Digital switchover begins in Shropshire
SHROPSHIRE TODAY entered the digital TV revolution as the first phase of the long-awaited switchover was completed in the early hours of this morning. SHROPSHIRE TODAY entered the digital TV revolution as the first phase of the long-awaited switchover was completed in the early hours of this morning. Viewers who have not converted their televisions to receive digital signals faced waking up to blank screens on BBC2 after the analogue signal was turned off forever. All Freeview viewers in north Shropshire who receive transmissions from the Wrekin mast, and many households in south Shropshire who receive from Ridge Hill, will need to retune their TVs and boxes today in order to receive all channels as the first phase of the switchover gets underway.
SHROPSHIRE TODAY entered the digital TV revolution as the first phase of the long-awaited switchover was completed in the early hours of this morning.
Viewers who have not converted their televisions to receive digital signals faced waking up to blank screens on BBC2 after the analogue signal was turned off forever.
All Freeview viewers in north Shropshire who receive transmissions from the Wrekin mast, and many households in south Shropshire who receive from Ridge Hill, will need to retune their TVs and boxes today in order to receive all channels as the first phase of the switchover gets underway.
Just after midnight, analogue BBC 2 was turned off permanently at both the Wrekin and Ridge Hill transmitters, allowing Freeview coverage of eight BBC channels to be boosted to reach tens of thousands of homes for the first time.
The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may find their BBC TV channels are missing.
These have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes.
Viewers in areas where more than one regional service is available can get advice on choosing preferred channels from Digital UK.
The second and final stage of switchover takes place on April 20, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off permanently.
Peter Monteith, Digital UK regional manager for the central region, said: "The switchover in north Shropshire is under way, and many people are receiving Freeview channels for the first time.
"We are now encouraging any viewers who still don't have the necessary equipment to get ready in time for April 20, when all the analogue channels will be permanently switched off.
"Anyone who needs advice should contact Digital UK or sign up for the Help Scheme if they are eligible."
But yesterday Shrewsbury-based electronics expert Steve Mitchell, of BF Interactive, predicted there would be "bedlam" as some viewers were still not prepared.
For those who get their TV signals from Sutton Coldfield, including parts of the Bridgnorth area, the switchover is in September.
By Ben Bentley