Digital Switchover now on the horizon for the North - Thurso

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 10th Sep 2009

Digital switchover for the north is now on the horizon with Digital UK recently announcing the dates for the process in 2010. John Thurso MP warned that because of the size and remoteness of the constituency and different areas' reliance on different transmitters that it could be more complicated in the north than elsewhere. John is urging anyone with questions about the process to get in touch with Digital UK or his office.

The Caithness area will be the first to switchover with the process starting on the 2nd of June, 2010. North and West Sutherland will follow on the 7th of July then Easter Ross and East Sutherland from the 8th of September and lastly the area around Invergordon and Alness from the 6th of October.

If you have good analogue services at the moment you are almost guarantee to have good access to digital after the switchover. Access to channels will vary throughout the constituency from about 14 to over 40 and TVs that are not digital compatible (with the digital tick will no longer work)

As well as the big switchover next year Digital UK have advised people who currently use digital services that they might need to re-tune their boxes on the 30th of September. This is because changes in the service are being carried out to extend good access to channel 5 (to check if this applies to you enter your postcode at www.digitaluk.co.uk or phone them at 08456 505050).

Digital UK has already held clinics in our area to answer any queries people may have and John be putting details of any further clinics they hold on his website.

John was also keen to point out that there is free help available for people to convert if they are over 75, disabled or living in a care home (go to www.helpscheme.co.uk or phone 0800 40 85 900 for eligibility details).