West Country switchover dates announced

Digital UK has confirmed the dates when analogue TV signals will be switched off in the first five West Country transmitter groups.

For Beacon Hill and Stockland Hill, the delay between the BBC Two signal and other services being switched off will be reduced, as with much of the Border region, to two weeks.

Digital UK is trialling the shorter delay after finding that the staggered switch-off confused some viewers.

Transmitters serving Devon, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and parts of Somerset and Dorset will go digital-only between April 8 and September 9 next year.

"Today is a real milestone in the programme for switchover in the West Country - the Caradon Hill, Redruth and Huntshaw Cross transmitter groups will start the switch from analogue to digital broadcasting in a year’s time," said Bill Taylor, Digital UK regional manager.

"Every household will need to ensure their televisions are set up to receive a digital signal. Viewers can check the services available in their area by calling the Digital UK helpline or visiting our website."