DIGITAL TELEVISION

Most of the Tyne Valley from Prudhoe to Hexham receives television from a relay transmitter at Newton. The hills to the south of the valley prevent reception from the main transmitter at Pontop Pike. The area to the east receives transmissions from Fenham.

The Newton transmitter is only able to transmit the older analogue signals. It only broadcasts the four main terrestrial channels - Channel 5 transmissions not being possible. It would need an upgrade to transmit digital signals. The government has set a target for analogue transmissions to be phased out by 2010.

To receive digital transmissions each television must be designed to receive digital signals or it must have a special set-top box (cost £50 to £100). Because of interference from nearby transmitters analogue signals limit a transmitter to 4 or 5 different stations. Digital transmissions enable dozens of different stations. 

Upgrading the Newton transmitter to digital would enable all the current terrestrial station including Channels 5, as well as the free-to air BBC and ITV transmissions, e.g. BBC3, ITV2 etc. These channels are already paid for with the standard TV licence whether you can receive the transmissions or not.

The only other alternatives are cable and satellite. Cable is not available in the area and is never likely to be. Satellite transmissions require expensive receivers, wall/roof mounted aerials. They are normally provided with expensive subscriptions (Sky TV). They are also limited to a single TV.

For years we were told that Broadband Internet service was not viable for the area. Following campaigns, broadband services are now available for Prudhoe and Stocksfield and will soon be available for other areas.

Prudhoe town council are campaigning for the Newton relay transmitter to be upgraded for digital transmissions. Help with this campaign by emailing your views or support to:

E-mail your views to digitaltv@mickley.plus.com

 Links 

Bid to upgrade Newton TV mast

We're researching Freeview

Freeview under public scrutinity

Freeview Website

BBC Digital TV Service Review (PDF)

LATEST - Ofcom consultation document - Responses by 21st March 2005

OFCOM website