Digital terrestrial television in the United Kingdom (DVB-T/DVB-T2), DTT in UK Опции

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SHEFFIELD & CHESTERFIELD WAKE TO A DIGITAL DAWN

Switchover complete, Freeview viewers must retune

digitaluk press release, 24 august 2011

All analogue TV channels in Sheffield and Chesterfield were switched off for good today, signalling the dawn of an all-digital era for more than 153,000 households.

Analogue BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5 were turned off permanently last night at the Sheffield and Chesterfield transmitter groups, enabling extra Freeview channels to be broadcast from local relay transmitters serving thousands of homes.

The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who will find some of their channels missing this morning. The services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes.

Viewers in some areas may also find their digital TVs or boxes load more than one regional service. Advice on prioritising the preferred regional service is available from Digital UK.

Homes watching the main Sheffield transmitter will need to retune again on 27 September to continue receiving all available channels.

Digital UK, which has co-ordinated the switch, and the Switchover Help Scheme are today running advice points and a roadshow to provide support for viewers who need it. The Help Scheme is still open to applications from older and disabled viewers who may qualify for help including a choice of equipment, installation and aftercare.

John Askew, Digital UK’s Regional Manager in Yorkshire, said: “This is an historic day for TV in Sheffield and Chesterfield as we say goodbye to the old analogue system forever. Viewers have responded extremely well and many are enjoying the benefits of digital TV for the first time.

“As with any change on this scale, some people may need a bit of extra help so we and the Help Scheme are on hand to give advice and assistance to those who may need it.”

Digital UK is providing support through local advice points, its website (digitaluk.co.uk) and an advice line (08456 50 50 50). A switchover roadshow is also running today and tomorrow in Barkers Pool, Sheffield and Chesterfield Market.

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COUNTDOWN BEGINS TO END OF ANALOGUE ERA

12 September 2011

The dates for digital TV switchover in the North East of England were announced today, setting out the timetable for the biggest change to broadcasting for a generation.
Switchover will see the five analogue TV channels switched off permanently and the Freeviewdigital service boosted to reach virtually all 1.4m households in the Tyne Tees TV region. The process will take place in two stages on 12 and 26 September 2012. Thousands of homespreviously in digital blackspots such as Sunderland, Whitby, Morpeth and Berwick-upon-Tweed willbe able to receive Freeview channels for the first time.

Digital UK and the Switchover Help Scheme are preparing to launch a public information campaign to ensure viewers are ready for the change. The campaign, due to kick off early next year, will include roadshows, advertising and an information leaflet sent to every home. The Help Scheme will write to eligible older and disabled people offering support in making the switch, including equipment, installation if needed and aftercare.

John Askew, Digital UK’s Regional Manager for the North East, said: “Today’s announcementpaves the way for a new era in broadcasting for viewers in the North East. We are preparing for the end of analogue TV and the dawn of a fully digital age in which everyone can enjoy extra choice and easier recording. Digital UK and the Switchover Help Scheme will ensure people know about this important change, and that advice and practical support are available.”

Get set for switchover with Digital UK’s Top Five Tips:
1. Visit the switchover postcode checker at digitaluk.co.uk to find out when your area switches or ring the advice line on 08456 50 50 50.
2. Remember the Switchover Help Scheme will offer equipment and practical support to older and disabled viewers. It will write to eligible viewers in the run-up to switchover. Call 0800 40 85 900 or visit helpscheme.co.uk for more details.
3. Don’t throw out your old TV - almost all sets can be converted with a digital box.
4. Check out the different ways of getting digital TV, including subscription-free options. Digital UK’s postcode checker provides details of digital services available in your area.
5. If you have Freeview, check you know how to retune your TV or box – you’ll need to do it at both stages of switchover. For more information visit digitaluk.co.uk/retuning.

LONDON’S DIGITAL COUNTDOWN BEGINS

12 September 2011

EastEnders stars June Brown and Rudolph Walker today launched the digital TV switchover campaign for London, with a street party for residents of the capital’s real Albert Square.

On 4 April 2012, analogue TV services for nearly 12m viewers across the London TV region will start to be switched off. A public-information campaign launches today with advertising on channels including BBC and ITV, special messages on screen and a letter sent to households eligible for the Switchover Help Scheme.
The Help Scheme is available for those aged 75 or over, disabled, blind or partially sighted people, or those living in a care home. For £40 or free for people that are eligible and also on certain income related benefits, the Help Scheme will provide:

• Easy-to-use equipment to convert one set
• An approved installer to supply and install the necessary equipment, and
• A 12-month aftercare service including free helpline

Visiting the real Albert Square in Lambeth to host a special launch event with local residents, EastEnders favourites June (Dot Branning) and Rudolph (Patrick Trueman) got behind the campaign to make sure viewers can still watch their favourite shows after April.
June Brown said: “The thought of losing TV channels may concern many older or disabled people. I know from the letters I get every day that, for many older people and those who are housebound,TV is a real lifeline – almost a friend in the corner of the room.
“But there’s no need to worry because help is available. No-one need buy a new TV; almost every set can be converted for digital.”

The information campaign, launching across the London TV region today, includes:

• On-screen messages: viewers will start seeing special messages covering part of their screens. They will increase in size and frequency as the switchover gets closer.
• The Switchover Help Scheme is writing to older and disabled people offering them practical help to switch one TV to digital, including equipment, installation and aftercare.

12 September 2011

• Advertising: there will be extensive local advertising on TV, radio and in local newspapers.
• Roadshows: the switchover roadshow will tour the region from January, stopping at dozens of locations, offering face-to-face advice and practical demonstrations of digital TV.
• Guide to switchover: in the new year, all households will be sent a detailed guide, including advice on retuning Freeview equipment.
• Charity partnerships: Age UK and RNIB are working with Digital UK and the Help Scheme to offer extra information and support to viewers who need it.

To apply for help from the Switchover Help Scheme, or to find out more about who is eligible for help, call the free helpline number on 0800 40 87 654. Textphone users can call 0800 40 85 936.
For general switchover advice call Digital UK on 08456 50 50 50.

New HD slot confirmed for Freeview HD

DTG Staff | 05.09.2011

Ofcom has announced that it is inviting applications from commercial Public Service Broadcasters for an extra HD slot on UK digital terrestrial televison (DTT).

This decision will mean that a new HD channel may be joining the existing four HD channels: BBC HD, BBC One HD, ITV1 HD and 4HD on the Freeview HD service.

The closing date for applications is 17 October 2011. Applications will be judged against criteria including an assessment of how the new capacity will contribute to enhancing the range and diversity of high quality television services available on DTT.

It is expected that the new channel will be ready to launch by 1 April 2012.