On the whole, Digital Switchover has been very well managed, as it started in the Borders and worked its way down to the South West, (and is about to hit the Granada TV region next month).
But it has not been without the odd mishap. As part of the Digital Switchover process, Freeview undertook a country-wide retune in September, aimed at freeing up bandwidth in preparation for the launch of high definition TV (HDTV). But trouble struck for north Devon digital TV Freeview viewers!
Following the retune on September 30, around 300 customers in north Devon – started receiving Welsh TV, rather than their normal digital TV service. As a result Digital UK has issued an apology to the north Devon Freeview digital TV households.
North Devon has just itself gone through the Digital Switchover, which has since moved up to the Granada TV region which switches to digital TV next month.
The so-called ‘Welsh problem’ arose because a mast in Wales transmits at a similar frequency to the Ilfracombe relay in north Devon, but at a much stronger signal.
In response, Digital UK spokesman Bill Taylor said that only viewers receiving their TV signal from a relay rather than a main transmitter were affected by the problem. He added that specialist advice on the issue is now available on the Digital UK website or via the helpline.
If you need advice on Digital Switchover or simply want to find the best digital TV deal for you, why not speak to our impartial digital TV experts on 0800 466 1047, or use our online digital TV comparison service