Freeview viewers in the Isle of Man may need to retune their TV equipment next week to continue watching programmes.

Freeview channels are moving to new airwaves to allow for the future development of new mobile broadband services.

Transmitters are being updated as part of a major engineering programme due to complete this year.

The required changes will begin at the Douglas transmitter group shortly after midnight on Wednesday, August 19, and Freeview channels will be off-air overnight until 6am.

After this, any viewers receiving their TV signal from the main Douglas transmitter who find they are missing channels can retune.

Services from the Glen Maye local relay may be subject to disruption until later in the day.

Satellite television and people who watch services directly from masts in the UK will not be affected.

Around 26,000 homes are served by the affected transmitters. Freeview will be running an information campaign to prepare people for the change, including advertising and on-screen messages.

Freeview says that retuning should be straightforward and some TV equipment will retune automatically. But some older aerials may need to be replaced to continue receiving all channels.

Viewers may be eligible for free in-home support, including aerial work if needed.

Anyone who needs advice, or who finds they are still missing services after retuning, can visit the Freeview website at www.freeview.co.uk/tvchanges or contact the Freeview Advice Line free on 0808 100 0288.