Today is the day when thousands of viewers in the region will begin to see their analogue television signal turned off. Stuart Arnold reports

Q: So what is exactly is happening?

A: The signal for analogue television is being gradually switched off, meaning that anyone watching television through an aerial without a digital set-top box will be left watching a blank screen. At the same time the Freeview digital signal is being boosted so it can reach virtually all homes. The change has been described as the most significant since the introduction of colour television.

Q: Why is this necessary?

A: Some UK households have been unable to receive the Freeview digital signal. Switching off the existing analogue system will create the capacity necessary to extend these services UK wide. Broadcasting in digital format is also a more efficient way to transmit television signals and will free up airwaves for new services such as ultra-fast wireless broadband and mobile television.

Q: What’s happening specifically in the North-East?

A: The region is the last in England to “switchover”.

Today, the signal for the analogue BBC2 service will be switched off. Then on September 26 the remaining analogue channels BBC1, ITV and Channel 4 will be switched off. The Yorkshire region switched over last year.

Q: Do I need to buy a new television as a result of this change?

A: Almost certainly not, unless you want to.  Any television which has a scart socket can be converted with a digital box. If your television was made after 1996 it will have a scart socket.

For those that don’t, a digital box can be bought which connects to the RF input (or aerial socket) on your television. Any good electrical retailer will be able to advise on the options available.

Anyone buying a digital box should ensure it contains the “digital tick” meaning it is compatible with the Freeview signal.

Q What else will people need to do?

A: Those who receive digital television directly through their TV or via a set-top box, eg with Freeview or BT Vision, will have to retune at each phase of the switchover (today and September 26). Instruction manuals supplied with boxes will explain the exact process. However, in general terms they should press menu on their remote control and select set up or installation.

Then select first time installation, sometimes called factory reset, or default settings.

Once this has been done, new digital channels will be automatically installed. This may take a few minutes and equipment may shut down and restart.

Q: Will I notice anything on the day?

A: Some digital channels may be disrupted. However, the time of day you switch will depend on which relay transmitter you are watching from.
Q: How much does digital television cost for those getting it for the first time?

A: Costs vary. A Freeview digital box starts from about £20; digital televisions – those that have digital services already integrated into them – are available from about £150; the Freesat service from the BBC and ITV costs from £49 for a standard box and £80 for installation; Freesat from Sky costs approximately £150 (including installation); subscription digital TV services, eg Sky, Virgin, Top Up TV cost from £10 a month. It is estimated five to ten per cent of households may have to upgrade television aerials to receive the Freeview signal, costing from £60 to £180.

Q: Will this affect me if I receive digital television services through cable or satellite (such as from Virgin Media or Sky)?

A: No, there will be no change to these services which will continue to operate as normal.

Q: Will my video or DVD recorder still work once I convert to digital?

A: They will still play tapes or discs, yes, but they will need to be connected to a digital television (or one that has been converted with a digital box) in order to record programmes.

Q: How many people in the region have yet to convert to digital television?

A: The majority of people living in the North- East already receive digital TV services. It is estimated that at switchover only about one per cent of the population in the region will be still watching analogue television channels.

Q: Where can I get more information if I need it?

A: Call 08456-50-50-50 or go to Digital UK’s website at digitaluk.co.uk, or attend one of a number of roadshow events taking place in the region over the next few days.

SWITCHOVER ADVICE

ROADSHOW events, at which advisors will answer any questions relating to the digital switchover, take place today, tomorrow, and September 26 and 27 (unless otherwise stated), between 9am and 5pm, at the following locations:

Middlesbrough – Outside BHS, in Corporation Road;

Newcastle – Grainger Street;

Sunderland – Outside Britannia Building Society, in Market Square;

Durham City – North Road Methodist Church, North Road;

Bishop Auckland – Library in the Town Hall, Market Place;

Guisborough – Salvation Army centre, Westgate;

Stockton – George Hardwick Foundation, Unit 5, Wellington Square Shopping Centre;

Richmond – Methodist Church, Dundas Street;

Thirsk – (Tomorrow and Sep 27 only, 10am to noon), Golden Fleece Hotel, Market Place;

Northallerton – (Today and Sep 26 only, 10am to noon), Golden Lion Hotel, High Street;

Darlington – (today and Sep 27 only, 10am onwards), Joseph Pease Place, Prebend Row.