There are a number of different digital TV service providers. Availability will vary depending on where you live.
Where digital TV services are provided using Freeview you will need to re-tune your TVs and boxes at each of the two stages of switchover and if you find you have lost any TV channels. In addition, you should re-tune on a regular basis to make sure you pick up any new channels and services that become available. If you have satellite or cable on all your TV sets, you won’t need to re-tune your equipment.
For many hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses and holiday lets, changes may have to be made to the system delivering the TV signal, and to the equipment in rooms. There are a number of options available and several factors to consider, including cost and budget, your guests’ expectations and the implication of the switchover dates for your area in relation to the holiday season, if you are not ready.
Ordinary domestic televisions, are used in many hotels, however, there are televisions with features particularly suited to hotels including:
Some televisions with alarms clocks extract the time from teletext signals which are only available on analogue transmissions. At present most digital receivers do not generate any form of teletext time signal for setting the clock.
When considering how to upgrade the aerial system and televisions, don't overlook the needs of guests and residents with sensory disabilities. We recommend that positive steps should be taken to ensure that subtitling and audio description can be accessed by guests. If your chosen system does not allow access to these services, consider ensuring they are provided in at least some identifiable rooms. For further information visit the RNID website.
Many hotels offer pay TV to guests. These systems are normally supplied and maintained by a service provider who should be able to make all the necessary changes to ensure a smooth transition through switchover. Many will already provide access to digital TV. Contact your system supplier to check that you are ready.
Caravan park owners will need to ensure that TV aerial systems are able to support a digital TV signal after switchover and that TVs in communal areas such as social rooms, bars and restaurants are converted.
The pitch licence agreement or lease should provide guidance about roles, rights and responsibilities of both the caravan park owner and or managers and the caravan owner and or resident about the provision of TVs and TV aerials. It is also likely to provide information as to what caravan owners and residents can put on their vans in terms of aerials and satellite dishes.
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Opening hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm, Sat 10am - 4pm. Extended opening hours on switchover dates.
