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Chronicle Live
National
Katie Collings

Why some Freeview customers in the North East may need to retune their TVs

Freeview users in the North East may need to retune their TV equipment on November 13 to continue watching programmes.

Some Freeview channels are moving to new airwaves to allow for the future development of new mobile broadband services, the company confirms.

This will affect those in the County Durham and Tyne and Wear areas.

Following a decision by the UK Government , transmitters are being updated region by region as part of a major engineering programme being carried out between now and 2020.

A spokesperson for Freeview said: "Engineering work at the Pontop Pike main transmitter group will begin shortly after midnight and Freeview channels will be off-air overnight until 6am.

"After this, any viewers receiving their TV signal from the main Pontop Pike transmitter who find they are missing channels can retune. Services from smaller local relays may be subject to disruption until late afternoon. Satellite and cable TV are not affected.

"Around 700,000 homes are served by the affected transmitters. Freeview will be running an information campaign to prepare people for the change, including advertising and on-screen messages.

"Retuning should be straightforward and some TV equipment will retune automatically. Some older aerials may need to be replaced to continue receiving all channels. Viewers may be eligible for free in-home support, including aerial work if needed.

"Anyone who needs advice, or who finds they are still missing services after retuning, can visit the Freeview website at  www.freeview.co.uk/tvchanges  or contact the Freeview Advice Line free on 0808 100 0288.

"Further information is available online at  www.freeview.co.uk/tvchanges "

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