Millions to follow TV switch lead

Millions of homes are expected to go digital during 2009

Five million homes will follow the Scottish Borders and switch from analogue to digital television next year, according to Digital UK.

The first large-scale switchover is in south east Scotland on 6 November.

Digital UK, which is overseeing the change, said homes south of the border, in north west England, the West Country and Wales would follow during 2009.

Chief executive David Scott said it was a "landmark event" in the history of UK broadcasting.

The first regional switchover will see 52,000 homes involved in the Borders.

Whitehaven in Cumbria has already completed the move as part of a pilot project last year.

More than 65 separate switchovers will take place between now and 2012.

"After years of planning, we are now just a month away from the start of this landmark event in UK broadcasting," said Mr Scott.

"Forty years on from the introduction of colour, we are taking another giant step forward by ensuring the benefits of digital television are enjoyed by the whole country."