Help the elderly get set for digital
Digital TV switchover is the biggest change in television since the introduction of colour. In October 2012 analogue television will be switched off across Northern Ireland. and if you don’t have digital TV by the time of switchover, you will lose your TV channels. Read on to see how you can look out for the elderly in your street or congregation who may be caught out by the switch.
The facts
If you are still watching analogue TV (five channels or fewer) on any of your sets, you need to convert them to digital. Virtually any existing TV can be converted using a Freeview box, a digital satellite service or digital cable.
Almost everyone will be able to watch Freeview after switchover – even homes currently out of coverage. You can check the options for going digital in your area, and what channels will be available through an aerial, using the postcode checker at digitaluk.co.uk.
But help is at hand for older and disabled viewers who may find making the switch difficult. The BBC–run Switchover Help Scheme can provide everything you need to switch one TV set to digital.
Most people will be asked to pay £40 towards the help, which includes:
Easy–to–use equipment to covert one set
An approved installer to supply and install the necessary equipment, and
A 12 month aftercare service including a free helpline
The service is free for people who are eligible and also on certain income related benefits.
For the same price of £40 or free, people in Northern Ireland can also choose a Freeview HD box which can receive TG4, RTE One and RTE Two, subject to coverage in their area. That option also includes installation and aftercare. Other options and equipment are also available, some at an extra cost, and these are outlined in the information pack.
If you’re 75 and over or eligible disabled, the Help Scheme will write to you directly and in plenty of time to ask if you want help.
If you have any questions about switchover, you can call the Digital UK advice line on 08456 50 50 50 or visit
www.digitaluk.co.uk
For further information on the Switchover Help Scheme visit
www.helpscheme.co.uk
or call free on 0800 40 87 654. Textphone users can call 0800 40 85 936.