Digital TV switchover was completed in London this evening, making the capital a digital city ahead of this summer’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations and Olympic Games.
Analogue signals were switched off at the Crystal Palace transmitter shortly after midnight by Mark Thompson, Director General of the BBC. Engineers have been working through the day to make new digital services available from local ‘relay’ transmitters across the region.

This process was completed at 1715 this evening, when Freeview channels began broadcasting from the last transmitter to switch, the Otford mast in Kent.

More than 400,000 viewers in London and surrounding parts of the Home Counties can now receive all the public-service Freeview channels for the first time.

Digital UK – the broadcaster-funded body co-ordinating switchover – and the Switchover Help Scheme have spent six months preparing viewers across the region. Extensive advertising, roadshows and 3,000 volunteers from local charities have all been used to raise public awareness. Advice points have been operating across the region today offering face-to-face support, while 700 trained staff have been available for callers to the Digital UK advice line.

David Scott, Chief Executive of Digital UK, said:

“Today is an historic day for TV in the London region as we say goodbye to the old analogue system forever. Viewers have responded extremely well and many are enjoying the benefits of digital TV for the first time.”

Communications Minister Ed Vaizey said:

“The London switchover has been the biggest undertaken in the UK so far, with almost 12 million viewers now receiving a better picture quality, fantastic new channels and a range of exciting extra services.
“By Autumn, the last few remaining regions will make the change to an all-digital future and I’m delighted at how smooth the process has been to date.”

Around nine in ten UK households have now completed the switchover process. The last places to switch will be Kent (May-June); the North East (September); and Northern Ireland, where the UK’s last analogue TV signals will be turned off on 24 October 2012, completing a six-year programme of engineering work and public communication.

Analogue BBC Two was turned off last night 3rd April 2012 at Crystal Palace and other transmitters across the region, marking the start of a process that will see Freeview coverage boosted to reach all areas.

From today, more than 400,000 viewers in former digital blackspots across Greater London and much of the Home Counties can receive Freeview channels for the first time. Homes already watching Freeview will need to retune their TVs and boxes in order to regain their BBC services, which are missing this morning.

Digital switchover will be completed in the London region on 18 April when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off. Channel 5 and further Freeview channels from ITV and Channel 4 will then be available from local transmitters for the first time.

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. For those who have already signed up, the Help Scheme call centre is available to help with any problems and can be contacted on 0800 40 85 900.

Deborah Bain, London Manager for Digital UK, said this morning:

“This is the biggest day for TV in London since Crystal Palace started broadcasting 56 years ago. From today, thousands of viewers across the capital and beyond can receive more channels and better quality pictures. “Anyone who still hasn’t switched to digital should prepare for 18 April when the last analogue channels will be permanently switched off. We urge everyone to get ready now – don’t leave it until the last minute.”

All analogue TV channels across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, parts of Dorset, Wiltshire, West Sussex and the Brighton and Hove area were switched off for good today 21/03/2012, signalling the dawn of an all-digital era for more than 800,000 households.

Analogue BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5 were turned off permanently last night at the Rowridge and Whitehawk Hill transmitter groups, enabling extra channels to be broadcast from 36 local relay transmitters serving thousands of homes.

The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may find some of their channels missing this morning. The services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes.

Freeview viewers who get their signal from the Rowridge transmitter will also need to retune on April 18.

Viewers in some areas may also find their digital TVs or boxes load more than one regional service. Advice on prioritising the preferred regional service is available from Digital UK.

Digital UK, which has co-ordinated the switch, and the Switchover Help Scheme are today running advice points and a roadshow to provide support for viewers who need it. The Help Scheme is still open to applications from older and disabled viewers who may qualify for help including a choice of equipment, installation and aftercare.

Bill Taylor, Digital UK’s Regional Manager, said:

“Switchover is now complete across most of the south of England. People have responded positively to the change, and hundreds of thousands of viewers can now receive Freeview for the first time.”

Kent and most of East Sussex are the only southern counties still to go digital; they will complete switchover in June.

Analogue BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5 were turned off permanently last night at the Midhurst transmitter group, enabling extra channels to be broadcast from local relay transmitters at Haslemere and Steyning.

