Digital switch-over is under way

The analogue signal was switched off at midnight

Major changes for television viewers in the South West are under way after part of the old-style analogue signal was turned off.

The analogue BBC Two signal in south Devon was permanently switched off at 0000 BST.

It means about 130,000 households in Torbay, Teignbridge, the South Hams and Exmouth will need to retune their TVs or digital boxes.

The region will become the first in the UK to complete the switch to digital.

The analogue broadcasting system is gradually being switched off across the UK to create capacity for new services.

Many viewers are looking forward to getting digital TV for the first time

Bill Taylor, Digital UK

These include wireless broadband, mobile television and high definition channels on Freeview.

The second stage of the south Devon switch-over will happen on April 22, when the remaining analogue transmissions, BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Five, will also end.

All but 1,500 homes in south Devon are thought to have the digital TVs or set-top boxes needed to receive the digital signal.

Transmitters throughout the West country will be switched off over the next few months, with completion expected in August.

The government plans to shut off the analogue signal for the whole of the UK by 2012.

Bill Taylor, Digital UK's regional manager, said: "Torbay and south Devon is well prepared for switch-over and many viewers are looking forward to getting digital TV for the first time.

"While the process will be straightforward for most people, we know that some viewers may need a bit of extra help so we will be working with all our partner organisations to offer support for those who need it throughout the switchover period."