MANY television viewers across North and East Yorkshire have a few days left before the digital switchover begins.

The analogue transmitter for thousands of households in the region will begin to be switched off on Wednesday when broadcast of BBC2 will stop, and all analogue channels ceasing on September 21.

The Emley Moor transmitter which covers York and some of Selby, Ryedale and Pocklington is the last switchover in the Yorkshire region. However, some households in Selby, Ryedale and Pocklington and most in Thirsk and Northallerton watch Tyne Tees, which is provided by the Bilsdale transmitter and is not due to change until 2012.

In East Yorkshire, homes in the Beverley area and some homes in the Pocklington area are covered by the Belmont transmitter, which has already switched.

Jane Durber, of electrical appliance supplier Herbert Todd, in Walmgate, York, said: “Most people are ready for the switchover. “A lot of people have Sky or cable television but in terms of Freeview most people have made the crossover.

“That said, they will still have to retune their television on the 7th and 21st as they are changing some of the frequencies and there will be some disruption.

“We are visiting dozens and dozens of properties which can’t manage the retune themselves and need some help but if you know how to do it, it should be quite a simple process.”

Those switching will see captions on their TV about it.

Organisers say turning off the analogue broadcasting system will create the capacity necessary to extend Freeview coverage to the whole country.

John Askew, Digital UK’s regional manager for Yorkshire, said: “We’re urging anyone still watching analogue television to make the change now and to contact the Switchover Help Scheme if they’re eligible from practical support.”

Digital UK’s help scheme urges eligible older and disabled viewers to contact them if they want practical support to convert to digital, including installation and aftercare.

To check when your postcode will switch to digital and for further information and advice go to digitaluk.co.uk or phone 08456 505050.