Ager first Catalan town to go “All-Digital”

The Catalan government has selected the town of Ager to be the first in the region to switch off analogue TV. This will take place in February 2007 and will enable the 502 residents of Ager to access 24 television programmes on the new DTT platform. The pilot is designed to gain a better understanding of the issues that may arise from the conversion of collective antennas and the installation of DTT receivers. Also the majority of the population are pensioners a group that is expected to have the biggest problem in adapting to the new technology.
The changeover process is eased by the fact that the valley is served by a single analogue repeater, which can easily be changed to one, suitable for the digital service.
Other digital switch-over pilots in Catalonia are also expected in the municipalities of La Fatarella and Amer. Altogether, the government will provide €1 million to fund these pilot projects.
Analogue switch-off in Catalonia is expected to be completed in 2009 while 2010 is the date set for the rest of Spain.
Source: El Periódico.com
Item added: 31st October 2006