IT COULD be British success in the Olympics, awful weather, or the return of old favourites such as The X Factor that has motivated nine out of 10 adults in the Granada TV region to ensure they are getting ready for digital switchover.
Latest research shows 94% of North West viewers are aware of the big switchover and 91% have already converted at least one of their TVs.
Three million homes across the region will start switching to digital on November 4, 2009, when analogue signals are turned off.
Jo Waters, Digital UK manager for the Granada TV region, believes the high awareness rates are largely due to the commitment of a range of people including community groups, retailers and councillors, across the region.
With national TV and radio advertising campaigns running and local drop-in sessions planned, Digital UK is confident that come the time for switchover people in the region will be ready.
Switchover means that all the TV sets in the North West will need to be able to receive a digital signal, either through an aerial, satellite, cable or broadband.
But Miss Waters recognises more needs to be done. She said: “We know that nine in 10 people in the region have already converted their main TV set but fewer than two-thirds have done so to all their household sets – people need to be aware that they need to do this for every TV.
“Most sets being sold at the moment are already digitally enabled and all other TVs can be converted – even old black and white ones – with a set-top-box.”
She added: “There will be plenty of assistance for those who need it, through the Switchover Help Scheme and charity partnerships formed by Digital UK.”
Nearer the time everybody who is eligible for the help scheme will receive a letter and the Digital UK team is working closely with groups such as Age Concern to make sure people know if they can get help.
