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Wales FAQs

  • When will switchover start in Wales?

    Switchover in Wales will start in the first half of 2009. It will happen one transmitter at a time, so different areas of Wales will switch to digital at different times. Dates for each transmitter’s switchover will be announced nearer the time.

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  • How long will switchover take in Wales?

    Preparatory engineering work on the transmitter masts across the Wales TV region will begin well before 2008. Generally, this should not affect viewers other than a few short breaks in service outside peak viewing times.

    We will send you information about the exact date of switchover in your area nearer the time. Switchover will start with switching BBC Two to digital-only. There will then be a month’s grace period, so that if there are problems with your set-up, there will be time to resolve them.

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  • My current reception is poor. Will digital transmissions improve my signal?

    It depends on how bad your reception is. If it’s slightly snowy occasionally, then after switchover it’s likely your reception will improve. However, if your reception is very poor currently, it’s unlikely, because digital transmitters should give roughly the same coverage as the old analogue system, Digital satellite is a good alternative solution, and offers a ‘Freesat’ option (for a one-off payment) as well as subscription pay-TV.

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  • As well as ITV Wales I can receive ITV West (SE Wales) / Granada (NE Wales). Will I still be able to receive both regional versions of ITV after the current signal is switched off?

    Probably. If you have a standard aerial in good condition and you get good reception of all channels now, you should receive the same channels as now, plus many more. Some people on the margins of coverage may not be able to receive more than one version of ITV through their aerial after switchover, although all of the ITV regional services will be available on digital satellite.

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  • I live in NE Wales, and I get a good signal from Granada as well as ITV Wales. When switchover happens, will I be regarded as living in Wales or in the Granada region?

    If you live in Wales, Digital UK will send you information relevant to Wales. After switchover your signal will be better if your aerial points towards your current analogue transmitter. Contact a registered aerial installer for more information.

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  • Will everyone in Wales be able to get all of the Freeview channels, even if they get their TV from a small local relay transmitter?

    If your TV signal comes from a relay transmitter you will still receive all of the public service channels, including all of the additional BBC digital channels, and extra services from ITV, Channel 4, S4C Digital and channel Five, as well as many digital radio services. However you may not receive the full range of commercial channels available on Freeview such as Sky News.

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  • Will I still be able to get S4C's Welsh language programmes on digital TV?

    Yes, you will be able to receive S4C Digital, which carries many more Welsh programmes than the old analogue version of S4C. You will also receive S4C2, which broadcasts the proceedings of the Welsh Assembly with soundtracks in Welsh and in English.

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  • Will I still be able to get the existing S4C service, which carries English programmes from Channel 4 as well as programmes for Welsh speakers?

    The old analogue S4C service includes Welsh language programmes in peak hours and Channel 4 programmes at other times. This service will cease at switchover to be replaced by two services -Channel 4 (which is not currently available for most people in Wales unless they have satellite) and S4C Digital, which offers a full service for Welsh speakers.

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  • I didn't receive a leaflet. What do I need to do?

    It will take Royal Mail a number of weeks to deliver the leaflet in the Wales TV region. You can download a copy of the leaflet here.

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  • I live in a flat and share my aerial with others. What do I need to do?

    If you share your aerial with others then you may have a communal TV system. If so, this may need to be adapted to receive digital television. Your landlord or managing agent should be aware of this and be making plans – ask them for more information or download a brochure from the Government Digital Television website.

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  • Does switchover affect me if I am an analogue cable subscriber?

    The few remaining analogue cable services in the UK are unaffected by digital switchover. While most cable companies are upgrading their customers to digital, some such as Wrights Radio Relay serving Newtown, Mid Wales, intend to continue offering analogue services after switchover alongside the Freeview line up of channels. If in any doubt, contact your cable television supplier.

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