Jamie McGrigor MSP on Digital TV Switchover

Jamie McGrigor MSP, Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands met today with a representative from Digital UK to discuss the nationwide transfer from analogue to digital television. John MacNeil, assistant national manager of STV North, visited the Scottish Parliament this morning to brief Jamie McGrigor on the upcoming switchover. The meeting focused on how the changes are going to affect McGrigor’s constituents who watch STV News North in the Highlands & Islands of Scotland and those in Argyll & Bute and parts of Lochaber who watch the West of Scotland STV news programmes.

Jamie commented that:

“This marks a revolution in television that will be benefiting even the most rural parts of my region by the end of 2011. Many people who have never had access to more than four or five channels in the past will now be able to get the full and extensive range that is offered by digital TV.

“Everyone in my region must be kept abreast of these developments so that they can prepare for them accordingly.”

McGrigor said that people need to understand the necessity of their televisions being converted to digital by the time that their region has made the switch. TVs that currently receive Freeview through a set top box will be least affected and may only need retuning on the existing set top box. Constituents can find out when the transmitter in their area is going to implement the changes by using the postcode checker at www.digital.co.uk or calling 08456 505050.

Jamie added:

“ Digital UK would like to emphasise that almost every television can be converted to digital so there should not be any need for people to buy new TVs.”

At the meeting today John MacNeil also gave details on the Switchover Help Scheme that can help certain, eligible people to adjust to this. McGrigor wished to stress that those who might qualify for the assistance, such as the elderly, disabled people or those living in care homes should look out for information about it in the post and respond as soon as possible if they want to opt in to the scheme.

“I was delighted to be able to talk about all of this with Mr MacNeil, and am very optimistic about the improvements that it will make to people’s lives in the Highlands and Islands. Any community that desires more information can contact me or visit the Digital UK website.”