[cma-l] Borders leads the way in switchover to digital TV

[Bill Best]

The biggest broadcasting revolution since public television was
introduced in 1936 was due to get under way in the Scottish Borders
today, with the UK's first full-scale digital switchover.

About 52,000 homes served by the Selkirk transmitter group were
yesterday preparing for analogue BBC Two to be turned off just after
midnight. The service is being replaced with the corporation's digital
channels.

All terrestrial services in the region were to go off air during the
switchover, but they were set to be restored in just over half of
households - those served by the main transmitter - by 6am. In remote
areas served by relay transmitters there will be no terrestrial
television until at least noon.

Today's historic event marks the first stage of the switchover. The
second takes place on November 20 when the remaining analogue channels
- BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Five - will also be replaced in digital
format.

The Scottish Borders is the first region in the UK to move from
analogue to digital television signals. The process is expected to be
completed in 2012.

To obtain the new signal viewers must convert their analogue
television sets with a digital box, such as Freeview, or own a set
fitted with digital receivers.

According to figures released yesterday by Digital UK, the independent
body set up to organise the switchover, 99 per cent of viewers in the
area were aware of the change, and 97 per cent had the necessary
equipment. There remained disquiet, however, about the number of
channels that viewers will be able to receive. Only 53 per cent of
households in the Scottish Borders will have access to all 48 digital
channels. Those that are served by the area's 11 relay transmitters
may be able to receive only about 20. Among the popular channels they
are likely to miss are Film Four, Dave and UK History.

Jeremy Purvis, the Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP whose constituency
includes Selkirk, said: "My constituents have pointed out that because
they receive their service through a relay transmitter they will only
be able to see 50 per cent of the channels. This digital switchover
will create a two-tier service."

John Askew, of Digital UK, said the body was doing all that it could
to improve television services for everyone. "They are getting what
their licence fee pays for, and for the first time everyone will have
access to Channel 5," he said. He added that it was up to commercial
broadcasters to remedy the disparity by investing more in relay
transmitters.

Brian McCroe, a community councillor from Cardrona, said that
Westminster should fund better provision of services where it was not
commercially viable. "The Government is trying to do the roll-out of
digital on the cheap," he said.

A trial switchover involving 25,000 homes was carried out in
Whitehaven, Cumbria last year, but it did not involve a main
transmitter.

A help scheme can be contacted on 08456 505050.

Charlene Sweeney

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article5093492.ece