The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may find some of their channels missing this morning. The services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes.

Viewers in some areas may also find their digital TVs or boxes load more than one regional service. Advice on prioritising the preferred regional service is available from Digital UK.

Digital UK, which has co-ordinated the switch, and the Switchover Help Scheme are today running advice points and a roadshow to provide support for viewers who need it. The Help Scheme is still open to applications from older and disabled viewers who may qualify for help including a choice of equipment, installation and aftercare.

Bill Taylor, Digital UK’s Regional Manager, said:

“Today marks the completion of digital switchover for much of West Sussex. I’m pleased to say viewers have responded extremely well and many are enjoying the benefits of digital TV for the first time. As with any change on this scale, some people may need a bit of extra help so we and the Switchover Help Scheme are on hand to give advice and assistance to those who may need it.”

Analogue TV signals were turned off across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, parts of Dorset, Wiltshire and West Sussex today, and digital TV boosted to reach all areas.
The start of TV switchover means that thousands of viewers in digital blackspots like Poole, Horndean and much of the Isle of Wight can now get BBC Freeview channels for the first time, while picture quality will improve for many existing viewers.

Homes already watching Freeview will need to retune their TVs and boxes in order to regain their BBC services, which are missing this morning.

Switchover began in the early hours when analogue BBC Two was permanently turned off at the Rowridge transmitter group. A new 614ft mast at Rowridge on the Isle of Wight has replaced the previous one, which had been in action since 1954. The new transmitter is the most powerful in the UK.

The process will be completed on 21 March, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off. Channel 5 and further Freeview channels from ITV and Channel 4 will then be available from local transmitters for the first time.

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. For those who have already signed up, the Help Scheme call centre is available to help with any problems and can be contacted on 0800 40 85 900.

Bill Taylor, Regional Manager for Digital UK, said this morning:

“This is great news for viewers across the region, as many people are receiving new channels for the first time. Those viewers who haven’t switched to digital should prepare for 21 March, when the last analogue channels will be permanently switched off. Our advice is: get ready now – don’t leave it until the last minute.”

The biggest change to television in a generation began today, as analogue signals were turned off across Brighton, Hove and the surrounding area and digital TV boosted to reach all areas.
The start of TV switchover means that thousands of viewers in digital blackspots like Patcham, Coldean and Saltdean can now get BBC Freeview channels for the first time, while picture quality will improve for many existing viewers.

Homes already watching Freeview will need to retune their TVs and boxes in order to regain their BBC services, which are missing this morning.

Switchover began in the early hours when analogue BBC Two was permanently turned off at the Whitehawk Hill transmitter group.

The process will be completed on 21 March, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off. Channel 5 and further Freeview channels from ITV and Channel 4 will then be available from local transmitters for the first time.

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. For those who have already signed up, the Help Scheme call centre is available to help with any problems and can be contacted on 0800 40 85 900.

Bill Taylor, Regional Manager for Digital UK, said this morning:

“This is great news for viewers across Brighton, Hove and the surrounding area, as many people are receiving new channels for the first time. Those viewers who haven’t switched to digital should prepare for 21 March, when the last analogue channels will be permanently switched off. Our advice is: get ready now – don’t leave it until the last minute.”

The second switchover in the BBC South region began today 29/02/2012, as analogue signals were turned off across much of West Sussex and digital TV boosted to reach all areas.
The switchover means thousands of viewers in digital blackspots like Haslemere, Steyning and Horsham can now get BBC Freeview channels for the first time, while picture quality will improve for many existing viewers.

Homes already watching Freeview will need to retune their TVs and boxes in order to regain their BBC services, which are missing this morning.
Switchover began in the early hours when analogue BBC Two was permanently turned off at the Midhurst transmitter group.
The process will be completed on 14 March, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off. Further Freeview channels from ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 will then be available from local transmitters for the first time.

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. For those who have already signed up, the Help Scheme call centre is available to help with any problems and can be contacted on 0800 40 85 900.

