Analogue TV viewers in Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire have just two weeks to get ready for the digital TV switchover, starting on 30 March.
With just a fortnight to go until the first analogue channel is permanently switched off, latest research indicates nine out of ten homes in Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire have already gone digital on their main TV set, but some still need to get ready or risk having a blank screen.

Digital UK, the independent body in charge of the process, is now launching the final stage of its information campaign. Large warning messages will be broadcast on analogue channels, reminding viewers to get ready for switchover. The Switchover Help Scheme is also urging any eligible older and disabled viewers yet to respond to let them know whether they want practical support to convert one TV set to digital, including a choice of equipment, installation and aftercare.

The switchover will take place in two stages and will see Freeview coverage boosted to reach thousands of viewers who get their signal from local relay transmitters. At both stages, new and existing viewers with Freeview, BT Vision and Top Up TV will need to retune their TVs or digital boxes to pick up all the services available. After retuning, viewers in some areas may find they have more than one regional service available.

The Digital UK website and advice line offer advice on retuning and selecting the correct regional service.

Stage one starts in the early hours of Wednesday 30 March. Analogue BBC Two will be permanently switched off from the Sandy Heath transmitter and its relays. Some Freeview digital channels, including BBC Two, become available for the first time to viewers served by relay transmitters.

Stage two starts in the early hours of Wednesday 13 April. The remaining analogue channels (BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5) will be permanently switched off. These services and a range of other Freeview TV, radio and text services become available to viewers served by relay transmitters.

Peter Monteith, Digital UK?s Regional Manager in Anglia, said:

“Most viewers are ready for switchover and many are looking forward to getting digital TV for the first time. While the process will be straightforward for most people, inevitably some viewers may need a bit of extra help so we are working with the Switchover Help Scheme and local charities to offer support for those who need it throughout the switchover period.”

The Toshiba Regza RV will launch in April this year with LCD screen sizes 32″, 37″ and 40″  all capable of 1080p resolution.

The Regza RV series will include Toshiba’s Active Vision II (50Hz), MetaBrainEngine, Resolution+, Dolby Volume, 4 HDMI sockets and best of a a wireless dongle to connect back to broadband wireless router/access point to allow for future IPTV services ie BBC iplayer via broadband.

 With both standard definition DVB-T and high definition DVB-T2 tuners offering the full array of SD and HD Freeview channels without the need for a separate set top box, no satellitedish and no contract or suscription the Toshiba will appeal to plenty.

No prices available yet. We will publish as soon as we know.
 
Toshiba REGZA RV Series Specifications

• Available in 81.3cm (32”), 94.0cm (37”) and 101.6cm (40”) screen sizes
• Full HD (1920x1080p)
• Freeview HD (DVB-T2)
• Active Vision II (50Hz)
• MetaBrain
• Resolution+
• Dolby Volume
• AutoView
• 1x CI+, 4x HDMI, 1x USB
• Wireless Ready (DLNA, Certified for Windows 7)

LG could be the first manufacturer to release a TV  capable of receiving the new HD MPEG-4 broadcasts.

No prices or release dates available yet.

The retune will allow Channel Five to become as widely available on Freeview as the other terrestrial channels at digital television switchover. In addition technical preparations for future improvements to the Freeview service (such as Freeview HD) are being made.

Viewers using a Freeview TV or box should retune after the 30th September to get all services available at their address.

The vast majority of viewers with a Freeview TV or box find retuning straightforward and have no difficulties. You should be aware that the menus for each Freeview box, TV and recorder differ slightly.

You will find easy-to-follow retune guides for popular makes and models which can be printed or emailed at:

http://www.tvretune.co.uk/productmanuals/

Because of the nature of the changes it is important to perform a full retune which will delete the existing channel line up and other settings from your box. Please check the instructions for your equipment.

Friends or family may also be able to help you, or speak to your local electrical retailer. If you need any further assistance, an automated helpline will also be available on 08456 05 11 22.

Alternatively, contact the manufacturer who should be able to provide advice.

The following changes to Freeview channels and services were be made on the 30 September:

Coverage of Five will increase. More than 500,000 Freeview homes will be able to receive Five for the first time; and these improvements will ensure that Five will be available to all Freeview homes at the point of switchover; along with BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1, and Channel 4.

Some viewers who receive their Freeview service from a relay transmitter will no longer be able be able to receive ITV3 and ITV4. As a result of moving position on the Freeview platform, a small percentage of homes will find they lose these services after retuning.

A new channel called ‘Quest’ launched on channel 38 on Freeview. It will be available to the majority of Freeview homes.

Some BBC Radio stations will be affected in the 5% of UK homes that have already gone through digital switchover. Listeners in Border, West Country and parts of Wales will lose these services until they retune their Freeview equipment.

The Community Channel is longer be available on Freeview in areas that have already gone through switchover.

After retuning, the viewer will find a small number of channels in a new position on their on-screen TV guide.