Digital TV is set to replace analogue TV in Darwen starting on 4th November 2009 yet some residents are worried that they still can't receive a digital signal.This affects homes which pick up their television signal from the Darwen relay transmitter rather than Winter Hill's main Granada transmitter.
A quick scan of neighbouring rooftop aerials should tell you which transmitter you are using. If they point to the relay at the top of Marsh House then it's unlikely that you will be able to receive digital TV / Freeview just yet.
However, once the switchover begins the Darwen relay transmitter will be transmitting digital TV for us all to enjoy providing you have a digital TV or set-top box.
Those with Sky or Cable aren't affected and you should already be able to access Freeview channels through your subscription.
Some people in our forum have been discussing options prior to the switchover - how can you access freeview channels before November if your aerial can't pickup the Winter Hill signal?
Option 1: You can watch TV online through your laptop, computer or, in some cases, with other equipment such as a PS3 by connecting to one of the free services offered by TVCatchup, BBC iPlayer, 4OD or ITV Catchup.
Option 2: If you just want the free channels without any subscription fees then try FreeSat. Because it uses a satellite dish to display channels you won't have to wait for the digital switchover and you can enjoy digital TV right away.
Additional options allow you to watch in high definition and/or pause, rewind and record live television with the freesat+. You will need to buy a set-top box if freesat isn't integrated into your TV already and have a satellite dish installed costing around £80.
Option 3: Depending on your location you may be able to benefit from upgrading your aerial and re-aligning it to Winter Hill. For this to work you may have to have the aerial placed higher on your roof or even on top of an extension pole. This option probably isn't an option to those who live at the bottom of the valley, near the A666 i.e. Lynwood Avenue, Earnsdale Rd.
Option 4: Upgrade to Sky or Cable. The problem with this is that some services charge extra fees for multi-room meaning each TV will incur an additional subscription fee if you want the receive multiple feeds. However, if you want to receive premium channels in addition to free to air channels then ths is your solution.
Please share your experiences in the Darwen Forum. Are there any other options which we haven't discussed, or any local business's which you suggest for installing a new aerial or freesat?
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