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Search forChristmas is the time to go digital in Plymouth
Friday, November 21, 2008, 07:38
As Plymouth prepares to go digital, she may need an upgraded TV set.
Caradon Hill transmitter, which covers the city, is being switched off on August 12, 2009 – and when it goes Granny's old TV set may not work.
Plymouth is one of the first parts of the country to go completely digital, though there are concerns many older people are not prepared for the switchover.
The South West's five main transmitters are being turned off between April and September next year.
By 2012, the old analogue signal will be switched off right across the country.
People will need to convert or upgrade their set to receive digital signals, through the aerial, by satellite, cable or broadband.
Brand new completely digital sets are available, but almost all televisions – even black and white ones – can be converted to digital with a set-top digital box.
Nick Higgins, a director of Beacon Electrical in Beacon Park Road, Plymouth, said: "Many people have already converted. We have been selling Freeview boxes for nearly six years."
He advised customers to buy the best box they can.
"The cheaper the box, the cheaper it's made. All the quality you get from digital is lost if you go for a cheap box."
But that won't set you back a fortune.
"The most expensive box we can get our hands on costs £39," Mr Higgins said.
He advised people to wait to see whether they need a new digital aerial.
"Some retailers have been telling people they have to have a new aerial, but that's simply not true.
"People may have aerials that can't receive digital, but we're advising them to suck it and see.
"When you've got the set-top box, try it and see if it works before you go out and buy a new aerial."
So far nearly nine out of ten households in the West Country TV region have already connected their main set to digital TV.
Many people have digital reception through, for example, Sky TV.
However, there are worries that older people show markedly lower levels of conversion to digital and understanding of what they have to do to get ready.
Plymouth Sutton MP Linda Gilroy said: "For some older people and vulnerable individuals, television isn't just a form of entertainment – it also provides daily stimulation and serves as an important contact with the outside world.
"They need to convert to digital otherwise they will no longer receive programming after the analogue signal is switched off.
"It is important they know there is help, advice and assistance available to them."
She said that Digital UK, a not-for-profit company responsible for leading the switchover, seemed to be doing a good job to raise awareness.
"If you don't already have digital TV and don't do anything, you won't be able to watch television after the switchover," Mrs Gilroy said.
With digital TV, everyone will receive around 20 of the most popular Freeview channels as standard, with most receiving around 40.
Those with a subscription service like Sky TV or Virgin Media could receive up to 340 channels.
Radio channels and programme subtitles will also come directly through your TV.
Some equipment also provides audio description for people with sight impairments.
There are three ways to go digital. You can convert your existing TV with a digital set-top box – Freeview, Top Up TV, or BT Vision. The last of these needs a broadband connection.
Satellite, cable or broadband TV services are digital. These include Sky, Freesat, Virgin Media, SmallWorld and Tiscali TV. Or you can get a new set with digital already built in.
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