Next for Digital TV Switchover: STV North

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Total views: 162 | Word Count: 710 | Date: Tue, 25 May 2010 | 54 comments

The Digital TV rollout is still underway, and if you live in the STV North TV region - you're up next!

If you're not entirely sure what exactly the switchover is all about, why we're having it or what you need to do to prepare, you've come to the right place.

Why are we switching to digital, and what are the benefits?
In short, digital is a much more efficient way of delivering your programming. As it uses less broadcasting space, there is more scope for additional channels (such as local broadcast stations), High Definition (HD) TV, wireless broadband and other such goodies.
In terms of your TV itself, you'll get a much wider choice of channels, on-screen TV listings and interactive features. Plus there's a greater degree of accessibility for the visually and hearing impaired, with better audio description and subtitles.

What do I need to do?
You need to make your TV digital ready in order for it to work properly after the switchover. This is not as daunting as it may appear, and there are plenty of tips in our article on preparing yourself for digital TV. And you may find it's as simple as buying a Freeview box to attach to your set; or you may even be ready without realising it!

Top Tip: There's a help scheme available which will provide equipment and assistance to anyone aged 75 and over, those registered blind or partially sighted, or the severely disabled. Plus, if you're on Pension Credit, Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (or - moreover - if a friend, relative or neighbour that you think might need assistance is) then the Help Scheme is FREE. Find out more about the Switchover Help Scheme here.

What are the important dates?
The switchover happens in a couple of different stages, so there will be two dates to remember - depending on your region. On the first date, BBC Two will switch from analogue to digital, so you'll no longer be able to get it on old TVs. In addition, in some regions a selection of digital-only stations will become available. On the second date, the remainder of old analogue channels will be switched over, and yet more digital channels will become available.

If you're already on Freeview and suddenly find yourself missing your usual channels - don't panic! Getting them back should be a simple matter of retuning your box - so check the manual it came with, or visit the official Digital UK website.

The dates for the individual regions are as follows:

Bressay (The Shetland Islands)
• Stage one: 5th May 2010
• Stage two: 19th May 2010

Keelylang Hill (The Orkney Islands)
• Stage one: 12th May 2010
• Stage two: 26th May 2010

Rumster Forest (Caithness)
• Stage one: 2nd June 2010
• Stage two: 16th June 2010

Eitshal (Lewis, Wester Ross, Northwest Sutherland, parts of Harris and Skye)
• Stage one: 7th July 2010
• Stage two: 21st July 2010

Skriaig (Skye, Harris, North & South Uist, Benbecula, parts of Barra)
• Stage one: 14th July 2010
• Stage two: 28th July 2010

Angus (Angus, Dundee, Perth, parts of Fife)
• Stage one: 4th August 2010
• Stage two: 18th August 2010

Durris (Aberdeenshire)
• Stage one: 1st September 2010
• Stage two: 15th September 2010

Knockmore (Morayshire, Strathspey, parts of Easter Ross)
• Stage one: 8th September 2010
• Stage two: 22nd September 2010

Rosemarkie (Inverness and the Great Glen)
• Stage one: 6th October 2010
• Stage two: 20th October 2010

Finally, if you're on Freeview, BT Vision or Top Up TV, you'll need to retune your equipment on both dates.

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