Switchover News June 2008
Posted on 10th June at 08:50 AM, Posted by: Digital UK
- GET SET FOR THE DIGITAL TV SWITCHOVER ROADSHOW
Thousands of viewers can find out more about the UK’s switch to digital television as the Digital UK Switchover Roadshow hits town this summer. Digit Al, the switchover robot, and the roadshow team will travel almost 1,000 miles through Scottish Borders, Cumbria, Dumfries & Galloway and the Isle of Man over six weeks, offering practical advice on how to get set for digital. Visitors can also find out more about the Switchover Help Scheme. The roadshow will then continue on through the West Country and Wales later this year.
- HELP SCHEME AWARENESS CAMPAIGN STARTS IN BORDER REGION
A major communications campaign to raise awareness among those eligible for the Switchover Help Scheme has started in Scottish Borders. Adverts highlighting the help available for those aged 75 or over, registered blind or partially sighted, or on certain disability benefits will appear on buses, bus stops, around supermarkets and in the press, urging eligible viewers to contact the Help Scheme information line.
The campaign, developed by Digital UK, will see a first outing for the new Help Scheme branding, incorporating Digit Al and a distinctive purple logo. Radio ads will also run in the Selkirk transmitter group area, and those still watching analogue TVs will see on-screen captions.
- BARONESS BACKS ONLINE GUIDE AND CHECKLIST FOR COUNCILS
Digital UK has launched an online guide and checklist for councils to help them prepare for digital TV switchover. Backed by Baroness Andrews, Communities and Local Government minister, the site explains the issues local authorities need to consider in the countdown to digital switchover: the implications for services such as schools, housing and social care; the need to protect consumers from mis-selling and the risk of rogue traders; and the implications for energy efficiency, waste disposal and planning. The guide and checklist can be found at http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/localgov
- ITV GOES HIGH DEFINITION AS DEMAND FOR FREESAT GROWS
ITV has launched its first HD channel exclusively on freesat, kicking off with Euro 2008 coverage of Portugal vs Turkey on June 7. Viewers of the free-to-air satellite service from the BBC and ITV were able to watch the high-definition broadcast by hitting the red button on their remote control. Coverage of other Euro 2008 matches is also expected to be available in high definition.
Freesat HD digital boxes are now available from Humax, Goodmans, Grundig and Bush, though the new digital TV provider issued a warning of shortages due to high demand.
- LANDLORDS GET GUIDE TO HELP WITH TV PLANS FOR RESIDENTS
A good practice guide to help property managers consult with residents on the costs and benefits of preparing for digital switchover has been published by Digital UK. Calling all landlords provides practical advice together with a checklist to help housing organisations and private landlords discuss the implications of digital television, including the need for possible upgrades to communal aerial systems and any resulting service charges.
- 90% OF UK ADULTS NOW AWARE OF SWITCH TO DIGITAL
National awareness of digital switchover among adults now stands at 90%, according to figures published this month. Results from the Digital UK/Ofcom Tracker survey for January–March 2008 also found that nine out of ten viewers have converted their main set to digital, while more than half (57%) of those surveyed had converted every television in their home. The survey also revealed that 96% of respondents found digital TV to be as good as or better than analogue services.
- WELSH HOUSING SECTOR GETS ITS HOMES SET FOR DIGITAL
Digital UK has presented the first ‘Homes Set for Digital’ accreditations in Wales, following a ceremony held at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay. Anglesey County Council and Clwyd Alyn Housing Association both received the awards from the scheme, which recognise housing organisations able to provide digital television and information about switchover to residents in good time before analogue services are switched off in their region.
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