Digital TV switch dates announced

The north digital switchover will begin in May 2010

The timetable for switching off the analogue TV signal to more than half a million homes in the STV North/Grampian TV region has been announced.

The Shetland Isles will start the switch to digital TV in May 2010, closely followed by Orkney and Caithness and north Sutherland.

Ten transmitter groups covering an area from Perth to the Western Isles will switch by the end of October next year.

Digital UK, overseeing the switchover, said it was a "huge step forward".

Viewers served by 'relay' transmitters will get digital through an aerial for the first time, seeing the number of channels available rising from as few as four to as many as 20.

John MacNeil, of Digital UK, said: "In less than 10 months, the process will start in the north.

"After switchover, virtually all viewers will have the opportunity to enjoy digital TV through an aerial, offering many homes more choice than ever before."

Information campaign

The Bressay transmitter, which serves Shetland, will begin the switchover on 5 May.

The Keelyland Hill transmitter on Orkney will make the switch a week later.

Lewis, Wester Ross, North West Sutherland, Skye, Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Barra follow in July.

Angus, Dundee, Perth and some areas of Fife will switchover in August, before Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, Moray, Strathspey and parts of Easter Ross, in September.

Viewers in Inverness and the Great Glen area will see the switch to digital during October, as well as the south west Highlands.

Digital UK has embarked on an information campaign to explain the switchover process to all householders.

Viewers can also find out more detailed information by entering their postcode on the Digital UK website.