Switch-off of Monsanto transmitter is biggest of the first phase of migration to DTT in Portugal

On 01.02.2012, at 11a.m., the Monsanto analogue television transmitter will be switched off, along with the relays at Areeiro, Barcarena, Caparica, Carvalhal, Cheleiros, Estoril, Graça, Montemor-o-Novo, Odivelas, Sintra, Malveira, Sobral de Monte Agraço, Coruche and Cabeção.

Two million people will be impacted by this switch-off, comprising the districts of Évora, Lisbon, Setubal, Santarém and Setúbal; this makes Monsanto the largest switch-off in the first phase of migration to DTT, which covers the entire coastal area of Mainland Portugal.

Once again, ANACOM, strongly advises all viewers who have not yet taken steps to prepare for the migration to digital television, to check now whether they live in an area with terrestrial coverage or in an area with satellite digital coverage. This information can be obtained by calling 800 200 838 (free number) or checking the website www.tdt.telecom.pthttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.

Surveys conducted at the beginning of the month showed that around 70% of viewers had already completed the migration and that around 20% planned to do so before the switch-off. Meanwhile, at the end of last year, sales of set-top-boxes and television sets compatible with the MPEG 4 standard increased sharply. In total, over 800 thousand DTT-ready television sets and 420 thousand set-top-boxes were sold, with half of the televisions purchased by people needing to migrate to DTT.

Even so, in light of the number of people who will be affected by switch-off, ANACOM has warned repeatedly that people need to be ready for the arrival of DTT in advance, to reduce the risk of being left with no television. In certain cases it may be necessary for viewers to repoint their aerials, which may require the services of a technician - viewers who leave it to the last minute may be left unable to watch television once the analogue signal is switched off.

The Monsanto analogue transmitter is the third to be switched off in this first phase of the switch-off of analogue television, after the transmitters at Palmela and Fóia (Monchique). In total, 3 million people have been covered by the switch-offs so far.

Coverage of Portugal's territory by digital television signal has been 100% since December 2010.