Digital UK Switchover

As you know, the Digital Switchover is about to happen in our area.   

Many parts of north Derbyshire and north Nottinghamshire fall into crossover areas where people may be able to receive their signal from a Central and/or Yorkshire transmitter, but either way, the switchover is imminent. 

For those receiving their signal from the Chesterfield transmitter, stage one of the switchover (when analogue BBC Two is switched off) takes place on Wednesday 10 August, with stage two on 24 August. 

Viewers of the Belmont transmitter have already started the switch, with stage one taking place on Wednesday 3 August, and stage two on 17 August. 

Viewers of the Waltham transmitter will be watching East Midlands local news programmes and will make the change on 17 and 31 August, while Emley Moor in Yorkshire will switch on 7 and 21 September. 

There is still time for people to apply to the Help Scheme – applications can be accepted until 21 October 2011.

For more information please visit the Digital UK website or contact the helpline on 0845 6 50 50 50.

Television in the UK is changing. In 2011, all TV services in our region will go digital. The old analogue TV signal will be switched off for good, making way for extra channels and services that everyone will be able to receive free through an aerial.

The process, called digital switchover, will allow every viewer to enjoy the many benefits of digital TV – such as specialist channels devoted to news, documentaries and drama, and easier recording at the push of a button.

Each TV transmitter is being converted to make digital TV through an aerial (Freeview) available to virtually all households, including those unable to receive it today.

Everyone needs to make sure they’re ready for the switchover – even if, like most people, you already have digital on your main TV. If you currently receive no more than six channels on any of your TV sets, you know that TV needs adapting. The switchover dates for our region are as follows:

 To help you prepare for switchover, here are some useful hints:

• Know your switchover date. Switchover will happen in our region during 2011. For more detail about when you will switch and what services you will receive, type your postcode into the Digital UK website or ring the helpline.
• Check what digital services are available in your area. There are a number of ways to get digital television:
  • Through a satellite dish (Sky or freesat from Sky)
  • Through an aerial (Freeview or Top Up TV)
  • Through a cable (Virgin Media)
  • Through a telephone line (Tiscali)
  • Through an aerial and phone line (BT Vision)

The Digital UK postcode checker can tell you what is available where you live. There is no need to take out a subscription unless you want to and it can cost from as little as £20 to convert a television to digital.

• Look for the ‘digital tick’. This is a logo that identifies TV products and services that are designed to keep working after switchover. You don’t need to buy a new television for switchover as almost any set can be converted. But if you do, look for a digital set which won’t need adapting when switchover happens.
• Remember all your TV sets. You will need to convert all the TVs in your home to digital, and your retailer will be able to advise you of the best way to do this.
• Think about recording. After switchover, analogue recorders will only be able to record the channel that your television is tuned to. If you want to record an alternative channel to the one being watched, you’ll need to buy a digital TV recorder, also know as a PVR. This gives you extra features too, such as the ability to pause live TV.
• Think green. If you want to buy the most energy efficient products, always look for the ‘Energy Saving Recommended’ logo (a blue triangle), which shows the product uses less energy than an average TV. 

There’s plenty of help available. Digital UK is the independent, not-for-profit organisation set up to manage switchover and make sure everybody knows what to do. Every household in our area will be sent detailed information about their local transmitter being switched over.

There is special help for older and disabled viewers. Those over 75, the severely disabled, the blind or partially sighted and those living in a care home can receive equipment to convert one TV set, help with its installation (including any aerial work) and follow-up support. There is a one-off fee of £40, and the service is free for the poorest eligible households. If you have any questions about switchover, contact Digital UK on 08456 50 50 50 or visit Digital UK.

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. Availability of services such as Freeview, satellite, cable or broadband depend on where you live. Find out  your options by using the postcode checker at Digital Uk
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 watch 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. Our TV region will switch to digital in 2011
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 do 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 their switchover date
10. If you need further advice or information, contact Digital UK, the independent, non-profit body in charge of switchover. You can visit their website or contact the helpline on 0845 6 50 50 50.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 09 August 2011 08:52

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