News Release

17th August 2009

Digital signal launched from transmitters around Swansea

Thousands of homes in the Swansea area can receive digital TV through their aerial for the first time today, as the very first digital switchover in Wales gets underway.

Shortly after midnight, all TV services were temporarily switched off at the Kilvey Hill transmitter and its 10 relays. Analogue BBC Two was switched off permanently.

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

Terrestrial TV services will be off air for some viewers until the first stage of switchover is completed by mid morning. Once services are back on air, viewers of Freeview, BT Vision and Top Up TV should retune their equipment.1

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, S4C, Channel 4 and Five will also become available from relay transmitters for the first time. Virtually all households in Swansea will then be able to receive a Freeview signal.
 
Because broadcasters are planning several changes to the Freeview service over the autumn, viewers should continue to retune whenever their channel line-up changes in order to keep their equipment up to date.2

Emyr Byron Hughes, Digital UK’s National Manager for Wales, said this morning: “Swansea’s switchover is now underway, and many people are receiving Freeview channels for the first time.

“We’re now encouraging viewers who still don’t have the necessary equipment to get ready in time
for 9 September, when all the analogue channels 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 in Swansea on Oxford Street.

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 408 5903.