September 29, 2010 2.00 pm This story is over 161 months old

Deadline set for Lincoln’s analogue signals

Switchover: The date of the digital switchover in Lincoln has been announced, when viewers will get more choice for their licence fee.

Analogue TV signals will be switched off in Lincoln on August 3 2011, it has been announced on Wednesday, September 29.

Five analogue TV channels will be switched off permanently, and the Freeview digital service boosted to reach all households in the region.

Boosting of the Freeview signals will also mean that thousands of homes previously in digital blackspots will be able to receive over 50 digital channels.

Analogue signals will be switched off in two stages at each transmitter group, from August 3 2011 through to September 21 2011.

At stage one, analogue BBC Two is switched off and the first group of Freeview digital channels will become available from relay transmitters for the first time.

At stage two, the remaining analogue channels will be permanently switched off and replaced with additional digital TV, radio and text services.

To celebrate the announcements, John Saxbee, the Bishop of Lincoln, and Cathedral choristers unveiled the date earlier on Wednesday with mascot Digit Al (pictured).

“Today’s announcement paves the way for a new era in broadcasting for viewers in Lincoln,” said John Askew, Digital UK’s Regional Manager.

“We’re preparing for the end of the analogue TV era and the dawn of a fully digital age in which everyone can enjoy extra choice.

“Digital UK and the Switchover Help Scheme will ensure people know about this important change, and that advice and practical support are available.”

The Switchover Help Scheme is a campaign, due to intensify early next year, including roadshows, advertising and an information leaflet sent to every home.

Digital UK has also appointed a digital poet, local word-smith and national broadcaster Ian McMillan, who will dedicate a series of switchover sonnets.

Local TV themes will be immortalised in the poems, and viewers will be invited to lend McMillan a hand capturing what the region loves about television.

“I’m looking forward to being the world’s first digital switchover bard,” he said.

“I hope I’ll help people not to wander lonely when the analogue signal gets switched off – and I’m looking forward to finding rhymes for digital!”

Source, Photo: Digital UK