Your guide to the digital TV switchover. Your guide to the digital TV ...

S/CRO0708
Your guide to the
digital TV switchover.
STV Central TV region switches from 2010.
Your guide to the
digital TV switchover.
STV Central TV region switches from 2010.
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What is the digital
switchover?
The digital switchover is the biggest thing to happen to TV since
the introduction of colour. It is the process of converting the UK’s
television system to digital which will mean that most UK
households will be able to receive digital TV through their
aerial (Freeview).
Who is ?
We’re the not-for-profit company responsible for leading the
UK digital TV switchover. We’re independent, which means that all
the advice and information we provide is absolutely impartial
and unbiased.
What’s more, we’re not working alone. Here’s who is helping us to
make sure the digital TV switchover runs smoothly:
We are also working with the Switchover Help Scheme to
give extra support to those who need it most, see page 10.
What channels and services
will you get?
With Digital TV, you can enjoy the 5 traditional TV channels, plus
lots more. Most households will be able to receive around 40
Freeview channels with all areas getting at least 20 of the most
popular services, such as ITV2, E4 and BBC Three. If you choose
a monthly subscription service like Sky TV or Virgin Media, you
could receive hundreds of channels.
You’ll be able to receive radio channels and programme subtitles
direct through your TV. Some equipment also provides audio
description for people with sight impairments.
Plus
Radio
channels
Any questions? Please call us on 08456 50 50 50* or visit digitaluk.co.uk
Interactive
services
Subtitling
Channels are subject to change.
* Calls provided by BT charged at up to 2p per minute daytime and 0.5p per minute evenings (plus 6p BT connection charge). Rates may vary for calls
from other providers including mobile operators.
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The STV Central TV region –
when will you switch?
In your region, the TV signal is provided by 4 transmitter groups that
will switch over to digital at different times.
TRANSMITTER GROUP
(including relay transmitters)
Craigkelly
Darvel
Rosneath
Black Hill
SERVING DATE
Lothian, parts of Edinburgh and Fife 2010/2011
Parts of Central Scotland and Argyll and Bute 2010/2011
Rosneath 2010/2011
Glasgow, Central Scotland and
parts of Edinburgh
2010/2011
If you live in an area that overlaps with a neighbouring TV
region, you may be getting your service from a different
transmitter that may switch at another time. You can find out
which transmitter is likely to provide your TV signal by visiting
our online postcode checker – see opposite.
Find out which transmitter is likely to provide your TV
signal by visiting our online postcode checker † at
digitaluk.co.uk
or calling us on
08456 50 50 50*
* Calls provided by BT charged at up to 2p per minute daytime and 0.5p per minute evenings (plus 6p BT connection charge). Rates may vary for calls
from other providers including mobile operators. † This is a predictive coverage database and should be used as a guide only.
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What are my
options?
Switching to digital needn’t be expensive.
The price will vary depending on which TV
service you choose. Visit our postcode checker †
at digitaluk.co.uk to find out more about your
digital options.
ONE-Off
PAYMENT
MONTHLY
SUBSCRIPTION
PROVIDER COST^ CHANNELS CONTACT DETAILS
Digital boxes from £25. ‡
Digital TVs from £150. ‡
Self installation.
£150 including mini dish, viewing card,
standard Skybox & installation.
Digital boxes from £50.
Installation (if required)
costs from £80.
From £16 – £45 a month depending on package.
Installation costs from £30.
The basic package is free or up to £20.50
when you take a Virgin phone line (£11).
Installation £30.
Free with BT Broadband subscription which
costs from £15.99/ month.* Set up charge
of £30 may apply.
From £19.99 – £24.99 depending on package.
Set up charge costs £30.
Up to 40 Freeview channels
plus on demand TV, films and sport.
Top Up TV digital TV recorder from £79.99 required.
£9.99 ‡ a month for Top Up TV Anytime.
No contract required. s
Up to 48 digital TV channels.
Over 200 digital TV channels.
Up to 80 digital TV channels.**
Up to 160 digital TV channels plus
200 free-to-air channels.
Up to 140 digital TV channels.
Up to 48 Freeview channels plus
on demand TV, films and sport.
Up to 60 channels.
Up to 50 channels.
Up to 48 Freeview channels plus
TV favourites, sport and films
0870 111 1240
www.freeview.co.uk
08442 410 595
www.freesatfromsky.com
0845 313 0053
www.freesat.co.uk
08442 410 285
www.sky.com
0800 052 2525
www.virginmedia.com
0800 678 1984
www.bt.com/vision
0800 107 9000
www.tiscali.co.uk
08000 70 61 50
www.smallworldmedia.com
08444 158 158
www.topuptv.com
^ Costs are correct at time of printing, March 2008. Cost details are standard pricing, other offers or packages may be available, please contact the service provider for further details. Some of these service providers are unable to offer 100% UK coverage. For full terms and conditions and to check availability in your
area, please contact each supplier directly. *Minimum guaranteed line speed required. ‡Aerial upgrade may be required. † This is a predictive coverage database and should be used as a guide only. **Five will be joining freesat later in 2008. s Top Up TV is not available on local relay transmitters.
