Digital Switchover

Constituents are beginning to ask me questions about the Government's plans for switchover to digital television.

Although the UK switchover will begin next year, services in Harrogate and Knaresborough will not be included in the early stages.   The switchover is being phased in by TV region so the date for switchover depends on the television service you receive.   For those who currently receive Yorkshire TV switchover will take place in 2011 and those with Tyne Tees will follow in 2012.

Older TV sets, without a built-in digital tuner, will need to be connected to a set top box to receive the new signal.   Almost all televisions can be converted to receive digital TV, even black and white ones and sets without scart sockets.   Set top boxes are widely available from about £20.   The government has commissioned an independent consumer research organisation, Ricability, to produce independent test reports on digital TV products such as set top boxes and aerials.   These reports are available on the internet at http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/.   Ricability can also be contacted by telephone on 020 7427 2460.

Although about a quarter of households cannot currently receive reliable digital signals, when switchover takes place the signal will be boosted so that everyone who currently receives an analogue signal should be able to receive a good digital service.   Some households may need to repair or replace an aerial.  

The Government has set up a Help Scheme, managed by the BBC, to provide practical help for those people expected to have the most difficulty.   The scheme will be offered to households in which one person is 75 or has a significant disability, or is registered blind or partially sighted, and will be available from 7 months before switchover.

There is as yet no date for a switchover to digital radio.

As the switchover approaches information about the changes will be widely publicised, but please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries.