[Community Television] Ofcom sets out digi-switch timetable

[Michelle McGuire]

Ofcom sets out digi-switch timetable

  09 February 2005 11:30

Ofcom today unveiled its proposals for turning off analogue signals, 
which it said would kick off in the ITV Border region from 2008, with 
London being one of the last to switch.

The regulator reiterated its desire to phase the switch-off process 
over four years between 2008 and 2012. The process will be done region 
by region using the ITV model.

The pattern will be as follows:

2008 – Border, Westcountry and HTV Wales

2009 – Granada, HTV West, Grampian and Scottish TV

2010 – Central, Yorkshire and Anglia

2011 Meridian, Carlton/LWT, Tynes Tees and Ulster

2012 Channel.

The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 will be expected to switch their 
transmissions according to the geographical model.

  The switchover will take place in each region over a six-month period 
in order for viewers to make sure they had the necessary equipment.

Ofcom explained: "The transition process would begin with one analogue 
service being replaced by a digital multiplex service (carrying the 
digital version of that analogue service plus a number of other public 
service channels). This digital multiplex will be broadcast throughout 
the region (on all main stations and relays) with sufficient power to 
replicate the coverage of the analogue broadcasts across the entire 
region.

  "The other analogue services will continue to be broadcast and the 
remaining analogue-only viewers will have a number of months to make 
arrangements for watching television after the switch-off by means 
either of digital terrestrial, satellite or cable services."

The process is set to be coordinated by SwitchCo, the body charged with 
ensuring a smooth switchover process.

Source: broadcastnow.co.uk