Bill Taylor, Regional Manager for Digital UK, said:

“This is great news for West Sussex, as many people are receiving new channels for the first time. “Those viewers who haven‟t switched to digital should prepare for 14 March, when the last analogue channels will be permanently switched off. Our advice is: get ready now – don‟t leave it until the last minute.”

All analogue TV channels in parts of Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey were switched off for good today, signalling the dawn of an all-digital era for more than 480,000 households.

Analogue BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5 were turned off permanently last night at the Hannington transmitter group, enabling extra channels to be broadcast from nine local relay transmitters serving thousands of homes.

The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may find some of their channels missing this morning. The services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes.

Viewers in some areas may also find their digital TVs or boxes load more than one regional service. Advice on prioritising the preferred regional service is available from Digital UK.

Digital UK, which has co-ordinated the switch, and the Switchover Help Scheme are today running advice points and a roadshow to provide support for viewers who need it. The Help Scheme is still open to applications from older and disabled viewers who may qualify for help including a choice of equipment, installation and aftercare.2
Bill Taylor, Digital UK’s Regional Manager, said:

“Today marks the completion of the first digital switchover in the South of England. I’m pleased to say viewers have responded extremely well and many are enjoying the benefits of digital TV for the first time.”

The biggest change to television in a generation began today, as analogue signals were turned off across parts of Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey and digital TV boosted to reach all areas.

The start of TV switchover means that thousands of viewers in digital blackspots including parts of Winchester, Newbury and Henley can now get BBC Freeview channels for the first time,
while picture quality will improve for many existing viewers. Homes already watching Freeview will need to retune their TVs and boxes in order to regain their BBC services, which are missing this morning.

Switchover began in the early hours when analogue BBC Two was permanently turned off at the Hannington transmitter group.

The process will be completed on 22 February, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off. Further Freeview channels from ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 will then be available from local transmitters for the first time.

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. For those who have already signed up, the Help Scheme call centre is available to help with any problems and can be contacted on 0800 40 85 900.

Bill Taylor, Regional Manager for Digital UK, said this morning: “This is great news for the region, as many people are receiving new channels for the first time.

“Those viewers who haven’t switched to digital should prepare for 22 February, when the last analogue channels will be permanently switched off. Our advice is: get ready now – don’t leave it until the last minute.”

Digital UK, the body leading switchover, continues to provide support through local advice points, as well as its website and advice line.

digitaluk.co.uk/meridianevents
08456 50 50 50

A campaign to prepare viewers in the Channel Islands for important changes to local TV transmitters will be launched next week by Digital UK.

On-screen messages and advertising in local press will prompt homes watching Freeview to retunetheir equipment on or after Wednesday, 29 February, as airwaves are cleared for 4G mobile broadband services and two new channels are launched*.

Changes to TV signals will see ITV2 and ITV3 become available to Freeview viewers in the Islands for the first time and free up frequencies for future developments, including fourth-generation mobile broadband.

Between now and the end of 2013, similar changes will also be made at transmitters across the UK to prepare for 4G services.

Freeview viewers served by the Alderney, St Helier and St Brelades relay transmitters may findthey are missing channels and should retune their TVs and boxes from 3pm to receive all available services.

Viewers in other areas can retune to add the new ITV channels if they have not automatically been added by their equipment.

David Scott, Chief Executive of Digital UK, said: “These changes pave the way for a host of exciting new products and services for viewers in the Channel Islands. Retuning typically takes just a few minutes but anyone who needs help with this can call our advice line or visit our website.”

Detailed advice on retuning is available from Digital UK’s website and advice line.

Website: digitaluk.co.uk/retuning
Advice line: 08456 50 50 50

*Between now and the end of 2013, some of the spectrum currently used to broadcast digital terrestrial TV (DTT) will be released for new services, including 4G high-speed mobile broadband. To enable this, some Freeview channels in parts of the UK and the Channel Islands will move to new frequencies.

4G is the fourth generation of mobile phone technology. It is ideally suited for wide bandwidth data services such as video streaming, email, messenger services, GPS and mapping services and social networking sites. Spectrum cleared for 4G will be auctioned by Ofcom at the end of 2012 and services are expected to become available in some areas from 2013.