The reasons are as follows; a) This is a small self-contained area in NW England isolated from the rest of the region. (Borders & Isle of Man). There are analogue reception issues because the main transmitters for the area are shielded by mountains. There is better analogue reception from N. Ireland, Scotland and even Republic of Ireland ( I had a friend who lived there). The low power DTT system was not available there. b) Its a demographically representative area with 25,000 homes served by a local translator, Basically they converted the translator frequencies to DTV operation (they are usually 7dB down on analogue peak power for the new high power DTV networK0 c) It enables them to flush out the main issues and its low risk versus much larger areas. However predictable conversion issues included Multiple Dwelling Units, hotels etc as well as multi-tv homes.Lessons will be learned before major DTV conversion begins next year d)Finally it has a US connection, although this is incidental. Just Google 'Whitehaven & John Paul Jones.' Kind Regards, Dermot Nolan