TV roadshowfor Octoberrevolution

WITH analogue TV services due to be turned off across Northern Ireland from October 10 viewers can find out more about the switch to digital television when switchover roadshow comes to Londonderry and Limavady at the end of this month.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Aug 2012, 12:14 BST

Over the weekends of August 31 - September 1 and October 10-11 the roadshow will visit the Guildhall in Londonderry; whilst on Monday (September 4) it will be outside the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre in Limavady.

It’s designed to allow TV consumers find out when the switchover is happening and the options for going digital; to learn how eligible people can get a TV converted by the Switchover Help Scheme; to see technical demonstrations (e.g. how to retune a box) and put questions to Digital UK’s specially trained advisers; and to meet Digit Al – Digital UK’s iconic robot, star of BBC and commercial television (at the events on August 31 and September 1).

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For those without digital, satellite or cable television at present the end of analogue will mean access to 15 Freeview TV channels, including BBC One, BBC Two, UTV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 plus associated services such as ITV2 and BBC Three. Digital TV is also available via cable, satellite and broadband.

The Republic of Ireland channels TG4, RTÉ One and RTÉ Two are widely available in Northern Ireland via an aerial, satellite and cable.

But after switchover, when analogue TV is turned off, most people will be able to get these services via an aerial, either from Freeview in Northern Ireland or via Saorview - the Republic of Ireland digital TV service. Technical differences between Freeview and Saorview may affect the equipment you need and the channels you can receive.

Denis Wolinski, Digital UK National Manager for Northern Ireland, said: “The whole of Northern Ireland, covering more than 1.5 million viewers, will have switched to digital by the end of October.

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“This is a great opportunity for people to meet the teams from Digital UK and the Switchover Help Scheme, find out how to prepare for switchover and learn what assistance is available.”

Switchover will begin in Northern Ireland on October 10, 2012. Latest research indicates that more than nine out of ten homes already have a digital service on their main TV, but some homes may still have other sets that need to be converted.

Anyone unable to attend the roadshow can ring the Digital UK advice line on 08456 505050 or visit digitaluk.co.uk. The Switchover Help Scheme is on 0800 40 85 900, and at helpscheme.co.uk.

Related topics:Northern IrelandLimavady