A press conference held in Jersey yesterday confirmed the switchover to digital TV in the Channel Islands would happen in 2010. Left to right, Home Department minister Geoff Mahy, regional manager of Digital UK Bill Taylor and Jersey Economic Development minister Alan Maclean. (Picture by Jon Guegan, 0706303)

JUST over 9,000 island homes which currently do not have Sky or Freesat will be able to receive digital TV by next year.

The digital switchover will begin earlier than expected in November 2010.

However, those islanders living in a valley or whose home backs onto a cliff and cannot currently get a good analogue signal might struggle to receive the digital one.

It is estimated that 60% of households have a Sky or Freesat service, with 40% still to convert.

In bringing the switchover date forward, the islands will get digital TV before many UK areas.

The exact timetable for the switchover has not been confirmed, but Digital UK said that by the end of 2010 the analogue signal will be switched off.