Pink Tube Train Announces London's Digital Switchover

Why Is There A Pink Tube On London Underground's Central Line?

A pink tube train is whizzing around somewhere on London Underground's Central Line. Why? The incongruous train is here to remind people that it’s nearly time for the digital TV switchover.

The cerise carriage is rolling round the underground as the deadline for souping up outdated TV sets speeds ever closer.

If analogue televisions are not updated by April 4 in London, viewers will see their screens go blank.

Freeview viewers need to retune their sets by March cutoff date.

On the special 'Digital UK' tube, all the seats have been turned pink, while commuters will clutch fuchsia hand rails.

The windows will be decorated to form TV screens and there will be a ‘digital express’ message emblazoned across the outside.

Look out for the Digital UK mascot, a giant aerial of a creature, hopping on and off the tubes to promote London's switchover.

Viewers don’t need to buy a new tv set for the digital switchover, but will require a digi-box which will give extra Freeview channels to all those who convert.

There is a Help Scheme, providing extra aid to everyone aged 75 and over, and for some disabled viewers.

The switchover will also provide higher quality pictures, and better signal coverage.

Deborah Bain, London Manager for Digital UK, said: “There are now less than three months to prepare for switchover.

"This is an exciting change affecting millions of viewers, and we’re doing everything we can to avoid people facing a blank screen in April.

“The benefits will be felt by people across London and the Home Counties, with stronger signals and more channels available to many viewers.”

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