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Digital TV -Get Set for Switchover

May 20, 2010

Digital TV Switchover - with thanks to Shropshire Council for this information.

18T SET FOR DIGITAL

The majority of Shropshire is due to switch-over to digital television during 2011. However, in some parts of the north and west of the county switchover will take place this autumn depending on which transmitter you receive signal from. To find out more about when you will switchover please visit the digital tv website.

Digital TV switchover - top ten tips

• 1. You don't need a new TV. Almost any TV set can be converted for digital, even black and white ones.
• 2. There are different ways to go digital. Services such as Freeview, satellite, cable or broadband depend where you live. Find out your options by using the postcode checker (follow the link on this page)
• 3. Remember all your TVs will need converting. That includes the one in the kitchen, the guest bedroom and the garden shed!
• 4. Don't forget about your recorder. Analogue video and DVD recorders will continue to play back tapes and discs but will only be able to record the same channel as the one you are watching. A 'twin tuner' digital TV recorder (DTR) will let you record one digital channel while recording another.
• 5. Digital switchover affects TVs only - radios are not affected by the change.
• 6. Check your switchover date. TV services in the UK are switching to digital, TV region by TV region. The Granada TV region will start its switch to digital on 4 November 2009
• 7. Most aerials will work perfectly well after switchover. Only a small percentage will need upgrading and if you receive a clear picture now, you should be fine. If you need a new aerial, look for a Registered Digital Installer (RDI) who carries the digital tick logo or else a member of an industry trade body, such as CAI Plus.
• 8. Look for the logo. If you buy any new TV or recording equipment, look for the digital tick logo. It identifies products that will work before, during and after switchover.
• 9. Check if you qualify for help. The Switchover Help Scheme will provide assistance to anyone who is aged 75 years and over; or is registered blind or partially sighted; or is severely disabled; or is resident in a care home. It costs £40.00 but if you are eligible and also receive certain benefits, the help is free of charge. Everyone who qualifies will be contacted 8 months in advance of switchover in their region.
• If you need further advice or information, contact Digital UK, the independent, non-profit body in charge of switchover. You can visit their website on the digital uk link on this page or contact the helpline on: 0845 6 50 50 50

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