All analogue TV channels at the Craigkelly transmitter group were switched off for good today 15th June 2011, signalling the dawn of an all-digital era for more than 455,000 households in Lothian and parts of Edinburgh and Fife.

Analogue BBC One, STV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 were turned off permanently last night, enabling extra channels to be broadcast from eight local relay transmitters serving thousands of homes.

This completes the penultimate switchover in Scotland. The nation’s final analogue signals will be switched off next week at the Black Hill transmitter group, which serves the majority of homes in central Scotland.

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 set top 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.

The Yorkshire-based brass band kicked off the countdown to all-digital TV by entertaining viewers in Leeds and Hull with renditions of popular TV theme tunes including Dr Who, Match of the Day and Coronation Street. Advisors from Digital UK were also on hand to answer questions about how to get ready.

Latest research indicates most viewers are well prepared, with nine out of ten households already having made the switch to digital TV. Those still watching in analogue are now being urged to get ready for switchover – when Freeview coverage will be boosted to reach virtually all homes – or risk being left with a blank screen. All TV in the region will be fully digital from 21 September.

Digital UK and the Switchover Help Scheme have stepped up their communications campaigns across the region. Roadshows are now running across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and a detailed 20-page guide to switchover has been sent to every household.

The Help Scheme helpscheme.co.uk is also writing to eligible older and disabled people, reminding them of the assistance on offer to convert one TV set to digital, including a choice of equipment, installation and aftercare. The help is available for those aged 75 and over; or who are eligible for certain disability benefits; or registered blind or partially sighted; or living in care homes.

John Askew, Digital UK’s Regional Manager for the Yorkshire TV region, said:

“Most people have already made the switch to digital but we know some people may leave it until the last minute, or may need a little extra advice. We’re urging anyone still watching analogue television to make the change now and to contact the Help Scheme if they’re eligible for practical support. “Anyone who still needs advice on switching can visit the Digital UK website or call our advice line. We’ll also be holding roadshows and advice clinics at the time of switchover.”

Viewers can check their switchover date and options for getting digital TV by using the Digital UK postcode checker at digitaluk.co.uk or by ringing 08456 50 50 50.

The change requires every Freeview viewer to retune their TVs and boxes, in order to regain BBC TV channels which are missing this morning.

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

The process will be completed on 22 June, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off. Further Freeview channels from STV, 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.

Paul Hughes, Digital UK National Manager for Scotland, said this morning:

“The Black Hill transmitter serves about half the Scottish population, and this final switchover affects viewers right across the central belt. Anyone who hasn’t yet switched to digital should prepare for 22 June, when the last analogue channels will be permanently switched off and Scotland will become a fully digital nation. Our advice is: get ready now – don’t leave it until the last minute.”

The TV switchover got underway today in Edinburgh, Lothian and parts of Fife, as analogue signals were turned off and digital TV boosted to reach all areas.

The penultimate TV switchover in Scotland means nearly 24,000 homes in digital blackspots such as Kinross, West Linton and Penicuik can get Freeview for the first time, while picture quality will improve for many existing viewers.

The change requires every Freeview viewer to retune their TVs and boxes, in order to regain BBC TV channels which are missing this morning.

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

Craigkelly switchover will be completed on 15 June, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off. Further Freeview channels from STV, 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.

Paul Hughes, Digital UK National Manager for Scotland, said this morning:

“Craigkelly switchover is underway, and many people are receiving new channels.
“Anyone who hasn’t yet switched to digital should do so now, as the last analogue signals inScotland will be tuned off later this month. Our advice is: get ready now – don’t leave it until the last minute.”

Switchover will see the five analogue TV channels permanently switched off and the Freeview service boosted to reach virtually all 640,000 households in the South East. Thousands of homes currently in digital blackspots such as Eastbourne, Hailsham, Newhaven, Canterbury, Ashford and Margate will be able to receive Freeview channels for the first time.

Digital UK and the Switchover Help Scheme are preparing to launch a public information campaign to ensure viewers are ready for the change. The campaign, due to kick off later this year, will include roadshows, advertising and an information leaflet sent to every home. The Switchover Help Scheme will write to eligible older and disabled people offering support in making the switch, including equipment, installation if needed and aftercare.

Analogue signals will be switched off in two stages at each transmitter group. The dates announced today for switchover in Kent and East Sussex are:

Tony Gray, Digital UK’s Assistant Regional Manager for Meridian, said:

“The digital switchover will bring digital TV to more than 100,000 homes in Kent and East Sussex for the first time and today’s announcement paves the way for a new era in broadcasting for viewers in the South East.

“We are preparing for the end of analogue TV and the dawn of a fully digital age in which everyone can enjoy extra choice and easier recording. Digital UK and the Switchover Help Scheme will ensure people

The date for digital switchover in the capital and surrounding areas was announced today by Digital UK, the body leading the process. To mark the occasion, TV favourite Christine Bleakley turned on a light show at Alexandra Palace, where the world’s first regular television service began in 1936.

