Analogue switch-off will start in 2008 and be completed by 2012

Chief executive Ford Ennals made the pledge at the launch of a �200m information campaign about the switch to digital across the country.

Concerns about public awareness levels remain in the first area set to switch.

Groups representing elderly people have also expressed fears about the cost of the technology involved.

Mr Ennals told BBC Scotland the switch in two years' time would bring major benefits to the region.

"The digital signal itself will actually increase by twice the strength it is today," he said.

"Just about every household in the Border region will be able to get the Freeview service and, indeed, Channel Five which they cannot get today.

The cost implications are quite horrendous for somebody who is on the very, very basic pension Hector Campbell Elderly Forum

"There are some real reception benefits as well as channel benefits for the Border region from switch over," he added.

Leaflets are being distributed right across the area to outline what equipment is needed to cope with the switch off of analogue signals.

However, Hector Campbell of Dumfries and Galloway Elderly Forum said concerns remain among the people he represents.

"The cost implications are quite horrendous for somebody who is on the very, very basic pension," he said.

"For a lot of old people their television set is virtually one of their family - they watch it all of the day.