Analogue BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5 were turned off permanently last night at the Tacolneston transmitter group. The final switchover means that 96% of homes in East Anglia can now receive digital TV through an aerial – up from 57% when the process began in the region.

The changes affect existing Freeview viewers who may 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.

Peter Monteith, Digital UK’s Regional Manager for Anglia, said:

Today marks the completion of digital switchover in East Anglia, 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.
Digital UK is still here to provide advice to those who need it, and the Switchover Help Scheme remains open to applications until 23 December.

The start of TV switchover means thousands of viewers in digital blackspots can get BBC Freeview channels for the first time, while picture quality will improve for many existing viewers. Homes already watching Freeview will need to retune their TVs and boxes in order to regain BBC services, which will be missing this morning.

Switchover began in the early hours when analogue BBC Two was permanently turned off at the Oliver’s Mount transmitter group, which serves 31,000 homes.

The process will be completed on 17 August, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off. Further Freeview channels from ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 will then be available from local transmitters for the first time.

John Askew, Digital UK Regional Manager for Yorkshire, this mornng said:

This is great news for Scarborough, as many people are receiving new channels for the first time.
Those viewers who haven’t switched to digital should prepare for 17 August, when the last analogue channels will be permanently switched off. Our advice is: get ready now – don’t leave it until the last minute.

Analogue channels have now been turned off at all transmitters, and Scotland’s switchover will be completed this afternoon at the Kirkfieldbank transmitter near Lanark, where the last digital signals are turned on.

Today’s switchover is the culmination of a three-year engineering project that has delivered more choice and improved picture quality to hundreds of thousands of viewers across Scotland.

To mark the end of analogue TV after 59 years on air in Scotland, legendary presenters Mary Marquis (BBC) and Glen Michael (STV) were invited to witness the completion of switchover at Kirkfieldbank today – the last transmitter in Scotland to be switched to digital.

The switchover affects Freeview viewers across central Scotland who may find some of their channels missing this morning. These services have moved to new frequencies and can be
restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes.

Paul Hughes, Digital UK National Manager for Scotland, said:

This is great news for Scotland – now that switchover is complete, digital TV coverage has been boosted to reach an extra one million viewers, and Scotland has a broadcasting system fit for the 21st century.
We will continue to offer support and advice to anyone who still needs it, and there’s still time for eligible viewers to apply to the Switchover Help Scheme.

Analogue BBC One, STV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 were turned off permanently last night, enabling extra channels to be broadcast from eight local relay transmitters serving thousands of homes.

This completes the penultimate switchover in Scotland. The nation’s final analogue signals will be switched off next week at the Black Hill transmitter group, which serves the majority of homes in central Scotland.

The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may 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.

The Yorkshire-based brass band kicked off the countdown to all-digital TV by entertaining viewers in Leeds and Hull with renditions of popular TV theme tunes including Dr Who, Match of the Day and Coronation Street. Advisors from Digital UK were also on hand to answer questions about how to get ready.

Latest research indicates most viewers are well prepared, with nine out of ten households already having made the switch to digital TV. Those still watching in analogue are now being urged to get ready for switchover – when Freeview coverage will be boosted to reach virtually all homes – or risk being left with a blank screen. All TV in the region will be fully digital from 21 September.

Digital UK and the Switchover Help Scheme have stepped up their communications campaigns across the region. Roadshows are now running across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and a detailed 20-page guide to switchover has been sent to every household.

John Askew, Digital UK’s Regional Manager for the Yorkshire TV region, said:

Most people have already made the switch to digital but we know some people may leave it until the last minute, or may need a little extra advice. We’re urging anyone still watching analogue television to make the change now and to contact the Help Scheme if they’re eligible for practical support.

Anyone who still needs advice on switching can visit the Digital UK website or call our advice line. We’ll also be holding roadshows and advice clinics at the time of switchover.

The change requires every Freeview viewer to retune their TVs and boxes, in order to regain BBC TV channels which are missing this morning.

Switchover began in the early hours when analogue BBC Two was permanently turned off at the Black Hill transmitter.

The process will be completed on 22 June, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off. Further Freeview channels from STV, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 will then be available from local transmitters for the first time.

Paul Hughes, Digital UK National Manager for Scotland, said this morning:

The Black Hill transmitter serves about half the Scottish population, and this final switchover affects viewers right across the central belt.

Anyone who hasn’t yet switched to digital should prepare for 22 June, when the last analogue channels will be permanently switched off and Scotland will become a fully digital nation. Our advice is: get ready now – don’t leave it until the last minute.

The penultimate TV switchover in Scotland means nearly 24,000 homes in digital blackspots such as Kinross, West Linton and Penicuik can get Freeview for the first time, while picture quality will improve for many existing viewers.

