Taking the right steps
Posted on 21st May at 12:03 PM
To ensure that you are well informed, ensure you take the following steps whilst preparing for the digital TV switchover.
Conduct a survey to identify the suitability of existing TV installations.
A survey should tell you whether your existing communal TV systems will be able to receive and distribute digital TV signals after switchover.
Types and quantities of buildings and households affected.
This information is needed for calculating the scope of the work, and estimating the likely cost and timescales. For social landlords much of this data should be available already. If not, then the information can be collected during other stock conditions surveys.
Existing self-provision and current rules and conditions for installing aerials and satellite dishes.
In buildings where there is no Integrated Reception System (IRS) providing a central satellite feed, some residents will probably have installed their own satellite dish. Where there is no reliable MATV system, some may have installed their own UHF TV aerial. Ad-hoc aerial and satellite dish installation can affect the appearance and also damage the structure of a building. Property managers shoudl review the contractual restrictions relating to the installation of individual and communal equipment.
Legislation
There is legislation that defines a property managers’ responsibilities through the digital switchover process. Review the summary of related legislation for more information.
Planning or other restrictions.
Such restrictions, for example if the property is in a conservation area, might affect the installation of a new aerial or dish. For a summary on planning regulation for satellite installation.
Requirements under existing lease or tenancy agreements for the provision and maintenance of systems.
Depending on how it is drafted, the lease or tenancy agreement may require the landlord or managing agent to maintain a communal TV system in good working order, which may mean conversion to digital. There may be differences between the agreements of different groups of residents, for example between tenants and leaseholders living in the same block.
Existing cable installation.
Some residents may have had cable TV installed and may not wish to change to use a communal TV system unless it provides access to all the channels and services they want.
Digital TV services available in the area.
Digtial TV services through an aerial (e.g. Freeview) will not be available until digital switchover, so the building should be checked for coverage today. Use the Digital UK postcode checker to find out what current digital TV services are available in the area where you have properties. From Autumn 2007 this checker will also give you your digital TV options after switchover.
Capital and revenue costs.
When deciding on upgrading an old system or installing a new one, tenants and leaseholders may have differing views. An IRS, although more expensive, will provide a wider choice of digital TV options and services. The long term maintenance costs of upgrading the communal TV aerial system should not be overlooked.
The implications of any existing contracts.
It is important to assess the implications of any existing contracts, eg for maintenance, ahead of their intended expiry or termination.
As part of digital switchover we are squeezing more signals into less space than is currently used for television. Doing this across the country is a bit like trying to solve one of those children’s sliding puzzles which has 8 captive pieces and one space, but in three dimensions! Unfortunately, in some areas, having one blank space is not enough and, to complete the puzzle, we need to “cheat” and remove one of the pieces to allow us to move the other pieces around, before putting it back in again. In most parts of the country, switchover will take place in two steps, separated by around 28 days. However, in areas where one blank space isn’t enough and we have to “cheat”, then switchover will take place over more steps – possibly four or even more – separated by anything between one month and four years depending on the area. This may have implications on your contracts. For more detailed information.
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