UK's final digital switchover begins in Northern Ireland

The UK's final digital switchover is underway in Northern Ireland, improving picture quality and bringing BBC Freeview channels to hundreds of thousands more homes.

Work began in the early hours of the morning today (October 10th 2012), when the analogue version of BBC Two was turned off at transmitters across the country.

It will be followed on October 24th by the deactivation of all remaining analogue services, allowing additional Freeview channels from UTV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 to be broadcast from local transmitters for the first time.

TG4, RTE One and RTE Two will also be rolled out to Freeview HD households in some areas.

The moment when the analogue era comes to an end in the UK will be marked by a simultaneous broadcast between the BBC and UTV, presented by Eamonn Holmes.

Denis Wolinski, national manager of Digital UK, which has led the switchover, said the news is positive for residents throughout Northern Ireland.

"Viewers who haven't switched to digital should prepare for October 24th, when the last analogue channels will be permanently switched off. Our advice is: get ready now - don't leave it until the last minute," he added.