24/9/2008Galashiels and the digital TV switchover: Where do you stand?
A recent report from Ofcom into digital television coverage across the UK shows that the Border TV region has by far the lowest percentage of households able to watch all 40 digital channels.
The report shows that an average of 90% of households in the UK will be able to receive 40 channels after switchover. However, this number drops to just 53% of households in the Border television region. This is significantly lower than the second-worst served area, in Wales, where 73% of households will be able to watch all 40 digital channels.
The reason for the discrepancy is that main transmitters, such as Selkirk, carry all six multiplexes, whereas relay transmitters - of which there are 11 in the Borders - only carry three multiplexes.
It has been reported that nine out of 14 television regions in the UK, more than 90% of households will be able to watch the full Freeview range. Of the remaining five regions, four of them have viewing figures of over 70%. The Borders is the only region where fewer than 60% of households will be able to enjoy the full service, and yet it has been hailed by many as leading the way in switching to digital first.
The report also found that the Border TV region has the lowest percentage of households that can currently receive digital television through an aerial, at just 51%. This means that half the population will not know whether their preparations for digital switchover are successful until switchover takes place on November 6.
The report shows that an average of 90% of households in the UK will be able to receive 40 channels after switchover. However, this number drops to just 53% of households in the Border television region. This is significantly lower than the second-worst served area, in Wales, where 73% of households will be able to watch all 40 digital channels.
The reason for the discrepancy is that main transmitters, such as Selkirk, carry all six multiplexes, whereas relay transmitters - of which there are 11 in the Borders - only carry three multiplexes.
It has been reported that nine out of 14 television regions in the UK, more than 90% of households will be able to watch the full Freeview range. Of the remaining five regions, four of them have viewing figures of over 70%. The Borders is the only region where fewer than 60% of households will be able to enjoy the full service, and yet it has been hailed by many as leading the way in switching to digital first.
The report also found that the Border TV region has the lowest percentage of households that can currently receive digital television through an aerial, at just 51%. This means that half the population will not know whether their preparations for digital switchover are successful until switchover takes place on November 6.