Captions reminding viewers to get ready for digital switchover will appear on televisions in the
Scottish Borders for the first time from May 6, 2008. Homes served by the Selkirk transmitter group
still watching analogue services in the Border TV region will see the on-screen messages six
months before these signals are switched off and replaced with Freeview channels.
The captions, lasting one minute, will appear on BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1, Channel 4 and Five
during programmes over a two-week period. They will advise viewers:
‘If you can see this, your TV will be affected by the switchover on 6th
November. Questions? Call Digital UK on 0845 234 0388’
The captions will be repeated three months and one month before switchover, increasing in size
and frequency. They will occupy a full quarter of the screen in the final run up to the switch.
John Askew, Digital UK’s Border TV Regional Manager, said: “Research has shown that captions
are a very effective way to target those viewers who will be directly affected by a switchover.
Anyone in the Border TV region who sees these on their sets needs to take action to ensure they
can continue to receive programmes once analogue transmissions are switched off.”
The Digital UK/Ofcom Tracker Survey (October – December ’07) found that while most viewers in
Scottish Borders are aware of digital switchover, less than 10% could name the day it would start in
their area. Other findings revealed:

94% were ‘personally comfortable’ with the move to digital TV

90% knew what to do to continue watching TV after switchover

84% had already converted or upgraded their main set to digital

Less than half (43%) were aware that analogue recorders are also affected*
To continue watching TV via an aerial after switchover, viewers will need to convert their television
using a digital box or upgrade to a fully digital model. Subscription and non-subscription digital TV
services are also available via satellite in Scottish Borders. A postcode checker on the Digital UK
website (www.digitaluk.co.uk) can tell viewers which options are available in their area now and
after switchover.

Analogue recorders will still be able to play tapes and discs but will need to be connected to either
a digital box or digital television in order to record programmes after switchover. They will only be
able to record the digital channel being watched. Digital recorders with a ‘twin-tuner’ allow users to
watch one channel while recording another.