The day before Bonfire Night sees the start of digital switchover for the North West of England.
Leaflets from "THE DIGITAL SWITCHOVER GROUP" all nice and pink in colour and very professional are not what they seem, writes Jordy.
There are now a number of issues related to digital switchover (DSO) in the UK.
Wales no longer has analogue transmissions, and the West of England follows next week.
As we approach the date for the first digital switchover, it is becoming clear that there is consumer concern that some people could be tricked by the unscrupulous.
In the hope that everyone can save money by avoiding some common mistakes, here is a guide to hassle-free digital switchover.
There is no need to panic! Accept no high-pressure sales - there are at least two years until anyone in the UK will be forced to do anything.
Better Freeview reception after switchover
Existing Freeview signals will increase in power after the analogue signals shutdown
Existing Freeview signals will increase in power after the analogue signals shutdown
TVs and boxes that do not support the 8k-mode
Here is the list from Digital UK of boxes and sets that will not receive Freeview after switchover is complete
Here is the list from Digital UK of boxes and sets that will not receive Freeview after switchover is complete
BBC TWO to disappear first
It’s official - the first channel to go blank for analogue viewers will be BBC TWO.
It’s official - the first channel to go blank for analogue viewers will be BBC TWO.
Freeview Lite?
Are you currently served by one of the 1074 television transmitters in the UK that do not transmit Freeview?
Are you currently served by one of the 1074 television transmitters in the UK that do not transmit Freeview?
Whilst 8.5% of the population of the UK will have only the public services after switchover, this ranges from 6% in England to 34% in Wales.
No matter where you are, if you use Freeview from a box, have a Freeview TV or use a Freeview+ recorder you MUST retune on this day.
Oxford transmitter was not broadcasting TV on Thursday 13th May due to a serious fire at the top of the mast.
From 14 April 2010 the Emley Moor mast will be on the reserve antenna, causing Freeview reception issues.
Broadcaster complaints details
The websites, phone numbers, email and addresses for the free-to-air broadcasters in the UK
The websites, phone numbers, email and addresses for the free-to-air broadcasters in the UK
30 September Freeview Retune - list of manuals
Here is a list of all the manuals you can download to help with the retune.
Here is a list of all the manuals you can download to help with the retune.
Digital upgrading a TV mast
What is required to convert a high powered analogue station to a full digital service?
What is required to convert a high powered analogue station to a full digital service?
No new full Freeview transmitters
Ofcom have confirmed that full six-multiplex Freeview will not be extended beyond the 80 transmitters that currently carry the service.
Ofcom have confirmed that full six-multiplex Freeview will not be extended beyond the 80 transmitters that currently carry the service.
Analogue and digital signal strength
The strength of an analogue signal is no guide to the strength of a digital signal
The strength of an analogue signal is no guide to the strength of a digital signal
What will happen if I do nothing?
Nothing is going to change until 2008, so you will see no change whatsoever. The signals will not become progressively weak.
Nothing is going to change until 2008, so you will see no change whatsoever. The signals will not become progressively weak.
2010
Oxford transmitter - service restricted until end of September 2010.2009
Manchester and North West - switch off ends Wednesday 2nd DecemberFreeview retune - statement
30 September 2009 Retune Video
Switchover notes - multiplex names
The Wrekin - analogue closed on 3rd September 2009
Dates confirmed for STV North (ne Grampian) transmitters
Fixed the post-swichover details
An Hotel "research" meeting
Winter Hill - switchover date confirmed
Switch over and PC-based systems
Caldbeck transmitter region to start switching Wednesday 24th June
2008
Digital UK Scotland switchover schedule changesCardiff switchover dates set
Arqiva statement on Selkirk switchover
Arqiva confirms switchover 'first phase' success
North West England (Granada) and North Wales switch off dates finalised
FIVE slot on BBC multiplex confirmed - again
Digital UK's guide for local councils
2007
Digital switchover - Whitehaven2006
Time Trumpet take on digital switchoverHow much is switchover worth?
Analogue transmitter shutdown map
2005
Interactive services -
Follow uk free tv on Twitter.
Follow latest comments on Twitter.
Can I stop paying Sky and use my satellite receiver to get Freeview ?
Freeview reception - all about aerials
Freeview on the Emley Moor transmitter
Map of signal on C21
My Freeview box has no EPG, is blank on FIVE, ITV3, ITV4, ITV2+1, has no sound or the channel line up is wrong
What can my do when my Sky Digibox says 'No Signal' or 'Technical fault'?
Freeview reception - all about aerials
Freeview on the Emley Moor transmitter
Map of signal on C21
My Freeview box has no EPG, is blank on FIVE, ITV3, ITV4, ITV2+1, has no sound or the channel line up is wrong
What can my do when my Sky Digibox says 'No Signal' or 'Technical fault'?
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