Your guide to the digital TV switchover. Your guide to the digital TV switchover. STV Central TV region switches from 2010.

Transcription

1 Your guide to the digital TV switchover. STV Central TV region switches from Your guide to the digital TV switchover. STV Central TV region switches from S/CRO _STV_Cent_DD.indd 1 16/7/08 16:20:43

2 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 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. What s more, we re not working alone. Here s who is helping us to make sure the digital TV switchover runs smoothly: Plus Radio channels Interactive services We are also working with the Switchover Help Scheme to give extra support to those who need it most, see page 10. Subtitling Channels are subject to change. Any questions? Please call us on * or visit digitaluk.co.uk from other providers including mobile operators _STV_Cent_DD.indd 2 16/7/08 16:20:59

3 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) SERVING DATE 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 * Craigkelly Lothian, parts of Edinburgh and Fife 2010/2011 Darvel Parts of Central Scotland and Argyll and Bute 2010/2011 Rosneath Rosneath 2010/2011 Black Hill 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. from other providers including mobile operators. This is a predictive coverage database and should be used as a guide only _STV_Cent_DD.indd 3 16/7/08 16:21:03

4 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 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. Up to 48 digital TV channels. Over 200 digital TV channels. Up to 80 digital TV channels.** From a month depending on package. Installation costs from 30. Up to 160 digital TV channels plus 200 free-to-air channels The basic package is free or up to when you take a Virgin phone line ( 11). Installation 30. Up to 140 digital TV channels MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION Free with BT Broadband subscription which costs from 15.99/ month.* Set up charge of 30 may apply. From depending on package. Set up charge costs 30. Up to 48 Freeview channels plus on demand TV, films and sport. Up to 60 channels Up to 40 Freeview channels plus on demand TV, films and sport. Up to 50 channels Top Up TV digital TV recorder from required a month for Top Up TV Anytime. No contract required. s Up to 48 Freeview channels plus TV favourites, sport and films ^ Costs are correct at time of printing, March 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 s Top Up TV is not available on local relay transmitters _STV_Cent_DD.indd 4 16/7/08 16:21:05

5 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 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 * or visit digitaluk.co.uk from other providers including mobile operators _STV_Cent_DD.indd 5 16/7/08 16:21:06

6 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 * or visit digitaluk.co.uk/propertymanagers If you ve got any more questions, visit us online at digitaluk.co.uk or call * to talk to one of our advisors. If you need this information in large print, audio, Braille or another language, please call * If you have a hearing or speech impairment, you can contact our textphone service on 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 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. from other providers including mobile operators. Digital UK, PO Box 26886, City Point, Glasgow, G4 7BN _STV_Cent_DD.indd 6 16/7/08 16:21:07