CAI General Newsbytes for November 2011

UK’s Digital Switch finishes next October

Digital UK has announced analogue TV in the UK will officially end on 24 October 2012.  Eighty years after the first experimental broadcasts, the old five-channel system will be turned off for good as the switch to digital only signals is completed. Nearly all homes will then be able to watch digital TV free via an aerial. Northern Ireland will be the last region to make the change having started the process two weeks earlier on 10 October.

Anglia region final countdown

Any remaining analogue viewers in Norfolk and north Suffolk need to get ready for digital TV switchover, as switchover starts on 9 November. Latest research indicates nine out of ten homes in the area have already gone digital on their main TV set, but some still need to adapt or risk having a blank screen.

Northern Ireland Digital Switch Manager

The Switchover Help Scheme has appointed Nigel Tilson as its Northern Ireland Manager. Nigel has previously worked as a journalist, including a long spell as Business Editor for the Belfast Telegraph.  Nigel can be contacted on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or on 07712 875644, and would be happy to provide more information about the Help Scheme in Northern Ireland or help with any questions you may have.

Freeview & Sky enjoy HD surge

One-in-five Freeview homes is now watching in high definition, the free-to-air TV provider has announced. More than 3 million Freeview HD products have been sold since the official launch of the service in March 2010, with digital TVs accounting for 90 per cent of sales. Meanwhile, over 100,000 viewers made the switch to Sky HD in the last quarter, bringing their total number of HD subscribers to 3.9 million.

BBC2 HD to replace BBC HD channel

Also on the HD scene, the BBC has announced plans for a high-definition simulcast of its second channel, BBC2. The service will replace the BBC HD channel.

Diary Dates

9 November

Switchover Stage 1 at the Tacolneston transmitter group, serving 408,000 homes in Norfolk and north Suffolk. (Stage 2 takes place on 23 November).

16 November

Viewers served by the Sudbury transmitter will need to retune Freeview equipment to continue receiving all available channels.

23 November

Switchover completes in the Anglia TV region.  Viewers served by the Sandy Heath transmitter will need to retune Freeview equipment to continue receiving some commercial services.