Digital Switchover in West Yorkshire

The biggest change to hit our TV screens since the introduction of colour comes to Yorkshire this year when the region goes digital.The Emley Moor transmitter, where most viewers in the Leeds area receive their TV signal, switches from September 7 with the process completing on September 21. It means that the old analogue signal will be switched off for good, replaced with a digital signal, and everyone will need to ensure that all their sets are ready for the change. 

Check Point, the vetted tradesperson scheme run by CASAC has approved aerial installers around West Yorkshire. You can arrange for someone to check your TV equipment by calling 0845 838 8851 or visiting http://www.casac.org.uk/casac-check-point

There’s plenty of support for people who need help and Digital UK, the not-for-profit organisation leading the switchover, is working with housing organisations and others to help people understand the changes and offer impartial advice. Here are some handy hints to help prepare for the switch.

• Check your switchover dates. Although most people will be watching from Emley Moor, some residents may receive their signal from a different transmitter and might switch on a different date

• You do not need to buy a new television for the switch-over. Every TV will convert to digital, even very old, black and white sets or ones without a SCART connection.

• However you may need to get a digital box if you have an analogue TV (one that has five channels or fewer) and do not have either a freeview system or satellite package.

• If you do not adjust your equipment, you will lose your existing channels when the switchover takes place. And people watching on Freeview will need to retune their sets on both switchover dates (Sept 7 and Sept 21). This does not apply to people watching on satellite or cable.

• Most existing aerials should be fine. Fewer than 10 per cent of households will need a new aerial. There is no such thing as a ‘digital’ aerial.

• Video and analogue DVD players will stay play back and record, but they won’t be able to record one channel while you watch another. For this you will need a digital TV recorder.

• Check what digital services are available in your area. There are a number of ways to get digital television:

1. Through a satellite dish (Sky or freesat from Sky or Freesat from BBC/ITV)
2. Through an aerial (Freeview or Top Up TV)
3. Through a cable (Virgin Media)
4. Through a telephone line (Talk Talk TV)
5. Through an aerial and phone line (BT Vision)

Further help and advice can be found on the Digital UK website www.digitaluk.co.uk or call the advice line on 08456 50 50 50 for more help with retuning and other switchover issues.

If you are over 75, have a disability, are registered blind or partially-sighted, or have lived in a care home for six months or more, you can get practical help from the Switchover Help Scheme to convert one television to digital.

If you are eligible for the Help Scheme you should have received an information pack and application form but if you would like more information, go to helpscheme.co.uk or call 0800 40 85 900