9:10am Thursday 9th September 2010
TV RECEPTION problems for Oxfordshire viewers should be over by next Thursday ‘weather permitting’.
Digital television viewers have been experiencing a poor signal since February when workmen began preparing the mast at Beckley in time for next year’s digital switchover.
The problems arose when transmission for certain channels were switched on to a reserve antenna which had a weaker signal.
A new antenna was fitted to the structure, and all work was due to be completed in May. But as workmen were completing work on the equipment, a fire broke out on the mast and about 410,000 homes lost all television reception for several hours.
Sky and cable viewers have been unaffected throughout the works.
The main antenna was destroyed beyond repair and work was knocked back four months as a completely new piece of equipment was built.
Digital UK, the company handling the switchover for the Government, said the work was nearing its end. Spokesman Joe Smithies said: “From Monday to Wednesday, essential work is due to be completed, which will mean daytime disruption to TV services for some viewers over the three days.
“Assuming good weather, services are expected to be restored to normal power next Thursday.”
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