The digital changeover from analogue will affect 16,000 people who receive their free to air television stations and another 10,500 who use both their aerial for free to air as well as a television subscription.

Addressing a news conference to launch an information campaign in preparation for the switch, Malta Communications Authority chairman Philip Micallef said that TVM will be switching to digital on February 1.

The station, has also been designated as the responsible entity for the operation of the broadcasting platform in Malta.

While with the analogue system there had been one channel per frequency, with digital there were six channels.

So another five Maltese channels will be added to the frequency allocated for Malta. Net, One and Smash will be given the right of first refusal but one local channel will have to continue transmitting through Go or Melita. This will all happen on June 1.

The information campaign, launched by Parliamentary Assistant Charlo Bonnici, is aimed at creating general awareness (until the end of February), giving general information (between March and April). The campaign will be stepped up in May as the deadline approaches.

The 16,000 households that will be affected will have to buy a set up box for between €20 and €50 unless they had a modern television set which had a digital decorder incorporated in it.

The 130,000 households which have a Go or Melita service will not be affected by the changeover.

Mr Micallef said the digital changeover will enhance viewer experience.