Countdown begins to North West switchover

chris

THE date for the switchover to digital television in north-west England has been announced today by Digital UK, the independent body leading the process.

Three million homes across the north-west will start switching to digital on November 4, 2009 when analogue signals are turned off at the Winter Hill transmitter group (the Granada TV region).

Latest research indicates nine out of ten north-west viewers are now aware of digital switchover, and 91% have already converted their main TV set. Other findings from the Digital UK/Ofcom Tracker Survey (to June 2008) revealed:

More than half of homes (57%) in the area have already converted all their sets to digital and 82% recognise the ‘digital tick’ logo

On November 4,2009, BBC2 will cease broadcasting in analogue and the first group of Freeview digital channels will become available.

Four weeks later on December 2, the remaining analogue channels will be permanently switched off and replaced with additional digital services.

Forty-eight Freeview channels will then be available via an aerial to a majority of households in the north west; some households will receive around 20 channels.

Jo Waters, Digital UK’s regional manager for the Granada TV region, said: “Most people in the region already have a choice of ways to get digital TV, and after switchover almost everyone will be able to get it through an aerial.

"We’re now taking a roadshow across the region, so people can get personal advice on how to get ready and learn what help is available.”

The Digital UK roadshow is running in 45 town and city centres across the region until the end of November.

As part of Digital UK’s national information campaign, leaflets explaining switchover and the options available for going digital will be sent to every home.

These will be backed up by both national and regional radio and television advertising. Six months before switchover, on-screen captions reminding viewers to get ready will appear on the television sets of those still watching analogue broadcasts.

Digital UK is also working in partnership with local charities and volunteers to provide advice and assistance for those who may need a little extra help.

Letters will be sent to every household eligible for help from the Switchover Help Scheme, which offers assistance and equipment to convert one television for those aged 75 or over, registered blind or partially sighted, on certain disability benefits or living in a care home.

Those eligible will be contacted in April-June 2009, offered help and sent information packs in time for the switchover.

Viewers in the south of the region who receive their signal from the Moel y Parc transmitter group in North Wales will switch over on October 28, Digital UK also confirmed today.

The postcode checker at digitaluk.co.uk tells viewers which transmitter they’re most likely to be watching.


Source:wirralglobe