Digital TV switchover in the South West South West Regional Assembly Futures Group 19 April 2007

Click to edit Master title style 2 Who is Digital UK? Digital UK is the organisation set up by the Public Service Broadcasters and transmission providers to lead the UK’s switch to digital TV

Click to edit Master title style 3 “Our fundamental objective is to ensure that nobody gets left behind during the digital switchover process.” (Tessa Jowell, House of Commons, 18 December 2006)

Click to edit Master title style 4 WHITEHAVEN IS LEADING THE WAY National policy: no one exempt  Digital switchover is a programme of national and international importance and impact  Affects every home, public building and business in UK  Major strategic issues for local authorities across many priority areas  T here will be a cost, and everyone needs to act

Click to edit Master title style 5 Why is switchover happening?  Switchover makes it fairer. 40% of West Country homes cannot get digital TV via their aerial. Many still cannot receive Five  Digital TV is more efficient. It frees up airwaves that could be used for new services such as mobile TV, High Definition TV or a new generation of local TV.  A world leader in broadcasting. Moving to the best available technology will ensure the UK continues as a world leader in broadcasting

Click to edit Master title style 6 West Country: April to September 2009 West: 2010 Central: 2011

Click to edit Master title style 7 What is digital switchover?  The old analogue signal is being replaced with a digital signal  Every TV you want to carry on watching will have to be connected with a digital box, or upgraded to a new TV with a digital box inside  If you want to watch one programme while recording another, you will need a digital TV recorder  You may also need to check your aerial

Click to edit Master title style 8 What you will get as standard: digital TV…and digital radio on your TV Some digital boxes have features to help those with hearing and sight impairments Interactive services/ widescreen/improved sound

Click to edit Master title style 9 Switchover myths I’ll need to get a new TV Digital TV means subscription I won’t be able to get digital TV Isn’t digital the same as High Definition? My mum won’t be able cope Surely my local authority has to look after me? They won’t really switch it off, will they?

Click to edit Master title style 10 Consumer Protection Digital UK has created a nationally recognised training scheme for: Equipment sales staff. All major electrical multiple stores and supermarkets have signed up to the training scheme. Aerial installers

Click to edit Master title style 11 Is extra support available? Targeted Help Scheme –You will be eligible if: You are aged 75 years and over OR You have a significant disability (ie you receive Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance) OR You are registered blind or registered partially- sighted If you are eligible you will be sent more details well before your area switches to digital

Click to edit Master title style 12 Why is Digital Switchover Important to South West Regional Assembly?  It affects everyone you serve  Health and wellbeing of isolated, elderly & disabled people  Community cohesion  Minority Groups  Consumer protection  Social care & housing  Conservation & planning  Protection of environment  Strong local economies  Support for tourism sector

Click to edit Master title style 13 What can you do? Create a strategic switchover policy! Appoint a switchover lead person/group. Let us work with you Help us get the message across to: The hard to reach The business community The tourism sector The disabled Minority communities Help us work with: Charities Voluntary groups Parish councils Community groups And, of course, with you

Click to edit Master title style 14 How can we help? Call Centre: Website: digitaluk.co.uk Bill Taylor: