The Caradon Hill transmitter and its 29 relays serving Plymouth, parts of Devon and east Cornwall, completed the digital switchover on 12 August 2009 and 9 September 2009.

Digital switchover (DSO) complete at Caradon Hill transmitter group

The Caradon Hill transmitter and its 29 relays serving Plymouth, parts of Devon and east Cornwall made the switch in two stages:

At Stage 1 (DSO1) - 12 August 2009
BBC Two analogue ceased broadcasting permanently and the first BBC multiplex, Mux BBC A, launched at 8k and 64QAM.

At Stage 2 (DSO2) - 9 September 2009
All other analogue services ceased broadcasting permanently and high powered digital multiplexes launched at 8k and 64QAM.

For futher information on 8k and 64QAM transmission modes please click here.

Later technical event

In 2011, international restrictions on the Caradon Hill antenna for the commercial multiplexes (SDN, ARQ A, ARQ B) will be lifted.  Whilst the actual date is to be defined, in 2011 SDN, ARQ A and ARQ B will increase in power levels reaching their final frequency positions post switchover.

Self Helps in the Caradon Hill transmitter group

Ofcom have confirmed that there are 2 analogue self helps, in the Caradon Hill transmitter group, their status is as follows:

• Brayford - owners have applied for a digital license;
• Parracombe - owners have not yet applied for a digital license.
  

For further information about self helps please visit the Ofcom website.

Aerials, group changes

At Caradon Hill, SDN will join the other 5 multiplexes within the analogue aerial group A.

At Plympton (only) at DSO, the SDN and Arqiva A muxes move out of aerial group - a group E or W aerial may be required. However, many existing group C/D aerials will continue to work as these two commercial multiplexes are on lower frequencies.

At all other relay sites, at switchover, all multiplexes will be within the analogue aerial group.

Aerials, communal systems

Channel changes at Aveton Gifford, Compton, Downderry, Fowey, Ivybridge, Plympton, Salcombe, Slapton and Widecombe in the Moor will mean that channelised communal systems will need to be reconfigured at DSO1 and DSO2.

Adjacent transmitter groups

A household in Plymouth, parts of Devon and east Cornwall is most likely to be watching the Caradon Hill transmitter group. However, they could also be watching the Beacon Hill, Stockland Hill, Huntshaw Cross or Redruth transmitter groups.