Customer Services
Digital TV
What is the digital TV switchover?
TV across the UK is going digital, the existing analogue TV signal will be switched off and replaced with a new, stronger digital TV signal. This will improve the quality of reception you get and also means you can receive more television and radio channels.
When do I switch?
The Yorkshire TV region switches over in September 2011. Most Yorkshire Housing homes are within the Yorkshire TV region, however, some homes in the Granada area have already switched and some homes in the Tyne Tees area will not switch until 2012.
To find out exactly when you switch, visit the postcode checker at www.digitaluk.co.uk
How will I be affected?
How the digital TV switchover affects you will depend on what equipment you currently have.
If you currently have analogue TV (five channels or fewer), you will need to convert your TV with a digital box or you will no longer be able to receive channels after switchover. Your options are:
One Off Payment
Freeview
Set Top Boxes from £25
Digital TVs from £150
Up to 48 Channels
Freesat
Set Top Boxes from £50
Installation (if required) costs from £80
Up to 80 Channels
Freesat from Sky
Packages from £150 including:
- Minidish (if Required)
- Viewing card
- Standard Sky box
- installation
Over 200 Channels
Monthly Subscription
Sky
From £16-£45 a month depending on package
Installation costs from £30
Over 160 digital channels + over 200 free to air channels
Vigin Media
The basic package is free or up to £20.50 when you take a Virgin phone line (£11 per month)
Installation costs £30
Up to 140 digital TV channels + access to on demand TV, films and music videos
BT Vision
Free with BT Broadband subscription which costs from £15.99
Set up charge from £30 may apply
Up to 48 channels + on demand TV, films and sport
Top Up TV
£9.99 a month for Top Up TV anytime
No contract required
Top Up TV recorder from £79.99 required
Up to 48 freeview channels + TV favourites, sport and films
The costs listed above are for guidance only, for full terms and conditions and to check availability in your area, please contact each supplier directly.
If you do decide to get a new television, aerial or digital box (set top box) make sure it has the 'digital tick' logo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I already have digital TV?
If you already have digital TV then you don't need to do anything. You can tell if you have digital TV if you have more than the five standard TV channels. (BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.)
Will I need a new aerial?
Most existing rooftop aerials are able to receive digital TV services. If you have good reception now, you are unlikely to need to replace your existing rooftop aerial.
To check the condition of your aerial, visit Teletext p284, where a test shows your aerial strength. If you think you need to repair or replace your aerial, look for an installer with the 'digital tick'.
If you live in a flat or sheltered accommodation your TV signal will come through a communal aerial system. Yorkshire Housing has already checked your communal aerial to make sure you will be able to receive digital TV and upgraded those aerial systems where necessary.
I still don't understand. What can I do?
You can get impartial advice from Digital UK. They are a non-profit company who are leading the digital TV switchover. You can call them on 08456 50 50 50 or visit www.digitaluk.co.uk
For further help...
The Switchover Help Scheme is run by the BBC. This scheme can help people convert their TV to digital if you:
- Are aged 75 or over,
- Have lived in a care home for six months or more, or
- Get (or could get) certain disability benefits, or
- Are registered blind or partially sighted
You will be asked to pay £40 for the standard offer. However, the service is free if you are in receipt of pension credit, income support or income-based jobseeker's allowance.
For more information about the help scheme, call 0800 40 85 900 or visit www.helpscheme.co.uk