17 May 2010
A public information campaign to help viewers in Jersey prepare for the digital TV switchover was launched today (17 May 2010).
In just 6 months’ time, on Wednesday 17 November, analogue terrestrial TV services for 50,000 households across the Channel Islands will be permanently switched off allowing Freeview digital channels to be broadcast for the first time. Viewers watching via an aerial will need to convert their TV to digital to continue receiving television. Digital UK and the Switchover Help Scheme will support viewers in Jersey as they prepare for the biggest change to TV for a generation.
Digital UK’s Regional Manager Bill Taylor and campaign mascot Digit Al launched the campaign with school children at Castel Primary School in Guernsey. The campaign will include:
- on-screen messages - analogue viewers will soon start seeing special messages covering part of their screens. They will increase in size and frequency as the switchover gets closer
- the Switchover Help Scheme will be writing to older and disabled people offering them practical help to switch one TV to digital, including equipment, installation and aftercare
- advertising - there will be extensive local advertising on TV, radio and in local newspapers
- roadshows - the switchover roadshow will tour the Channel Islands stopping at a number of locations, offering face-to-face advice and practical demonstrations of digital TV equipment
- 'Guide to Switchover' - a few months before switchover, all households will be sent a detailed guide, including advice on retuning Freeview equipment
- charity partnerships - Age Concern Jersey are working with Digital UK and the Help Scheme to offer extra information and support toviewers who need it.
The Digital UK website and advice line can also provide viewers with all they need to know about the switchover in their area. Satellite and cable services are not affected by switchover.
After switchover, virtually all viewers will see their choice of terrestrial channels increase from 4 to about 15. Digital UK’s South West Regional Manager, Bill Taylor, said “We are starting the final countdown to a fully digital TV system for the Channel Islands. The benefits will be felt by thousands of viewers who will be able to receive free-to-air digital TV via an aerial for the first time. Over the coming months we will be making plenty of information available and working with the Switchover Help Scheme to ensure viewers know where to turn for advice.”
Digital UK website
Tel: 08456 50 50 50
gov.je