The change requires every Freeview viewer to retune their TVs and boxes, in order to regain BBC TV channels which are missing this morning.

Switchover began in the early hours when analogue BBC Two was permanently turned off at the Craigkelly transmitter group.

Craigkelly switchover will be completed on 15 June, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off. Further Freeview channels from STV, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 will then be available from local transmitters for the first time.

Paul Hughes, Digital UK National Manager for Scotland, said:

Craigkelly switchover is underway, and many people are receiving new channels.
Anyone who hasn’t yet switched to digital should do so now, as the last analogue signals in Scotland will be tuned off later this month. Our advice is: get ready now – don’t leave it until the last minute.

Analogue BBC One, STV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 were turned off permanently last night at the Darvel and Rosneath transmitter groups, enabling extra channels to be broadcast from 30 local relay transmitters serving thousands of homes.

The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may 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.

Paul Hughes, Digital UK’s National Manager in Scotland, said:

This is an historic day for TV in parts of central Scotland 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.

The start of TV switchover means that 50,000 viewers in digital blackspots such as Port Ellen, Campbeltown, Girvan and Bowmore can get Freeview for the first time, while picture quality will improve for many existing viewers.

The change requires every Freeview viewer to retune their TVs and boxes, in order to regain BBC TV channels which are missing this morning.

Switchover began in the early hours when analogue BBC Two was permanently turned off at the Darvel and Rosneath transmitters.

The process will be completed on 25 May, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off. Further Freeview channels from STV, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 will then be available from local transmitters for the first time.

Paul Hughes, Digital UK National Manager for Scotland, said this morning:

Switchover is underway at the Darvel and Rosneath transmitters, and many people are receiving new channels.
Anyone who hasn’t yet switched to digital should prepare for 25 May, when the last analogue channels will be permanently switched off. Our advice is: get ready now – don’t leave it until the last minute.

To mark the announcement, switchover robot Digit Al joined local school children on Eastbourne beach to remind viewers in the region not to bury their heads in the sand and make sure they’re prepared for the change.

Switchover will see the five analogue TV channels permanently switched off and the Freeview service boosted to reach virtually all 640,000 households in the South East. Thousands of homes currently in digital blackspots such as Eastbourne, Hailsham, Newhaven, Canterbury, Ashford and Margate will be 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 later this year, will include roadshows, advertising and an information leaflet sent to every home. The Switchover Help Scheme will write to eligible older and disabled people offering support in making the switch, including equipment, installation if needed and aftercare.

Analogue signals will be switched off in two stages at each transmitter group.3 The dates announced today for switchover in Kent and East Sussex are:

Tony Gray, Digital UK’s Assistant Regional Manager for Meridian, said:

The digital switchover will bring digital TV to more than 100,000 homes in Kent and East Sussex for the first time and today’s announcement paves the way for a new era in broadcasting for viewers in the South 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.

To mark the final countdown, two close members of John Logie Baird’s family will make an historic visit to the TV inventor’s birthplace.

John’s daughter Diana and his grandson Iain will return to Helensburgh, the town where it all began and which goes digital in two weeks’ time, to help remind viewers across central Scotland to get ready for switchover.

Analogue TV started in Scotland 59 years ago with the BBC’s public television service, followed by Scottish Television’s first broadcast in 1957. The last analogue signals will be turned off at the Black Hill transmitter group on 22 June 2011, marking the completion of digital switchover in Scotland.

Logie Baird’s first TV was made from a washstand and tea chest housing a projection lamp and
scanning discs cut from cycle lenses. Held together with scrap wood, darning needles, string and sealing wax, it was a far cry from the digital flat screens available today.

While visiting Helensburgh, Iain Logie Baird, Curator of Television at the National Media Museum, will look over a rare 1930 television set with owners the Helensburgh Heritage Trust. He will also convert a working replica of the model to digital with a set-top box, proving that nobody needs to throw their old TV away for switchover.

Iain Logie Baird said:

We’re delighted to have been asked back to Helensburgh to celebrate the
history of analogue TV, and the arrival of switchover. Whichever way you choose to receive digital, it means more channels and free high-definition TV for everyone.

Shortly after midnight, analogue BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5 were turned off permanently at the Ridge Hill transmitter group, enabling extra channels to be broadcast from 19 local relay transmitters serving 15,000 homes.

The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may 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.

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.

Sumera Bashir, Digital UK’s Assistant Regional Manager for Central, said:

This is an historic day for TV in Herefordshire, south Shropshire and parts of Gloucestershire 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.

Existing Freeview viewers will be affected by the changes – they may 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.

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.

