THE digital television roadshow has visited Weymouth to make sure residents are fully prepared for the big switchover.

Help and advice was on hand for people who are baffled by the changes, which will start taking effect for most of Dorset from May 6.

By May 20, the analogue signal will be switched off completely and replaced with a stronger, digital television signal. If you have not converted to digital by this time, you will lose television channels.

Digital UK came to town yesterday, but found most people in the area were ready and waiting. A spokesman said: “It is always useful to do these roadshows. I think it is getting so close now that people are looking into it, but they seem pretty much organised here.”

Digital television service Freeview was also available to give advice on how to receive channels through an aerial. Area channel executive Tim Mason said: “This event has been the best so far.

“The response has been good.”

Freesat representatives explained to passers-by how to get digital television through a satellite.

Marketing director Will Abbott said: “We just want to make sure people are aware of Freesat as it might be a good option for them.”

Sam Mudge, 21, of Clare Avenue, Chickerell, said the changes could not come soon enough. “I’m a bit annoyed it hasn’t already happened,” he said.

“It has been a bit slow and we still haven’t got Channel 5 on terrestrial. I should be fine when it happens.”

But Rachel Dundee, 36, of Prince’s Drive, Weymouth, said she was totally unprepared. “When it happens, it happens,” she said.

“I haven’t really taken any notice of it. It will be a problem for me but I’m not worrying about it.”

The Westcountry is the first major region to go digital, through the Stockland Hill transmitter, although parts of Portland supplied by Rowridge transmitter will not switch over until 2011/12.

Lilian Moggeridge, 78, of Montrose Close, Portland, called the helpline for advice and found she would not be affected for some years yet.

She said: “I will get a Freeview box to be on the safe side though.”

To check which transmitter serves your home, information is available online at www.digitaluk.co.uk or by calling 0845 454 0015.

Q. What is the digital television switchover? A. Analogue signal will be switched off and replaced with a stronger digital signal. All televisions must be converted to digital by switchover date.

Q. I have an analogue television – how will I be affected? A. You will need to buy a digital box and decide on which digital television service to use, either through an aerial, satellite, or cable.

Q. Which digital television services are available in the West Country? A. For a one-off payment, you can get Freeview, Freesat from Sky, or Freesat. By monthly subscription, you could sign up to Sky TV, Virgin Media, BT Vision, or Top Up TV.

Q. How will I be affected if I already have Freeview, BT Vision, or Top Up TV? A. You will need to re-tune your equipment at both stages of the switchover.

Q. How will I be affected if I already have Sky TV, Freesat from Sky, Virgin Media or freesat? A. You will not be affected by the switchover, although you must ensure all other television sets in the home are digital ready too.

Q. Which channels will I get? A. This depends on which transmitter you get your service from. In this area, the majority will get more than 40 Freeview channels.

The other digital television services can provide more channels, including sport and movies.

Q. Do I need to get a new television? A. No, you don’t need to get a new television as almost any can be converted with a digital box, even a black and white TV.

Q. How do I know if my new equipment will work after the switchover? A. Look for equipment that carries the pink ‘digital tick’.

Q. Do I need High Definition (HD) television for the switchover? A. No. But if you buy new HD equipment make sure it carries the ‘digital tick’.

Q. Will I need a new aerial? A. Most rooftop aerials and some set-top aerials will be fine. To check it visit the aerial test on Teletext page 284. If you do need a new aerial, make sure you use a Registered Digital Installer.