Digital date announced

People who receive TV through an aerial in part of the Thames Valley and haven't yet upgraded to digital have now got just a year to do it.

A date's been set for the digital switchover in Oxfordshire.

Analogue transmissions from the Oxford transmitter at Beckley will be switched off from 14 September 2011 in a two week process that will see analogue BBC2 initially disappear from screens across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and South Northamptonshire, followed by BBC1, ITV1, Channel 4 and Five.

If you receive TV from the Oxford transmitter and haven't upgraded to digital by 28 September 2011, you won't be able to watch any programmes.

TV viewers in Berkshire and North Hampshire will switch later, in 2012, when analogue signals from the Hannington transmitter near Basingstoke will be switched off.

Peter Monteith, Digital UK’s Regional Manager in the Central region, said: "Today’s announcement paves the way for a new era in broadcasting for viewers in the Midlands.

"We are preparing for the end of the analogue TV era and the dawn of a fully digital age in which everyone can enjoy extra choice and easier recording. Digital UK and the Switchover Help Scheme will ensure people know about this important change, and that advice and practical support are available."

To go digital you need to either:
-buy a set top box and connect it to your old TV to watch Freeview
-buy a new integrated digital TV
-sign up for digital satellite or cable

If you want more advice, you can call the Digital Switchover advice line on 08456 50 50 50 or visit www.digitaluk.co.uk