Digital switch countdown begins

A banner is now appearing on TV pictures in the Selkirk area

The six-month countdown has started for the first Scottish switchover to digital-only broadcasting.

The Selkirk main transmitter and all its relays will make the change on 6 November this year.

All five analogue channels in the area have started broadcasting captions to inform viewers if their television will be affected by the switch.

The captions run for about one minute and are shown at different times on the different channels.

Viewers not receiving their signal from the Selkirk transmitter or one of its 11 relays will not see the captions.

SWITCHOVER DATES Selkirk (Border) 6 November 2008 Caldbeck (Border) Q2 2009 Angus (STV North) 2010 Rosemarkie (STV North) 2010 Knockmore (STV North) 2010 Eitshal (STV North) 2010 Durris (STV North) 2010 Bressay (STV North) 2010 Rumster Forest (STV North) 2010 Keelylang Hill (STV North) 2010 Craigkelly (STV Central) 2010 Darvel (STV Central) 2010 Rosneath (STV Central) 2010 Black Hill (STV Central) 2011

However, anyone seeing the message on their screen will know they have to take action.

Whitehaven in Cumbria has already switched off its analogue signal but the Scottish Borders will be the first full region to switch over.

The roll out should be completed across the rest of Scotland by 2011.

A number of road shows are planned across the Scottish Borders in June to provide information about the switch.

Their locations will include Duns, Eyemouth, Berwick, Galashiels, Peebles and Hawick.

A special help scheme has also opened in the Selkirk transmission area.

It can provide equipment and help to install and operate it.

It is open to anyone who is aged 75 or over, people who are registered blind or partially-sighted and anyone who has a disability and is entitled to disability-related allowances.

Digital UK also provides impartial advice through its Scotland-based helpline - 08456 50 50 50 and website.

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