West Country FAQs
- When will switchover start in the West Country?
- How long will switchover take in the West Country?
- My current reception is poor. Will digital transmissions improve my signal?
- Will I need a new aerial to receive digital transmissions?
- I receive my transmissions from a self-help relay. Will I still receive a terrestrial signal after switchover?
- I live in the West Country, but the services I receive are from another region (e.g. Wales, West, Meridian). Does digital switchover mean that I will receive the correct regional services?
- I didn't receive a leaflet. What do I need to do?
- I live in a flat and share my aerial with others. What do I need to do?
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When will switchover start in the West Country?
Digital switchover in the West Country will start in the first half of 2009. It will happen one transmitter at a time, so different areas of the West Country 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 the West Country?
Preparatory engineering work on the transmitter masts across the West Country 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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Will I need a new aerial to receive digital transmissions?
No. In most cases, if your current aerial is in good condition, you should be able to receive digital transmissions.
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I receive my transmissions from a self-help relay. Will I still receive a terrestrial signal after switchover?
Self-helps are separately licensed by Ofcom, the broadcasting regulator, which is currently considering the future role of self-helps after switchover. We’ll let you know their decision as soon as we can.
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I live in the West Country, but the services I receive are from another region (e.g. Wales, West, Meridian). Does digital switchover mean that I will receive the correct regional services?
Possibly. Depending on when your aerial was installed, you may find there is a more appropriate transmitter to receive your digital signal. You should contact your local Registered Digital Installer (RDI) - an aerial installer showing the 'digital tick' logo - for advice on which transmitter will give you the strongest signal.
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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 West Country 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.