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Your questions answered.
Do I need a new TV?
No, you don’t need to get a new TV as almost any TV can be converted with a digital box – even
a black and white one.
Please note: Most digital boxes connect to a TV using a SCART cable. If there isn’t a socket for
the cable on the back of your TV, you will need to ask for a digital box with an ‘RF-modulator’.
What should I look for if I decide to get new equipment?
TV sets, digital boxes and digital TV recorders that carry the ‘digital tick’ logo
are designed to continue working after the switchover. It looks like this:
Make sure you look for the ‘digital tick’.
Will my video or DVD recorder still work?
Yes, your video or DVD recorder will still play back and record, but most won’t be able to record
one channel while you’re watching another. The simplest way to do this is to get a digital TV
recorder such as Sky+, V+ or Freeview+. A digital TV recorder will also convert your TV to digital
if you ask for one with a ‘twin tuner’.
Will I need a new aerial?
Most rooftop and some set-top aerials will continue to work after switchover. To check the
condition of your aerial, visit Teletext 284 where a test shows your aerial strength.
If you need a new aerial look for an installer with the ‘digital tick’. It means they have been trained
and security checked. Only Registered Digital Installers (RDIs) are permitted to use the
‘digital tick’ logo.
If you can’t find one, look for someone with Associate RDI, CAI Plus or IDSC status, or ask your
local electrical retailer.
If you have Sky TV or Virgin Media on all the TVs in your home, you
don’t need an aerial.
How much does a new aerial cost?
Installation of a standard new roof aerial is likely to cost £60 – 180
and an additional socket costs around £45.
How do I know if I already have digital TV?
If you already have digital from Sky TV, Virgin Media, Freeview or
another supplier on all your TV sets, then you are ready for switchover.
However, if you only have digital TV on your main set you’ll need to
think about converting any others.
Do I need a HDTV for switchover?
No, there’s no need to get HD equipment for the digital switchover.
HD TV is a new technology that offers clearer picture and sound quality.
If you do choose to buy HD TV equipment, make sure it carries the
‘digital tick’. Sky TV, Virgin Media and freesat currently all offer an
HD service.
What do I do if I live in a conservation area or listed building?
Special restrictions apply to listed buildings, those in conservation
areas and national parks. Please check with your local planning
department if you are in any doubt about whether the restrictions
may apply to you.
Any questions? Please call us on 08456 50 50 50* or visit digitaluk.co.uk
* Calls provided by BT charged at up to 2p per minute daytime and 0.5p per minute evenings (plus 6p BT connection charge). Rates may vary for calls
from other providers including mobile operators.
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What should I do if I live
in a flat?
If you live in a flat or you use the same aerial as another household,
your TV signal probably comes through a communal aerial system.
Many of these will need upgrading or adapting. Upgrades to communal
aerial systems (such as in a block of flats) may result in an increased
service charge. If you own your flat, you may have to contribute to the
cost of the work with the other residents. The person who manages
your property needs to take action before the switchover, so speak to
your landlord, managing agent or property manager.
for more information, phone 08458 455 455*
or visit digitaluk.co.uk/propertymanagers
If you’ve got any more questions,
visit us online at digitaluk.co.uk
or call 08456 50 50 50* to talk to one
of our advisors.
If you need this information in large print, audio, Braille or
another language, please call 08456 50 50 50.*
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, you can contact
our textphone service on 0845 234 0380
The Switchover Help Scheme.
There’s a Help Scheme for those who need the most assistance to
switch to digital. You’ll be eligible for help to convert one TV set if:
• you are aged 75 or over, or
• you get (or could get):
– disability living allowance
– attendance or constant attendance allowance
– mobility supplement
• or you’re blind or partially sighted.
It costs £40, but if you’re eligible and on certain income-related
benefits, it’s free.
If you’re eligible the Switchover Help Scheme will be in touch in
plenty of time to ask if you want help.
Call us on 0800 408 5900
or visit helpscheme.co.uk
Please note, during preparations for switchover there may be more interruptions to your television service due to engineering works than is usual.
While digital switchover relates to TV, and not to radio, the preparations for switchover may also result in interruptions to radio services.
* Calls provided by BT charged at up to 2p per minute daytime and 0.5p per minute evenings (plus 6p BT connection charge). Rates may vary for calls
from other providers including mobile operators.
Digital UK, PO Box 26886, City Point, Glasgow, G4 7BN.
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