Many people see TV as the ‘the friend in the corner’. Digital TV will bring more channels and greater access to services such as subtitling and audio description. In the same way that subtitles provide a text version of the soundtrack for people who can see the screen but cannot hear the sound, audio description is a free TV service for people with sight problems. Like a narrator telling a story, audio description is an additional commentary that describes body language, expressions and movements – giving people sight through sound.

Those eligible for the Switchover Help Scheme will find these functions are standard in the basic set-top box offer

We would welcome your help in reaching people who will find switching over more difficult.

Those eligible for assistance from the Switchover Help Scheme may still need assistance to understand general switchover information and guidance on how to sign up to the scheme. For information on eligibility see the section on the Switchover Help Scheme.  

Some people who are not eligible for the scheme may still experienve difficulties with switchover. Digital Outreach Ltd, our community outreach partner, is working in the first four switchover regions with voluntary and community sector partners to ensure that people get the support they need. For more information, see the section on Digital Outreach Ltd.

You’ll also need to consider the cost and practical implications of the conversion of televisions and communal TV systems in residential homes, day centres and other properties. There is a specific section on care homes in Digital UK’s Property managers’ guide.

Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council ran a trial of digital TV in partnership with the Department of Media, Culture and Sport and the BBC in summer 2005. This focused on how elderly and disabled people would find the switchover to digital TV and what support would need to be made available. The trial found that elderly and disabled people liked digital TV and that it offered a genuine ‘quality of life’ benefit to them. It also found that local authorities had a key role to play in helping elderly and disabled people make the switch to digital, by disseminating information, offering re-assurance and calling in outside help if eligible people needed more support. John Rutherford, Director of Adult Services, says: ‘Consider the possible needs of your local older adults and share information at an early stage. Try and use people who have regular contact with older adults, as this ensures messages are more likely to be heard and understood.’