WORRIED ABOUT THE 2012 DIGITAL SWITCH-OVER FOR THE SOUTHEAST?

Don’t PANIC !!!

There are businesses pushing the idea that you should replace your current TVs. Well .... in many cases you will choose to do that, but you don’t have to!

What happens at “Switchover”?

• More channels will be available to you - e.g. Freeview.
• The strength of signal will be boosted for all digital transmissions.  So, you may see an improvement in reception quality compared with now - less of that annoying ‘blocky’ interference.  That also means you should think twice before paying for a new aerial!

When will “Switch-over” take place?

If you are on the Meridian Transmitter (Bluebell Hill) then:

• switch-over across the South-East begins on 8th February with new channels being added - you may need to retune from time to time or risk losing some channels!  Irritating, but necessary.
• a two-stage final switchover for the Bluebell Hill (and Dover!) transmitter will take place on 13 June 2012 and 27 June 2012.  A full list of transmitter change-overs in the South-East can be found here.

If you are not ready, you will no longer be able to watch TV transmissions.  Of course, you could watch TV programmes using your PC but that is another topic!

So, what are the choices?

1. I can already receive Freeview programmes. Then you are OK. You may find that you will get reminders on-screen that your TV will need retuning from time to time.  This is because, as we get closer to “switchover”, more channels will become active.
2. I like my current (analogue) TV - even though I can currently only receive BBC1 & 2, ITV and Channel 4 (Channel 5 if you are lucky!).
• you will have to buy a ‘digital box’ that plugs in between your TV and your aerial so you can tune in to digital signals. 
• You may not need to replace your current aerial.  First of all try the digital box with your existing aerial - remember, after final “switchover”, the signal strengths will be increased.  Only if your pictures are poor after “switchover” should you consider a new aerial.
3. I want to replace my ‘old’ TV with a slimmer digital one.
• Get more than one quote, compare prices and use a reputable trader.
• Get a written quote for the work you want - perhaps including installation, tuning, and disposal of your old TV.
4. If I have to make changes, are there any other options?
• One-off payment options when you buy all the equipment to receive free transmissions - Freeview, Freesat or Freesat from Sky.
• Subscription services - you need the equipment and pay monthly for additional channels.  Some providers will supply equipment as part of the ‘monthly deal’ (and contract).

Is there any practical help?

• Older and disabled people may qualify for additional help - check if you qualify by visiting the “Help Scheme” web site - you may also find the “Working with Communities in Rural Kent” web site helpful. You may also find that your neighbours have already struggled through the maze and can help you - or, if you are that neighbour, think about anyone who you think might be struggling and can benefit from your advice.  There will be events held in Sittingbourne, Faversham and Whitstable in our area next year to help prepare you.

I have collected a few links together that I found interesting and may help you get started.

So, what is HD or “high definition” TV, and what does it mean?

If you are going to change your TV, you will find many new TVs advertise “HD ready” - the price will be a bit higher but you may think it worthwhile if you are already replacing your current TV.  “HD” means that higher quality of picture can be received and displayed.  The picture will be sharper - warts and all!  But if you are happy with the kind of quality you already have, the additional expense may not be necessary.