TV viewers in West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are getting ready for the switchover to digital television starting on 8 July 2009.
With just days to go until the first analogue channel is permanently switched off in West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Digital UK is launching the final stage of its information campaign for the 122,900 households served by the Redruth transmitter group.
Latest research from Digital UK indicates around 4% of households in the West Country have yet to convert their main sets to digital TV. Many may be waiting for Freeview signals to become available in their area. Currently, Freeview is only available to around 63% of households in the West Country. This will be boosted to 96% when switchover is complete.
Switchover will take place in two stages. The first starts shortly after midnight on 8 July when analogue BBC Two will be switched off and replaced with the BBC's full range of digital channels.
Stage two will take place four weeks later on 5 August. The remaining analogue channels will be replaced in digital form along with more public-service TV, radio and text services.
On switchover days, all terrestrial TV services will be off air during the night and are expected to be restored in most areas by morning. In some areas served by relay transmitters, services will be off air until mid afternoon. At this point, Freeview, BT Vision and Top Up TV boxes will require retuning.
Bill Taylor, Digital UK's Regional Manager in the South West, said: "West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are well prepared for switchover, with many viewers looking forward to getting digital TV for the first time.
"While the process will be straightforward for most people, we know that some viewers may need a bit of extra help so we will be working with all our partner organisations to offer support for those who need it throughout the switchover period."
