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Older People
The switchover to digital TV
Help with the switchover to Digital Television
What does this mean for me?
When will I be affected?
What will it cost me?
Will I need a new aerial?
Will I have to throw out my TV, especially if it's old?
Will there be a scheme to help older people or others that need particular help?
Beware of rogue traders
What is the Digital Tick logo?
Will I have to pay to watch?
I live in a flat and share my aerial with others. What do I need to do?
If I don't do anything, will I lose my TV?
Help with the switchover to Digital Television
The government has decided to change the way we receive our TV signals in April 2009. If we don’t want to miss our favourite programmes we will all need to be getting ready well in advance. In 2009, the West Country TV region will switch to digital TV, becoming one of the first parts of the country to do so.
Currently only 63% of households in the West Country can get digital reception through their aerial. After switchover almost everyone will be able to enjoy the benefits of digital TV.
Put simply, it means that the televisions we are watching now won’t work unless they are helped by adding a digital receiver box to pick up the new digital signals. If you have bought a new television recently it will be fine, but what about that little TV that you use in the kitchen or bedroom?
The current analogue television signal will be switched off in most of Devon in Spring 2009 depending on which transmitter your signal comes from. Viewers will need to convert or upgrade their televisions to receive digital signals, whether through their aerial, by satellite, cable or broadband
S Hams, Torbay and most of Exeter will be switched over in Spring 2009 while North Devon and Plymouth will be done in the Summer
You will be informed in plenty of time but if you enter your postcode on this website http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/en/when/west-country.html it will tell you exactly how and when it will affect you.
It does not have to cost the earth - digital receiver boxes have already got cheaper and the competition between suppliers as we all go out to buy one will drive the price down even further. A freeview box which is all you really need can cost as little as £20 and a brand new digital TV costs between £99 and £1000 depending on the type of set.
If you really cannot afford it there IS help available.
If you get a good picture TV picture now, your aerial’s probably fine.
Will I have to throw out my TV, especially if it's old?
No. With very rare exceptions, all TVs can be converted to digital with a digital box - even black and white ones!
Will there be a scheme to help older people or others that need particular help?
A help scheme has been set up by the BBC - people aged 75 years and over and people with significant disabilities – that is, receiving attendance allowance or disability living allowance will be provided with equipment to convert one TV set, and help with its installation and follow-up support.
There will be no charge for this help for the poorest households - e.g. those on Income Support, Job Seeker’s Allowance or Pension Credit. There may be a modest fee for this help for other households.
If you are eligible for help you will be sent more information well before your area goes digital.
Rest assured, a digital installer will not arrive at your home without your prior knowledge. Assistance will be given at your request and by appointment only. If you have a hearing impairment contact us on 0845 650505o or if you are hard of hearing you can ring Typetalk on 0845 234 0380.
People should be aware of traders that might seek to cash in on digital switchover by offering unauthorised advice, services and goods, faulty equipment or overcharging for services. If you require an aerial upgrade to receive digital TV, you should contact the CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries), who will be able to provide you with details of a qualified installer in your local area. Always look for the 'digital tick’ logo when buying digital TV products.
What is the Digital Tick logo?
This is a certification mark that appears on products and services that are designed to work before, during and after switchover. It will also be seen on badges worn by retail staff who are trained to answer questions about digital TV switchover, and is used to identify aerial installers accredited as Registered Digital Installers (RDI).
No, you will not have to pay a subscription to watch Freeview channels, available to virtually all UK households. More households than at present will be able to receive the main five public-service channels (BBC1&2, ITV1, C4, Five).
Extra free digital-only services, including BBC Three, BBC Four, BBC News 24, itv2, itv3, E4 and more4, will also be available - around 18 channels in all. Plus you will be able to listen to digital radio through your TV.
And there will be more, switchover will also significantly increase availability of non-public service Freeview channels, such as Sky Three and Price Drop TV.
I live in a flat and share my aerial with others. What do I need to do?
If you share your aerial with others then you may have a communal TV system. If so, this may need to be adapted to receive digital television. Your landlord or managing agent should be aware of this and be making plans – ask them for more information.
If I don't do anything, will I lose my TV?
Yes - if you don't already have digital TV and don't do anything, you won’t be able to continue watching television broadcasts after switchover (Remember, you probably already have digital TV if you can receive more than the five traditional channels).
You will also need to ensure that every TV in your home that you want to use to watch live television can receive digital TV.
A useful booklet giving you lots of information especially for people in the West Country is available to download at:
www.digitaluk.co.uk/when/west_country
People should be aware of traders that might s
eek to cas
h in on digital switchover by offering unauthorised advice, services and goods, faulty equipment or overcharging for services. If you require an aerial upgrade to receive digital TV, you should contact the CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries), who will be able to provide you with details of a qualified installer in your local area. Always look for the 'digital tick’ logo when buying digital TV products.
What is the Digital Tick logo?
This is a certification mark that appears on products and services that are designed to work before, during and after switchover. It will also be seen on badges worn by retail staff who are trained to answer questions about digital TV switchover, and is used to identify aerial installers accredited as Registered Digital Installers (RDI).
A useful booklet giving you lots of information especially for people in the West Country is available to download at:
www.digitaluk.co.uk/when/west_country
For more information visit http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/