digital boxes to pick up all the services available. After retuning, viewers in some areas may find they have more than one regional service available. The Digital UK website and advice line offer advice on retuning and selecting the correct regional service.
Stage one starts in the early hours of August 3. Analogue BBC Two will be permanently switched off from the Belmont transmitter and its relays. Some Freeview digital channels, including BBC Two, become available for the first time to viewers served by relay transmitters. Stage two starts in the early hours of August 17. The remaining analogue channels (BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5) will be permanently switched off. These services and a range of other Freeview TV, radio and text services become available to viewers served by relay transmitters. Most viewers are ready for switchover and many are looking forward to getting digital TV for the first time. While the process will be straightforward for most people, inevitably some viewers may need a bit of extra help so we are working with the Switchover Help Scheme and local charities to offer support for those who need it throughout the switchover period.
Viewers can check their switchover date and options for getting digital TV by using the Digital UK postcode checker at digitaluk.co.uk or by ringing 08456 50 50 50. A list of advice points running through switchover is available at digitaluk.co.uk/yorkshireadvicepoints
About markakirk
How come then Mr Kirk, I’ve now lost BBC1 and BBC2 on Freeview despite previously being able to ontain them ? I keep re-tuning as the ad tells you but still nothing.
Before switchover Freeview channels are available from main transmitter sites only offering viewers with digital TVs or set top boxes a line-up of more than 40 channels. Viewers can use the postcode checker at to check channel availability in their area or ring the advice line on 08456 50 50 50… The Switchover Help Scheme will offer equipment and practical support to older and disabled viewers.