London’s switchover will be the biggest in the UK by far, affecting nearly twelve million and extending Freeview coverage to all parts of the capital and neighbouring areas for the first time. With a population of 7.5m, London is estimated to contain more TV sets than any other city in Europe, including nearly four million analogue TVs which must be converted to digital in time for the switchover.

Analogue BBC Two will disappear in London and neighbouring parts of Berkshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Middlesex and Surrey on 4 April 2012. The remaining analogue channels – BBC One, ITV1, Channel Four and Channel Five – will then be turned off on 18 April 2012.

The change takes place around three months before the London Olympics, and will give local viewers a choice of ways to enjoy widescreen, interactive digital coverage of the Games.

Vivien Morgan, London Manager for Digital UK, said:

“Switchover is making television history – the biggest change in broadcasting since colour TV. It’s exciting news for all of us as it means more channels, better pictures and easier recording.”

Christine Bleakley added:

“The big switch is coming to London, and we all need to be ready. Nobody wants to miss their favourite show, so make sure you get set for digital.”

One third of UK homes have so far completed the switchover process, while nine-in-ten households are watching some form of digital TV on at least one set. After London, two remaining regions – the north east of England and Northern Ireland – will also switch to digital in 2012, completing the switchover programme in the United Kingdom.

Shortly after midnight, analogue BBC Two was turned off permanently at the Ridge Hill transmitter, allowing Freeview coverage of eight BBC channels to be boosted to reach 15,000 homes for the first time.

The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may find their BBC TV channels are missing. These services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes.1 Viewers in areas where more than one regional service is available can get advice on choosing their preferred channels from Digital UK.

The second and final stage of switchover takes place on 20 April, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off permanently. On this date, further Freeview channels from ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 will also become available from relay 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.

Sumera Bashir, Digital UK Assistant Regional Manager for Central, said this morning:

“Switchover is underway in Herefordshire, south Shropshire and parts of Gloucestershire, and many people are receiving Freeview channels for the first time. We’re now encouraging any viewers who still don’t have the necessary equipment to get ready in time for 20 April, when all the analogue channels will be permanently switched off. Anyone who needs advice during this period should contact Digital UK or sign up for the Help Scheme if they are eligible.”

Shortly after midnight, analogue BBC Two was turned off permanently at the Wrekin transmitter, allowing Freeview coverage of eight BBC channels to be boosted to reach thousands of new homes for the first time.

The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may find their BBC TV channels are missing. These services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes. Viewers in areas where more than one regional service is available can get advice on choosing their preferred channels from Digital UK.

The second and final stage of switchover takes place on 20 April, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off permanently. On this date, further Freeview channels from ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 will also become available from relay 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.

Peter Monteith, Digital UK’s Regional Manager for the Central region, said this morning:

“The switchover in north Shropshire and south Cheshire is underway, and many people are receiving Freeview channels for the first time. We’re now encouraging any viewers who still don’t have the necessary equipment to get ready in time for 20 April, when all the analogue channels will be permanently switched off. Anyone who needs advice during this period should contact Digital UK or sign up for the Help Scheme if they are eligible.”

Shortly after midnight, analogue BBC Two was turned off permanently at the Lark Stoke transmitter, allowing Freeview coverage of BBC channels to be boosted to reach the whole area for the first time.

The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may find their BBC TV channels are missing. These services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes. Viewers in areas where more than one regional service is available can get advice on choosing their preferred channels from Digital UK.

The second and final stage of switchover takes place on 20 April when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off permanently.

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.

Peter Monteith, Digital UK’s Regional Manager for the Central region, said this morning:

“Switchover is underway in the Stratford-upon-Avon area, and many people are receiving Freeview channels for the first time. We’re now encouraging any viewers who still don’t have the necessary equipment to get ready in time for 20 April, when all the analogue channels will be permanently switched off. Anyone who
needs advice during this period should contact Digital UK or sign up for the Help Scheme if they are eligible.”

Shortly after midnight, analogue BBC Two was turned off permanently at the Bromsgrove transmitter, and Freeview digital TV signals boosted.

The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may find their BBC TV channels are missing. These services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes.1 Viewers in areas where more than one regional service is available can get advice on choosing their preferred channels from Digital UK.

The second and final stage of switchover takes place on 20 April, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off permanently.

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.

Peter Monteith, Digital UK’s Regional Manager for the Central region, said this morning:

“The Bromsgrove area switchover is underway, and many people are receiving Freeview channels for the first time. We’re now encouraging any viewers who still don’t have the necessary equipment to get ready in time for 20 April, when all the analogue channels will be permanently switched off.  Anyone who needs advice during this period should contact Digital UK or sign up for the Help Scheme if they are eligible.”