Whitehaven counts down to switchover

Digital UK, the body coordinating switchover, is in its final stages of an awareness campaign to promote digital switchover in the Whitehaven area next month.

Research conducted by GfK/NOP in August shows that nearly eight out of ten homes in the area have already got digital television or have bought DTT set top boxes to convert their analogue sets.

However, only 49% of Whitehaven residents surveyed know the exact date for switchover in the area, though 87% know it is 'in October'.

Local advertising and targeted mailings have been used to remind those eligible for the digital switchover help scheme that October 17 - the date when the switchover begins - is also the deadline to request installation of equipment before the final analogue switchoff four weeks later.

On October 17, 25,000 homes in the borough of Copeland, including the town of Whitehaven, will have their analogue BBC Two signal turned off, with digital terrestrial channels broadcast for the first time. On November 14 all analogue television broadcasts will cease in the area.

Some people in the area are clearly not bothered about the possibility of losing their signal for a few days, with 17% said they didn’t know when they would convert and 5% saying they intend to wait until after switchover.

Ford Ennals, chief executive of Digital UK, said: "Whitehaven is about to make broadcasting history. Nine years after the first digital TV signals began in the UK, the first analogue channel will be turned off. We will be on hand to offer last-minute help and support as switchover approaches, and to encourage as many people as possible to get the equipment they need in good time."

Other research findings include a 100% response of awareness of switchover, with 82% aware of receiving an information leaflet from Digital UK, and 84% understanding how to prepare for switchover. Around 67% know that VCRs as well as analogue televisions are affected by switchover.

Stephen Timms, Minister for Competitiveness, will visit Whitehaven tomorrow to witness final preparations being put in place by Digital UK, as well as retailers and partners such as the BBC, which is operating the Help Scheme.