Loss of TV Channels

Potential disruption to TV services for some viewers served by the Emley Moor Main Transmitter from Wednesday 14 April to Wednesday 16 June 2010.

Some viewers on the margins of Emley Moor's service area, those with poor aerial installations, or other problems with their receiving equipment may have difficulty receiving some or all DTT (freeview) services during a period of planned switchover work lasting around 2 months.

What is happening?

On Wednesday 14 April 2010 planned engineering works are scheduled at the Emley Moor transmitter to move Analogue TV (excluding Channel 5) and all Freeview Digital Terrestrial TV (DTT) muxes from the main to the reserve antenna.  This is to allow refurbishment work to commence on the main antenna.

On Monday 17 May 2010 services will be returned to the refurbished lower half emislot antenna for heli-testing.  No further significant impact is expected but there will be switching breaks and periods of reduced power while services are moved around.

On Tuesday 18 May 2010 services will be returned to the reserve antenna to allow work to begin on refurbishment of the upper half emislot antenna.

Work is expected to be completed by Wednesday 16 June 2010 at which time normal service will resume.

The schedule of works is subject to change e.g. due to weather conditions, unexpected technical issues.

Viewer Impact?

- Viewer impact is predicted to be negligible.

Freeview (including BT Vision, Top Up TV) Viewers

- Due to reduced DDT power, the height change in moving to the reserve antenna and the new radiation pattern, viewers who have substandard reception systems, or are outside the existing served area may have difficulty receiving some or all Freeview services during the period of planned work.  These viewers may wish to consider using analogue services as a temporary replacement until work is completed.