Final stage of digital switchover for West Berkshire tomorrow (Wednesday)

In the first phase, which occurred a fortnight ago on Wednesday (8), the BBC 2 signal from the Hannington transmitter was switched from analogue to digital.
In this second phase, all remaining channels will be switched over and television sets without digital equipment will stop working completely.
Digital UK, the organisation responsible for the switchover said they thought most people were well prepared and knew what to expect, but the Newburytoday.co.uk received many calls from viewers who lost reception of BBC One and Two and were confused about how to re-tune their sets.
In one case, a whole estate of elderly people was left without these channels because they did not know how to re-tune their sets.
Chris Dyson, who lives at The Hermitage at Eastbury, said none of the residents had been able to re-tune their sets and some were still without service on Tuesday. “Our maintenance man is on holiday and many of us struggle with technology.”
Switchover Help Scheme national outreach manager Cheryl Lockyer, who was manning a help desk in Newbury Library on February 8 and 9 said: “We had between 25 and 30 people come in this morning (Wednesday, February 8), looking for last minute advice. Most were older people, but some were much younger. Overall, we think most people know what to do.”
A volunteer who worked to make people in Hermitage and surrounding villages aware, Bob Lyon, said: “I think most people are just glad that we are here to give them advice.”
Only those sets receiving their signal from the Hannington transmitter group are affected, others may already have switched over.
Radios will not be affected.
If you experience any major problems with the switchover contact Digital UK direct on 08456 50 50 50, and if you are still having trouble, tell the Newbury Weekly News about it by contacting Eddie van der Walt on (01635) 564520 or emailing Eddie.vanderwalt@newburynews.co.uk