Very soon the way we receive our television pictures in Wales will change forever. So in order to keep watching your favourite programmes on television you must all remember to switch to digital.
When does it happen in Wales?
July – September 2009: West Wales
October – December 2009: North Wales
January – March 2010: Mid and South East Wales
The process in Wales will be complete by March 2010. Cardiff will be the first capital city in the UK to be digital. Switchover in the rest of the UK will be completed by 2012.
Here are a few tips:
Check if you already have digital
If you have more than five channels or watch Freeview, satellite or cable then you are already enjoying the benefits of digital TV. But, even if you have digital on one TV, you still need to consider converting others around the home to be ready for switchover.
You don't need to buy a new television. You just need to make sure any TV you are using is connected to a digital box, satellite system or cable. Almost all televisions can be linked up to a digital box – even very old sets. Don’t worry if you don’t have a scart socket on the back of your TV, you can easily buy digital boxes which have the older style of connection. If you do decide that it’s time to invest in a new TV, always look for the digital tick which identifies equipment which works now and will continue to work after switchover.
Find out what services are available
Visit the Digital UK website (www.digitaluk.co.uk) and enter your postcode in the ‘post code checker’ to find out what digital TV services are available now in your area. The ‘one-stop-shop’ service from Digital UK has been designed to provide viewers in Wales with detailed information about when they will switch and what digital services and channels they are likely to receive – right down to an individual street.
Speak to your local retailer for advice
Staff in stores around the country are trained to offer accurate advice on switchover. Many will display the ‘Ask Digital’ logo on their badge. They can help you choose the kit you need, but remember, you don’t need to throw out your TV as it can be adapted with a digital box.
Find out if you’ll need a new aerial
If Freeview is already available in your area but you can’t get reception, than you may need to upgrade or replace your aerial. If so, you should contact a Registered Digital Installer (RDI) or an aerial installer who belongs to a recognised trade body. Even if you don’t yet have Freeview, the same people can also advise you whether or not you may need a new aerial after switchover. Don’t pay more than £120-£200 for a new aerial.
Look for the logo
To help you choose the right equipment in store, look for the 'digital tick' logo. It is displayed in stores and shows the products and services that will keep working after switchover.
Check if you qualify for help
The Digital Switchover Help Scheme is available for those who are aged 75, severely disabled, blind or partially sighted, and will provide help to convert one TV set. There will be a charge of £40 for the help unless someone in the household receives pension credit or job seekers allowance, in which case the service will be free.
Don’t forget the recorder
Analogue video recorders and DVD recorders will still be able to play tapes and discs, and record the channel you’re watching. If you want to watch a different channel to the one you are recording you will need either a digital DVD recorder, a recorder with a hard disc, or a Sky Plus box. This gives you extra features too, such as the ability to pause live TV.
Remember to convert all your TV sets
If you want to watch TV on all the sets in your home after switchover you will need to convert them all to digital. Your local retailer can help you find the best way to do it.
Go green
If you are replacing any TV sets, look for an integrated digital television (IDTV) with the ‘Energy Saving Recommended’ logo (a blue triangle). This shows the product is energy efficient and uses less energy than the average TV.
Get started with digital
Once you’ve installed your kit, you’ve made the switch to digital and can start enjoying the extra channels and services on offer.
If you have any questions or need any more advice please contact digital UK. You can visit www.digitaluk.co.uk or call the helpline on 0845 6 50 50 50.
Information courtesy of digitalUK.
RSS
Feeds
