Digital TV advice

The campaign to prepare TV viewers in Devon and Cornwall for digital switchover has begun in earnest.

In the South West region analogue television signals will be switched off in 2009 as part of the a UK-wide push towards digital TV.

Little Britain comic Matt Lucas is starring in a £200m campaign to publicise the big switch.

Matt is the voice of a friendly robot called Digit Al in adverts aimed at raising awareness.

The adverts are part of a seven-year campaign aimed at smoothing the transition to digital TV by 2012.

TV remote controls

People living in Devon and Cornwall will be among the first to have their analogue signal switched off.

As well as the TV adverts, every household in the UK will be contacted by post, starting with homes in the Border, West Country and Wales TV regions.

Shops and citizens advice bureaux across the UK will also provide information.

The seven-year campaign aims to raise awareness of the switchover, encourage consumers to buy new equipment with a digital 'tick' logo and go to Digital UK for advice and support.

Seven out of 10 UK households have already gone digital.

Digital UK chief executive Ford Ennals said analogue switch-off would be "one of the biggest events in broadcasting history".

"It will bring more choice to more people and make digital television universal," he said.

"Ensuring everyone is aware of switchover, when it is happening in their region and what they need to do to switch is a major challenge, which is why we have launched this public information campaign.

"Our aim is to make sure no-one is left behind."

Broadcasting minister James Purnell said: "Making sure people are aware of digital switchover, and how to prepare for it, will be fundamental to the success of this ambitious and unprecedented plan.

"I welcome this campaign launch, which marks the first part of Digital UK's important work to ensure everyone knows what's happening, when it's happening and what they need to do to be ready for switchover."

To continue to receive television after the analogue signal is switched off, viewers in digital-only regions will have to connect all their TV sets and video recorders to a digital service, via Freeview, cable or satellite.