Television viewers in Plymouth and parts of Devon & east Cornwall were able to view Freeview digital TV pictures for the very first time yesterday.
Just after the midnight hour, all TV services from Caradon Hill’s main transmitter and the 29 relays were switched off temporarily, BBC Two analogue was switched off for good.
Viewers living in relay transmitter areas like Tavistock, Plympton and Kingsbridge have never before had any Freeview digital TV services through their aerials and should now be able to enjoy better quality pictures with clear sound. A more powerful digital signal is currently being pumped out of Caradon Hill and its relays allowing viewers to see the full range of BBC channels in digital quality.
As this is the first stage of the switchover, terrestrial TV services will be off air for some viewers until the first changes are completed. According to Digital UK, this should be completed at around mid afternoon today.
Once services are back on air viewers who have Freeview, BT Vision and Top Up TV equipment should perform a retune of their equipment.
When the second stage of the switchover takes place on the 9th of September in this area of the Westcountry, all remaining analogue channels will be switched off for ever and become history.
Engineers will no doubt be pleased to finally switch off and get rid of the cobweb collecting analogue systems at Caradon Hill, which have been sitting next to shiny new digital equipment for some time now in preparation of the switchover.
When this second stage is complete Channel 4, Five and ITV services will become available from relay transmitters for the first time. Digital UK says that by then virtually all households in Plymouth, parts of Devon and east Cornwall will receive a Freeview digital TV signal.
You should be able to receive the digital signal no matter how obscure your TV set is... Just remember to retune your equipment!
Bill Taylor, Digital UK’s South West Regional Manager, said this morning: “This is the final switchover in the Westcountry. Once its complete, Freeview will be available to 96 per cent of households in the region.
“We’re now encouraging viewers who still don’t have the necessary equipment to get ready in time for 9 September, when the last analogue signals in the region will be permanently switched off. Anyone who needs advice during this period should contact Digital UK.”
A digital road show is running today in Place de Brest in Plymouth to help anyone confused or concerned about the switchover process.
Viewers who watch their TV from Sky or Virgin Media platforms need not worry about this switchover and can continue to enjoy their normal services from those providers.
If you want to compare digital TV deals in a matter of seconds give one of our resident experts a call on 0800 466 1047.
Written by Matt Conder