Digital TV is coming to London so get ready for the Switchover!

(but don’t worry, there is plenty of support).

Stage 1: 4th April 2012 Stage 2: 18th April 2012

  • The existing analogue TV signal is being switched off and replaced with a new, stronger digital TV signal.
  • If you are currently watching analogue TV through an aerial, and can only watch BBC 1, BBC 2, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 you will need to covert your TV before the switchover dates.
  • Stage 1 is happening on the 4th April 2012 and BBC 2 will cease broadcasting in analogue.
  • Stage 2 is happening on the 18th April 2012 (two weeks after stage 1), where the remaining analogue channels will be permanently switched off.
  • You can convert almost any TV to digital, even old black and white TVs.
  • You will need equipment to convert the signal from your aerial to digital. This could be as simple as getting a Freeview Box which you will need to plug into your TV.
  • If you are already watching TV through your aerial with a Freeview box or Built-In Freeview within your TV, you do not need to convert your TV but you may need to re-tune at each stage of the switchover and re-scan your digital receiver for channels (e.g. Freeview, Top UP TV or BT Vision services).
  • If you watch TV using a cable or satellite service, such as Virgin or Sky, then switchover will not affect you (unless you have additional TV sets that use an aerial which you will need to convert).
  • Don’t forget, switchover will not affect the use of VCR or DVD players and games consoles that are connected to a TV and it will not affect Radio as well.

Who is eligible for the Help Scheme?

Help Scheme contact 0800 40 85 90 or visit www.helpscheme.co.uk for details.

  • People are eligible if:
  • They are aged 75 and over, or
  • They have lived in a care home for 6 months or more, or
  • They get (or could get) Disability Living Allowance, or Attendance or Constant Attendance Allowance, or Mobility Supplement, or
  • They are registered Blind or Partially Sighted

What is on offer?

Eligible people are asked to pay £40 towards:

  • Easy-to-use equipment
  • Installation by a security checked installer (or delivery only your prefer)
  • A check on their TV aerial and replacement if necessary, where we can
  • A 12 month aftercare service, including a free helpline

However, this service is FREE for eligible people who also get:

  • Pension Credit
  • Income Support
  • Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance or
  • Income relate Employment and Support Allowance

Anyone can Contact Digital UK on 0845 650 50 50 or visit www.digitaluk.co.uk for help.

For general information for digital switchover in your local west London area visit www.westlondonnetwork.org.uk.

Contact Antony Bewick-Smith on 020 8280 2232 email antony@ealingCVS.org.uk.

Or Fuad Uddin on 020 8280 2287 email fuad@westlondonnetwork.org.uk.

 

FacebookDiggTwitterGoogle BookmarksShare

Comments are closed.