I was surprised to read about the problems experienced by Peter Braithwaite (Letters, August 16) in receiving the new digital terrestrial transmissions.

Most viewers in the York area, who now receive their programmes from Leeds, should be able to receive the digital channels using their existing aerial, provided it is in good condition.

In answer to his question about the future, once the analogue signal is switched off - the intention is to increase the strength of the digital signal to provide fuller coverage and, hopefully, resolve the problems caused by operating both analogue and digital transmissions together.

Digital terrestrial TV is one of three ways to receive the new channels. Cable and satellite will also play a part. The launch of Sky's Freeview package in the autumn will be welcomed by many unable to receive digital programmes through an aerial.

While Sky are clearly hoping to entice viewers to upgrade to a subscription package, I suspect they will be under enormous pressure to retain the free aspect of the service - the BBC channels can already be received via satellite without the need for a viewing card.

While not everyone is keen to follow the satellite route, it has the advantage of offering all the BBC and - with the right frequency information - ITV regions, which means you can choose to watch BBC North and Yorkshire TV no matter where you are.

Joe Watkinson,

Pulleyn Drive, York.

Updated: 11:20 Wednesday, September 08, 2004