Two-stage digital switchover may be ditched

Published Thursday, Apr 24 2008, 11:17 BST | By Dave West

Two-stage digital switchover may be ditched

Rex Features

The four-week "transition period" employed for digital switchover at Copeland may be ditched when it comes to other regions, Digital UK has said.

The analogue signal for BBC Two for Copeland was turned off on October 17, followed by all the others on November 14.

Digital UK planned the stagger to give analogue viewers a "final warning" in the form of BBC Two disappearing. The gap was also intended to allow homes to test digital equipment before the full switch-off.

However, research in Copeland - the first area of the UK to switch - found viewers did not understand why there were two dates involved. For some it was unhelpful and confusing. Digital UK detailed its findings in a report on the switchover released today.

In response, Digital UK is reducing the delay to 14 days for the transmitter groups which will change next - Selkirk (Border), and Beacon Hill and Stockland Hill (Westcountry).

"We are considering whether it is appropriate to similarly adopt 14 day transition periods at other transmitter sites, and whether in some regions with high DTT coverage a single switchover might be possible," said the report. It noted, though, that the stagger had been helpful for some older people.

Another finding in Copeland was that, while residents were generally pleased to receive additional channels, some were disappointed they were not receiving the full potential Freeview lineup.

Terrestrial signals for the three public service multiplexes, carrying about 20 channels, reach the area, but those for the three commercial multiplexes, which would add about another 20, do not. The commercial multiplexes have a smaller footprint and are not legally required to extend it during switchover.

Digital UK noted: "A small minority felt disappointed not to be receiving all digital terrestrial channels, generating complaints and media coverage." Research found the absence of channels such as Five US, UKTV History and Dave had prompted "some bitterness" and a petition in the Whitehaven News.