by Jenni Horn

The digital switchover continues in Medway today.

Analogue TV signals were turned off across much of the county this morning, and digital TV boosted to reach all areas.

The start of TV switchover means that thousands of viewers in digital blackspots, now get BBC Freeview channels for the first time, while picture quality will improve for many existing viewers.

Homes already watching Freeview will need to retune their TVs and boxes in order to regain their BBC services, which are missing this morning.

Switchover began in the early hours when analogue BBC Two was permanently turned off at the Bluebell Hill transmitter.

The process will be completed on June 27, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off. Channel 5 and further Freeview channels from ITV and Channel 4 will then be available from local transmitters for the first time.

The UK’s digital switchover programme started in 2008 and Medway is one of the last areas to switch.

Some homes in Medway, in the Rochester and Borstal area, switched in April when the Crystal Palace transmitter was turned off.

The latest research by the Digital UK switchover tracker found that one in 10 households was not yet ready for the digital change.

Tony Gray, assistant regional manager for Digital UK, said this morning: “This is great news for viewers across the whole region, as many people are receiving new channels for the first time.

“Those viewers who haven’t switched to digital should prepare for June 27, when the last analogue channels will be permanently switched off. Our advice is: get ready now – don’t leave it until the last minute.”

If you have not already gone digital, there’s no need to throw out your TV and buy a new one.

Virtually any TV, even old black and white ones, can be converted with a digital box, which cost from about £20.

There are three main options for going digital: convert your existing TV with a digital set-top box; get a service like satellite or cable TV installed; or get a new TV with digital built in.

A switchover help scheme has been set up to support elderly and disabled viewers who may be eligible for extra help when preparing for the digital switchover.

To find out more, call the digital TV switch-over advice line on 08456 50 50 50 or visit digitaluk.co.uk