The great British switchover: get ready for the 'off'

The only way for TV viewers in the Cumbrian towns of Whitehaven and Copeland to watch TV will be through a digital television signal, when they have their analogue signal switched off in October.

As the nation gears up for the switchover, price comparison and switching service, uSwitch.com, provides advice on all the latest information for last minute switchers.

Steve Weller, Head of Communications Services at uSwitch.com, comments: "The switch to digital TV on the 17th October 2007 is the most significant day in British broadcast history since the launch of colour TV forty years ago.

"All eyes will be focussed on Cumbria to see how it copes when its analogue signal is switched off.

We're confident that the towns of Whitehaven and Copeland will not be left in the dark - residents are well ahead of the rest of the nation in their awareness of what's happening.

A uSwitch.com poll revealed in July that a strong majority (63%) of consumers in the Border TV region, covering Whitehaven and Copeland, were already aware of the plan, compared to the national UK average of just 27%.

"By now it's likely that awareness is at its peak, following intensive targeted campaigns by Digital UK, but it is possible that there may still be people Who have their heads in the sand.

Those who don't already have digital TV and don't act now, won't be able to continue watching television broadcasts after the switchover.

Additionally, with 78% of homes in the region having more than one TV set, consumers need to make sure that every TV that they plan to watch programmes on can receive a digital signal." Weller continues: "As a nation, just 1 in 5 people fully understand all the ways to stay switched onwhen their signal goes digital.

In fact, homes can stay tuned in via a digital box, satellite dish, cable or a landline.

As it stands, the bill for Britain to 'go digital' is over £2.2 billion taking into account the cost of adapting TVs and replacing VCRs that will not work in the same way after the switchover.

"The digital switchover is great news for TV fans, bringing improved picture quality and a greater choice of programmes.

It's not too late to get prepared - simply log on to http://www.uswitch.com/ or www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk/ to see the options that are available." Steve Weller is available for further comment - print, online or broadcast - by emailing either melissamace@uswitch.com or sharong@lansons.com or calling 020 7802 2909.

Ways to Switch Digital TV Facts and Figures *33 million adults still not 'tuned in' to the digital revolution[1] *Over 27 million believed that official bodies have not done enough to keep people informed of the switchover.

*Only 1 in 5 were aware of all the ways they could receive a digital TV signal[1] *12 million - over a quarter of the population - wrongly believe that they may need to buy a new TV set for the switchover.

25 million TV sets are yet to 'go digital', at a national switchover cost of £2.2 billion.

The older generation has a better grasp of digital technology with 17% of over 55's aware of all the ways to switch to digital, compared to just 11% of the 18-24 year olds *85% of UK homes have digital TV on at least one set.

12.9 million UK homes are now viewing television on at least one Freeview box.

8.1 million homes in UK watch digital TV via a satellite service.

3.4 million homes in UK watch digital TV via a cable service.

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