THE Beacon Hill transmitter, which serves the Teignbridge and the south Devon area, will become the first in the West Country to switch to digital television, starting on Wednesday.

The switchover takes place in two stages. Stage one starts shortly after midnight on April 8 when analogue BBC Two will be switched off and replaced by BBC digital channels. All terrestrial TV services will be off air during the night and are expected to be restored in most areas by around 6am. In some areas served by relay transmitters, services will be off air until around noon.

Stage two will take place on April 22. The remaining analogue channels (BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Five) will be replaced in digital format along with more public-service TV, radio and text services.

All terrestrial TV services will be off air during the night and are expected to be restored in some areas by around 6am and in other areas (served by relay transmitters) by around late afternoon. At both stages, Freeview boxes will require retuning.

The rest of the West Country will follow the same two-stage process, carried out transmitter by transmitter, until September 2009.

Viewers must ensure that their TVs are capable of receiving a digital signal in order to continue receiving television signals after the switchover.

All TVs, even black and white ones, can be converted.

There are three main options for viewers to get digital television in south Devon.

- Through an aerial (eg Freeview, Top up TV, BT Vision), either through a digital box or a television with an integrated digital tuner. Costs start from approximately £25.

- By Satellite (eg Sky) with prices from approximately £10 per month.

- Through a cable (eg Virgin Media). Prices also from around £10 per month.

Bill Taylor, south west regional manager for Digital TV, said: 'As with all change people will be worried. However, in my experience, the fear of the switchover is far greater than the reality.'

There is a range of help available, with Digital UK operating a helpline on 08456 505050 and a website, http://www.digitaluk.co.uk">www.digitaluk.co.uk, which provides general information.

The Digital Switchover Help Scheme also offers support in selecting and installing digital TV equipment if:

- You or your partner are aged 75 or over, or

- You, your partner, or a dependant child receives Disability Living Allowance.

- You, your partner or a dependent child are registered blind or partially sighted.

If you are eligible for help you will be sent details of the scheme.

Age Concern has published a free factsheet on the switchover and the help that is available. Call freephone on 0800 009966 to obtain a copy.