YORKSHIRE has finally gone totally digital – with the last analogue TV signals in the region having been switched off for ever.
And hundreds of Huddersfield viewers descended on electrical stores seeking last-minute help with the changeover.
The switch to stronger digital signals is bringing extra channels – including Freeview HD services – and improved reception for thousands of homes across the region.
A spokesman for Huddersfield TV retailer Broadbents said yesterday: “The phone hasn’t stopped ringing since we opened. It has been full on.
“There are still a few people who hadn’t realised it was happening. We have had people in the shop bringing their remote controls and instruction books asking for help.
“We have talked quite a few people through re-tuning over the phone and we are booked to the middle of next week to go out to help customers.”
To mark the completion of the changeover in Yorkshire, Barnsley poet Ian McMillan, who has been getting the digital message across in verse, unveiled his final switchover poem at Emley Moor, the largest transmitter in the region serving almost 4m viewers.
John Askew, Digital UK’s regional manager for Yorkshire, said: “This is an historic day for TV in Yorkshire as we say goodbye to the old analogue system forever.
“Viewers have responded extremely well and many are enjoying the benefits of digital TV for the first time.”
But he said: “As with any change on this scale, some people may need a bit of extra help so we and the Help Scheme are on hand to give assistance.”
Ian McMillan said: “As a proud Yorkshireman and a broadcaster it’s been fantastic to be part of the digital switchover and reciting the final switchover poem from such an iconic landmark as Emley Moor is a real privilege.”
The Help Scheme is still open to applications until October 21 from older and disabled viewers who may qualify for help, including a choice of equipment, installation and aftercare.
Digital UK is providing support through local advice points, website digitaluk.co.uk and an advice line on 08456 505050.
A switchover roadshow is also running from 9am to 5pm today at The Piazza Shopping Centre.
To re-tune your Freeview, Top-Up TV or BT Vision equipment:
Make sure your Freeview TV or box is on and in digital mode. Press ‘menu’ on your remote control
Select ‘set up’ or ‘installation’. If you see picture icons, select the tool box, satellite dish or spanner. If you are prompted for a code, try 0000 or 1234
Select the full re-tune option. This is sometimes called ‘first time installation’, ‘factory reset’, ‘default settings’ or ‘shipping conditions’. Do not select ‘channel update’ or ‘add channels’
Press ‘OK’ if your equipment asks if you want to delete all your channels. Don’t worry this is normal. Channels will automatically be installed. This may take a few minutes and your equipment may shut down and restart.
These instructions are a guide only as each product works slightly differently. For more information on retuning visit digitaluk.co.uk/retuning
