What is happening to services in the south coast?
The Meridian TV region is set to switch to digital in 2012 but as part of the preparations for switchover a reorganisation of the airwaves has happened in the Meridian TV region ahead of the official date.
What do I need to do?
- The analogue Channel Five TV signal in the south coast area (from the Fawley transmitter) has been switched off. Viewers in the Southampton, Gosport and Portsmouth areas and parts of the Isle of Wight will need digital TV in order to watch Five. Check your digital options.
- To continue receiving all the available Freeview, Top Up TV or BT Vision services, viewers in Hampshire, east Dorset, West Sussex and on the Isle of Wight (those receiving their signal from the Rowridge transmitter) will need to re-tune their equipment.
- Satellite and cable TV are not affected.
Why has this happened?
The move is necessary to protect Freeview services from interference from neighbouring areas in the UK and France where switchover is due to start from mid 2009. Making these changes now will ensure digital viewers across the south of England continue to receive all their channels free from interference.
Basic re-tune steps
Follow these basic re-tune steps for set-top box, digital recorder or IDTV or search for specific re-tune instructions here.
1. Press 'Menu' on your remote control. Some set-top boxes / digital recorders or IDTV's will ask you for a code. If you have not already changed it, the default code is usually 0000, or 1234, or check your installation book.
2. From the menu options on screen, select 'install'. Select 'Auto Setup' to re-tune your equipment (not 'add channels'). You may have to wait a couple of minutes for the re-tune to complete.
3. If you do not re-tune your channels when advised to do so by Digital UK, you may lose some or all of your channels. You should re-tune your Freeview box every few months to check for any new channels.
Disruption to Services
During preparations for switchover there may be interruptions to your television service due to engineering work. While digital switchover relates to TV, and not to radio, the preparations to switchover may also result in interruptions to radio service. For more information on engineering works please click here.
