TV viewers in Devon and Cornwall will see their analogue television signals switched off in 2009 as part of the a UK-wide push towards digital TV. The Government has agreed a phased switchover across the UK, starting on the English-Scottish borders towards the end of 2008. The South West will be the second area to go all digital. As part of the process a national information campaign will be run by Digital UK, the organisation that will manage the technical roll-out. It plans to make contact with people in every region three years before the switchover is due to start. The consumer organisation Which? has warned the proposed timetable will force consumers to switch against their will with costs of up to £300 - or lose out on TV altogether. To continue to receive television after the analogue signal is switched off, viewers in digital-only regions will have to connect all their TV sets and video recorders to a digital service, via Freeview, cable or satellite. In most cases that would require them to buy a receiver box for each set in the house.
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Many viewers would also face the additional cost of an aerial upgrade or satellite dish installation. Each region is expected to take six months to convert, giving viewers time to make the switch. The Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell has announced a support scheme to make sure that no one is left behind in the switch. It will provide help with equipment, installation and follow-up support for people aged 75 years and over and people with significant disabilities. The scheme will be funded by the BBC through the licence fee. Currently, 63% of households in the UK have digital TV through either Freeview, satellite or digital cable. Digital terrestrial (Freeview) signals reach 73% of UK households, but coverage in the South West is patchy because of the hilly terrain. The authorities say a significant increase in coverage is not possible until analogue is shut down due to a shortage of available frequencies. For those in larger towns and cities digital cable is an option for a monthly subscription of around £15 (including phone line). See the panel on the left for areas in Devon covered by digital cable. The third option is digital satellite, where there's a choice of either a subscription or non-subscription service. Currently Sky offers a non-subscription service for a one-off fee of £150 which covers both equipment and installation. The BBC and ITV have joined forces and will offer an alternative non-subscription service called Freesat before the switchover takes place. Digital satellite can be received in the majority of homes across Devon. However, people living in steep valleys may have difficulty getting a signal and in some areas the installation of satellite dishes is restricted due to local planning regulations. | 