Peter Monteith, Digital UK’s Regional Manager for Central, said:

This is an historic day for TV in north Shropshire and south Cheshire 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.

Shortly after midnight, analogue BBC One, ITV1 and Channel 4 were turned off permanently at the Bromsgrove transmitter, and Freeview digital TV signals boosted.

The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may 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.

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.

Peter Monteith, Digital UK’s Regional Manager for Central, said:

This is an historic day for TV in the Bromsgrove area, 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.

Shortly after midnight, analogue BBC One, ITV1 and Channel 4 were turned off permanently at the Lark Stoke transmitter.

The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may 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.

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.

Peter Monteith, Digital UK’s Regional Manager for Central, said:

This is an historic day for TV in the Stratford-upon-Avon area 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.

This will be used as inspiration for the first poem by the official switchover bard Ian McMillan and is due to see the light of day in January 2011.

Ian also wants viewers to continue to send him memories of their TV viewing – they can even send in their own poems, the creamo f which will be published online by Digital UK.

The poll also shows Scunthorpe and Sheffield dwellers prefer Soaps, while those in Leeds and York prefer reality shows.

In the three hours a day, on average, that people in the city sit in front of the box, they are also partial to a bit of local drama. Yorkshire’s top five shows with their roots firmly in the region are:

The top five shows that are either set or made on Yorkshire are :

1. Emmerdale
2. Open All Hours
3. Countdown
4. Last of the Summer Wine
5. Fat Friends

The stars most people would like to invite into their houses are And and Dec, followed by Jeremy Clarkson.

Switchover, which starts in August 2011, will see the five analogue TV channels switched off permanently and the Freeview digital service boosted to reach virtually all households in the Yorkshire TV region.
For thousands of homes which were previously in digital black spots this will be the first time they will be able to receive Freeview channels.

Terrestrial TV services will be restored to most homes this morning, and in areas served by smaller relay transmitters by late afternoon. Viewers switching to Freeview will have to tune in their digital TVs and freeview boxes after signals have become available in their area.

The analogue signal will switched off at the Bromsgrove, Lark Stoke, Nottingham, Ridge Hill and Wrekin transmitter groups and the freeview digital will be boosted affecting households across the region. This also means that many homes in the digital blackspots of Helesowen, Hereford and Ludlow will be able to receive freeview for the first time.

Midland switchover dates are :

The freeview digital signal will be boosted when the Sandy Heath transitter switches of the five analogue TV channels. This will affect 966,000 households in parts of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and and Hertsford. This also means that many homes in the digital blackspots of Kimpton, Lutin and Dallington Park will be able to receive freeview for the first time.

East of England switchover dates are :

Shortly after midnight, analogue BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Five were turned off permanently enabling extra digital channels to be broadcast from 61 local relay transmitters serving thousands of homes.

Viewers will need to retune Freeview equipment to receive all channels.

Analogue BBC One, S4C, ITV1 and Five were turned off permanently at the
Wenvoe transmitter group shortly after midnight, allowing extra channels to be broadcast from 75 local relay transmitters serving thousands of homes, and making Cardiff the UK’s first digital capital city.

Existing Freeview viewers were also affected by the changes who may find some of their channels missing this morning. The services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and Freeview boxes.

Analogue signals will be switched off in two stages at each transmitter group – Stage one when analogue BBC2 is switched off followed by Stage 2 when the rest of the analogue channels are turned off.

The dates for switchover in the central belt are:

The analogue BBC Two was turned off permanently shortly after midnight and engineers started switching on digital signals at 61 local relay transmitters serving many thousands of homes. This is the first time that viewers in these areas will be able to receive Freeview digital channels.
The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may find their BBC TV channels are missing. The services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and Freeview boxes. After retuning, some viewers may find they can recieve services from both England and Wales. Advice on choosing preferred channels is available from Digital UK.

The second and final stage of switchover in the West TV region takes place on 7th April when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off permanently for Bristol, parts of Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. Further Freeview channels from ITV, Channel 4 and Five will also become available on this date from relay transmitters for the first time.

The final stage of digital TV switchover in north east Wales completed on 25th November, extending digital terrestrial television (Freeview) coverage to all households served by the Moel y Parc transmitter group. All terrestrial TV signals were turned off shortly after midnight and a team of engineers worked through the night on the switch to all-digital TV services. Analogue services will remain switched off permanently, allowing new Freeview channels to be broadcast from 22 local relay transmitters serving areas such as Penmaen Rhos and Llangollen for the first time.

The Granada TV region switchover started on 4th November when BBC2 was switched off.
The rest of the analogue channels – BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Five – will be permanently switched off on 2nd December. At the same time the Freeview signals will be boosted allowing around 500,000 more viewers access to the Freeview platform.