The Carmel transmitter and its 18 relays, serving parts of south and central Wales, completed the digital switchover on 26 August 2009 and 23 September 2009.

Digital switchover (DSO) complete at Carmel transmitter group

The Carmel transmitter and its 18 relays serving parts of south and central Wales made the switch in two stages:

At Stage 1 (DSO1) - 26 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) - 23 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 events

On 09 September 2009, all of Wales underwent a multiplex configuration change. All Welsh existing DTT viewers, will need to retune their digital equipment in order to receive S4C which will broadcast from Mux D3&4. For further information about the Wales retune please visit the S4C website.

On 30 September 2009, there was a Nationwide autumn retune event (multiplex configuration change). All DTT viewers have to retune their digital equipment. For further information about the national retune please visit the Freeview website.

Self Helps in the Carmel transmitter group

Ofcom have confirmed that there are 4 analogue self helps, in the Carmel transmitter group, their status is as follows:

• Abergorlech - owners have not yet applied for a digital license.
  
• Cregrina - owners have not yet applied for a digital license.
  
• Cwmere - owners have applied for a digital license.
  
• Dernol Valley - owners have not yet applied for a digital license.
  

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

Aerials, group changes

At Carmel, all multiplexes remain within the analogue aerial group C/D.

At Tenby, the BBC A multiplex will be just above the analogue aerial group B. Replacement group E or W antennas may be required to ensure reliable reception of this multiplex.

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

Aerials, communal systems

Channel changes at Carmel, Llanelli and Tenby mean that channelised communal systems will need to be reconfigured at DSO1 and DSO2.

Adjacent transmitter groups

A household in parts of south and central Wales is most likely to be watching the Carmel transmitter group. However they could also be watching the Wenvoe, Kilvey Hill, Preseli, Blaenplwyf or Long Mountain transmitter groups.