News Release

17th August 2009

Digital signal launched from local transmitters - Freeview viewers should retune

75,000 homes in Plymouth, parts of Devon and east Cornwall can receive digital TV through their aerial for the first time today, as the final digital switchover in West Country gets underway.

Shortly after midnight, all TV services were temporarily switched off at the Caradon Hill transmitter and its 29 relays. Analogue BBC Two was switched off permanently.

Viewers of relay transmitters – in areas such as Tavistock, Plympton and Kingsbridge – have never before had access to digital TV through their aerial (Freeview). An improved digital signal is now being made available from Caradon Hill and relay transmitters, broadcasting the full range of BBC channels in digital form.

Terrestrial TV services will be off air for some viewers until the first stage of switchover is completed by around mid-afternoon today. Once services are back on air, viewers of Freeview, BT Vision and Top Up TV should retune their equipment.

The second stage of switchover takes place on 9 September, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off permanently. On this date, further Freeview channels from ITV, Channel 4 and Five will also become available from relay transmitters for the first time. Virtually all households in Plymouth, parts of Devon and east Cornwall will then be able to receive a Freeview signal.

Bill Taylor, Digital UK’s South West Regional Manager, said this morning: “This is the final switchover in the West Country. Once it’s complete, Freeview will be available to 96 per cent of households in the region.

“We’re now encouraging viewers who still don’t have the necessary equipment to get ready in time for 9 September, when the last analogue signals in the region will be permanently switched off. Anyone who needs advice during this period should contact Digital UK.”

Digital UK, the body leading switchover, continues to provide support through local advice points (see notes), as well as its website (digitaluk.co.uk) and helpline (08456 50 50 50). A switchover roadshow is also running today and tomorrow in Place de Brest, Plymouth.

The Switchover Help Scheme is still welcoming applications from eligible older and disabled people to get help to convert one television – including a choice of equipment, installation and aftercare. Eligible people who have already converted a TV set without assistance can still apply to convert a second set. Help Scheme engineers will be working in the area over the switchover period to help with retuning and viewers can contact the Help Scheme on 0800 40 85 902.