Last updated at 14:45, Wednesday, 03 December 2008

On-screen messages about the digital switchover have started appearing on Cumbrian TVs.

One of the captions appearing on TV screens now

On June 24, 2009 the Caldbeck transmitter group, which serves most of Cumbria, will start switching to digital television.

From Saturday 6 December, analogue viewers started to see the intermittent message: “This TV needs to be ready for the digital switchover in June. Questions? Call Digital UK on 08456 50 50 50.”

John Askew, Digital UK’s Regional Manager for Cumbria, said: “Research has shown that captions are a very effective way to tell viewers their television will definitely be affected by switchover, and when it will happen. Viewers in Cumbria who see the messages know they have to get ready.

“There are a number of ways to go digital depending on where you live. The postcode checker on Digital UK’s website and helpline can identify the options.”

Next year’s switchover at the Caldbeck transmitter will make Freeview available across Cumbria for the first time. Nearly 200,000 households will be able to receive digital services via their aerial. Viewers in the south of the county (who receive Granada TV) will switch on 4 November 2009.

The Switchover Help Scheme has been launched in Cumbria to help eligible people make the change to digital on one of their TV sets. Sumera Bashir, spokeswoman for the Help Scheme, said: “We will be writing to everyone who is eligible for the Help Scheme from now through to early spring, so there is no need for anyone to worry. We’re here to make sure that nobody gets left behind.”

Viewers can check their digital options by entering their postcode at digitaluk.co.uk or calling the helpline: 08456 50 50 50.

First published at 13:51, Wednesday, 03 December 2008
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk