16 March 2007
October 17th will see the Whitehaven area of the UK spearheading the rest of the country in the switchover to digital TV.
From this date, BBC2's analogue reception will be switched off with the rest of the terrestrial analogue channels disappearing four weeks later.
This method will be reconstructed through every region in the UK until the whole nation is switched onto digital, due to be completed by 2012.
Broadcast minister Shaun Woodward said yesterday that the final countdown to the age of digital television had begun.
"Residents will be able to reap the benefits of a greater choice of TV channels and better quality pictures and sound," he said, adding that it was critical for nobody to be left behind.
Despite this, there are fears that some consumers in Whitehaven will not be prepared for the switchover by October, with just 73% of residents having switched to a digital compatible TV so far, compared to the national average of 79%.
Concerns were also raised when it was revealed that due to its location, Whitehaven residents can only obtain digital through satellite, as Freeview and cable are unavailable.
Cable or satellite? What about Freeview? See what digital TV package would work best for you and what's available in your area by using the uSwitch.com comparison and switching service. Compare digital TV providers and switch in minutes.
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