The digital Switchover finally got underway in Whitehaven in October of 2007 and the process of replacing the old analogue television transmissions with the new digital ones is due to be completed in the ITV Border region by the end of 2009.
In the build up to the switchover we’ve been asking you to Ask Tim any questions you might have about Digital Switchover and how it might affect you. Here are a few examples of the many questions we’ve received as well as the answers that our very own Tim Backshall has been able to find out for you.
Marion Middleton from South West Scotland phoned to ask what will happen to radio. Is the analogue radio signal going to be turned off at the same time as the TV?
Well the answer is no - your old radios will keep working for now. Although you will have to buy a new one eventually but not for a few years
Mr Guest from Stranraer doesn't want to spend lots of money getting sky, but he can't receive Freeview - so what's going to happen to him?
Well there are several areas in the region that can't get Freeview through a set-top box at the moment. But if you don't want to pay for Sky TV or get Free-Sat - don't worry! Digital UK are promising that virtually everywhere will be able to get Freeview through their aerial before the switchover takes place.
Mac Fennessey e-mailed in from Kirkcudbright. He wants to know if he'll need a separate aerial for each set-top box?
No you don't need more than one aerial.
Ian Tallon phoned in asking about dvd recorders - he's worried that he won't be able to use his when the switchover happens.
Well you will still be able to use it, but if you want to watch one programme and record another, you'll either have to have two set-top boxes, or a Scart-switched box, which might be cheaper. Or you could sign up to top-up TV, where you can record programmes that you're not watching.
Lots of people phoned and e-mailed the following questions:
Will I still be able to use my TV, if it doesn't have a Scart socket in the back of it.
If you haven't got a Scart socket, don't panic. Tell them in the shop where you buy your set-top box, and they'll be able to help you. All TV and electrical shops will be able to help you - the best thing to do if you're unsure about anything, is to ask.
How long will switchover take?
Switchover is expected to end by mid 2009.
Preparatory engineering work on the transmitter masts across the Border TV region has already begun. Generally, this should not affect viewers other than a few short breaks in service outside peak viewing times.
Digital UK will send you information about the exact date of switchover in your area nearer the time. Switchover will start with switching BBC Two to digital-only. There will then be a month’s grace period, so that if there are problems with your set-up, there will be time to resolve them.
I currently can’t receive channel Five. Can I still get digital?
Yes, after switchover the coverage of Five will increase to match that of the other main channels. If you can receive BBC, ITV and Channel 4 services through your aerial at present, you should be able to receive channel Five after switchover.
I can’t get satellite TV due to planning restrictions. Will I still be able to get digital?
Yes, you will be able to get digital TV if you can’t get satellite because digital TV can also be received through your aerial, or cable. Remember, availability of digital TV through the aerial will increase significantly after switchover.
I take my caravan to the Lakes regularly. What do I need to go digital?
You will need to go digital if you’re travelling around the Border region from late 2008. If you get TV through an aerial, you’ll have to get a digital box at a one-off cost. Look for the 'digital tick' logo and ask a retailer for more information.
I live in Dumfries and Galloway and already get Freeview, but that only gives me English services. Will I get Scottish services on digital after switchover?
The Scottish services will be transmitted on Freeview in this area after switchover.
I can’t get Freeview. Will I be able to get digital?
Yes, if your current analogue picture is good. It is only by switching off the old signal that it will be possible to roll out Freeview (digital TV received through an aerial) to everyone. You may also be able to get digital TV now through satellite or cable.
Will there be a scheme to help the elderly or others that need particular help?
To ensure that everyone can benefit from digital TV, those who most need it will be given support to help them through the process.
The support scheme will provide equipment to convert one TV set, and help with its installation and follow-up support, to people aged 75 years and over and people with significant disabilities – that is, receiving attendance allowance or disability living allowance. If you are eligible for help you will be contacted nearer the time.
How much will it cost?
There is a range of options to suit all budgets, including low-cost monthly subscription packages or a simple one-off payment for a digital box or free-to-view satellite services. You do not have to buy a new television set unless you want to, because with very rare exception, all TV sets can be adapted.
I didn’t receive a leaflet. What do I need to do?
It will take Royal Mail a number of weeks to deliver the leaflet in the Border TV region. You can download a copy of the leaflet from the Digital UK website.
I live in a flat and share my aerial with others. What do I need to do?
If you share your aerial with others then you may have a communal TV system. If so, this may need to be adapted to receive digital television. Your landlord or managing agent should be aware of this and be making plans – ask them for more information.
I live in the Border region and I can't get digital TV. Why is switchover happening?
Around half of Border viewers can currently get digital through their aerial (Freeview). The Government wants everyone to be able to get digital signals through an aerial, so that they can choose how to get their digital TV. One of the reasons switchover is happening is that the digital signal can only be boosted once the old signal has been switched off.
I received a Granada leaflet but I live in the Border region.
In some areas it is possible to receive a TV signal from more than one TV region. The actual TV region that the viewer receives, therefore, can depend on factors such as the direction the viewer's aerial is pointing, surrounding hills and trees that can affect reception from one or other of the possible TV regions. As an example, viewers living in postcode LA22 may receive a TV signal from either (or both on different televisions) the Granada and Border TV regions.
In order to make sure that everyone is prepared for the switch to digital in their TV region, Digital UK will send a regional leaflet to both people in the core TV coverage area and also to people who are likely to live in regions that can get a TV signal from one or more regions. As such some people may receive more than one leaflet. You can confirm your TV region by checking which ITV News service you receive, or by going to Teletext page 106.
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