Powys starts digital switchover

Wales will be the first nation in the UK to go completely digital

The digital TV switchover in Wales is continuing, with signals to 24,000 homes in parts of Powys changing.

Viewers served by the Long Mountain transmitter in areas such as Newtown, Llandinam and Llanidloes will no longer be able to receive BBC Two on analogue.

Instead, a new digital signal is being made available, broadcasting the full range of BBC channels in digital form.

The remaining analogue channels from ITV, S4C, Channel 4 and Five, will be permanently switched off on 3 December.

All TV services were temporarily switched off at the Long Mountain transmitter group shortly after midnight before analogue BBC Two was switched off permanently.

The new digital signal means thousands of homes in the area will be able to receive digital TV through their aerial - Freeview - for the first time.

We're now encouraging viewers who still don't have the necessary equipment to get ready Emyr Hughes, Digital UK

Terrestrial TV services will be off air for some viewers until the first stage of switchover is completed by about midday on Wednesday.

Once services are back on air, viewers of Freeview, BT Vision and Top Up TV will have to retune their equipment.

Emyr Hughes, Digital UK's national manager for Wales, said: "The switchover is underway, and many people are receiving Freeview channels for the first time.

"We're now encouraging viewers who still don't have the necessary equipment to get ready in time for 3 December, when all the analogue channels will be permanently switched off. Anyone who needs advice during this period should contact Digital UK."

Every home in Wales should be digital by March 2010. Digital UK says 90% of homes in Wales already have digital TV.

Digital TVs or analogue sets converted with a digital box will be able to receive BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1, S4C and Five, plus additional digital channels such as BBC Three, BBC Four, BBC News, ITV2, More 4 and digital text and radio services.

Swansea was the first part of Wales to go totally digital when the analogue television signal was completely turned off in September.