Policy development

Digital TV trials

As part of the work leading up to the September 2005 policy announcement confirming the 2008-12 switchover timetable, two trials were carried out to assess the technical issues associated with the switchover process.

Ferryside and Llansteffan digital switchover technical trial |
Go Digital | Related information

Ferryside and Llansteffan digital switchover technical trial

A trial was held from 29 November 2004 at Ferryside transmitting station in west Wales. This small relay serves the village of Llansteffan and part of the village of Ferryside, Carmarthenshire. It enabled an assessment of the technical issues associated with the switchover process, both at the transmitter end and in the household.

After three months of receiving digital services, the trial households were asked whether they wished to retain the digital services only, or revert to the analogue services only. Over 85% of households responded, of whom 99% wished to retain the digital services and the analogue signals were switched off on 30 March 2005.

• Ferryside station: research on vulnerable households report

All the basic equipment necessary to access digital television transmissions was provided. Householders installed equipment to receive digital terrestrial television themselves to simulate the reality of switchover as realistically as possible. For those elderly people and people with disabilities who wished it, extra assistance was available, including installation of their equipment. A helpline number was provided for those taking part.

The trial was a partnership between the Government, broadcasters and digital multiplex operators, working closely with the transmission contractors, Intellect (representing receiver manufacturers) and Ofcom.

Go Digital
The 2003 Go Digital project studied the conversion of some 300 homes in the Sutton Coldfield, Litchfield and Tamworth area to all digital TV reception. The area was chosen because there is good coverage of all three digital platforms.

Trial households were offered free installation and use of the television equipment required to convert all existing TV sets in the house for the duration of the trial.

The report is available on the Ofcom website.

Related Information

Bolton Digital Television Trial - report findings

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