Analogue TV vanishes as switchover continues

The analogue signal TV to towns including Scarborough, Bridlington and Hull was due to be turned off early this morning with others following later.

To continue viewing, analogue viewers will have to switch to digital TV. However, those who have already gone digital will need to retune their equipment.

The second stage of the switchover will see the four remaining analogue channels turned off in a fortnight’s time on August 17.

Terrestrial TV services will be taken off the air that night. They should be restored between 6am and mid-afternoon.

Again, all digital Freeview, BT Cision and Top UP TV boxes and sets, will need to be retuned.

Digital UK’s Yorkshire regional manager John Askew said: “There are five main transmitters in Yorkshire. Oliver’s Mount, which covers the Scarborough area, and Belmont, which covers most of East Yorkshire, are the first to be switched over to digital.

“Following the switchover, a lot of people who have been receiving signals through smaller masts, known as relays, will be able to get digital TV for the first time.”

Only homes in the Yorkshire TV region will be affected. Households who receive Tyne Tees, such as those in Whitby, must make the switch next year at the latest.

Mr Askew said: “Although it’s part of Yorkshire, Whitby is a Tyne Tees area and the switchover for that region will take place next year, although a date has not yet been set.”

The digital switchover across Yorkshire is expected to be completed by mid-September.

Viewers can check their digital TV coverage and switchover date by using the Digital UK postcode checker at digitaluk.co.uk or by ringing 08456 505050.