News Release

19th August 2009

Digital signal launched from local transmitters - Freeview viewers should retune

All Freeview viewers in south west Wales will need to retune their equipment today, as the digital switchover gets underway.

Shortly after midnight, all TV services were temporarily switched off at the Preseli transmitter group. Analogue BBC Two was switched off permanently.

An improved digital signal is being made available from Preseli and its relays, broadcasting the full range of BBC channels in digital form. Twenty-six thousand viewers of relay transmitters – in areas such as Fishguard, St. David’s and Pembroke Dock – can receive digital TV through their aerial (Freeview) for the first time today.

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.1

The second stage of switchover takes place on 16 September 2009, 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 south west Wales will then be able to receive a Freeview signal.
 
Emyr Byron Hughes, Digital UK’s National Manager for Wales, said this morning: “Switchover is underway in south west Wales, 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 16 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 Castle Square, Haverfordwest.

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 85 903.