Digital switchover -Less than 100 days to go! (From The Westmorland Gazette)
When news happens, text KENEWS and your photos and videos to 80360. Or contact us by email or phone.
Digital switchover -Less than 100 days to go!
11:37am Tuesday 17th March 2009 in Digital UK By Lizzie Anderson
THE days of analogue television are numbered in Cumbria, with just 99 days until Border Television customers make the switch to digital.
On June 24, people served by the Caldbeck transmitter group will enter a new era in broadcasting history, but, according to the latest research, only 72 per cent of those affected are aware the digital switchover is taking place.
In a bid to prepare all Border TV viewers for the changes, Digital UK –the independent, not-for-profit organisation handling the switchover- is stepping up its communications campaign.
As well as reminding people via on-screen captions on analogue channels, a detailed 20-page guide is being sent to every household in Cumbria and the Digital Switchover Help Scheme is contacting those eligible for assistance.
John Askew, Digital UK regional manager for Cumbria, described the switchover as the biggest event in broadcasting since the introduction of colour, adding: “We’re urging anyone who is still watching analogue TV to make the change now.”
To continue to watch TV via an aerial after the switchover, viewers will need to upgrade their TV to a fully digital model or convert their existing set using a digital box.
Subscription and non-subscription digital TV services are also available via satellite, cable and broadband.
For more information and to access the Digital UK postcode checker, which can tell you the options available in your area, visit www.digitaluk.co.uk or call the helpline on 08456-505050.
Drop-in sessions are also taking place in the Masonic Hall in Kirkby Stephen at 10am tomorrow (Wednesday) and in the Westmorland Shopping Centre in Kendal at 10am on Thursday.
