One week till the end of analogue in Cumbria (From The Westmorland Gazette)

One week till the end of analogue in Cumbria

11:25am Wednesday 15th July 2009 in Digital UK By Lizzie Anderson

THE days of analogue television in Cumbria are officially numbered, with the majority of viewers going fully digital next week.

Wednesday, July 22, marks the final phase of the digital switchover in the Border region when the remaining terrestrial channels –BBC1, ITV1 and Channel 4- will be switched off for good.

This will free up the airwaves for a host of new channels that until now many viewers in the county have been unable to access.

Across the county, electrical retailers are gearing up for another mad dash for digital equipment and many predict the second phase of the switchover could be even busier.

Graham Dixon of Hadwins Electricals at Kirkland, Kendal, said the team had been inundated with inquiries and there had been great demand for its retuning services.

“I think a lot of people are now ready but we expect it to be busy next week,” he said. “It is do or die in some respects as if you are not prepared you will be left in the dark.”

At Age Concern South Lakeland specially trained advisors also anticipate an influx of visitors.

“Over the last few weeks we have had a constant stream of people contacting us but we are not sure how it is going to go next week,” said Terry Williams, community officer at the Kendal-based charity. “We think maybe a lot of people haven’t bothered yet because they only lost BBC2 in June but if they wake up on Wednesday and all the channels are gone they will want to do something about it.”

The switchover was introduced in two phases to give viewers a chance to adjust and resolve any problems with their digital equipment.

However, Barry Speak of Robinsons Electricals at Kirkland, Kendal, said it was a bad idea, adding: “A lot of people have found it hard switching between analogue and digital.”

In order to keep watching TV after July 22 everyone will need a digital ready TV or set top box and those already prepared will need to retune their equipment.

John Askew, regional manager for Digital UK in Cumbria, said research conducted in April showed 85 per cent of the 308,000 households affected had converted their main TV set.

“We’re pleased that since last month, when switchover began, hundreds more homes have got the equipment they need,” he added.

For help and information about the switchover visit www.digitaluk.co.uk or call the helpline on 08456-505050.

A switchover roadshow is running in the Market Place in Kendal on July 22 and advisors are available at the Riverside Building at Chapel Street, Appleby, on Wednesday and Thursday, between 10am and 5pm, and Age Concern on Finkle Street, Kendal, during normal office hours.