Digital Television Switchover Help Scheme

Date announced for TV switchover in Central

Digital UK has announced the dates of digital switchover for the four remaining transmitter groups in the Central TV region (see Timetable below for date information).

Help Scheme information packs sent to eligible older and disabled people

From spring 2011 Switchover Help Scheme information packs are being sent to people in the area who are over 75, disabled or visually-impaired as they prepare for the biggest change to TV for a generation. The booklets contain information on how viewers can get extra help and support to convert one of their TVs to digital in time for switchover. This includes how to apply, all the available options including equipment, installation if needed, aftercare and prices. 

Help is at hand with the digital TV switchover.

TV is going digital all over the UK and soon the traditional TV signal will be switched off in your area. If you don't have digital TV by the time of switchover, you will lose your TV service. But you don't need to worry, the Help Scheme is there to help.

What does the Help Scheme do?

It helps eligible people convert one of their TV sets to digital. If you're eligible, digital TV will be explained to you clearly and simply. You will be told about all the options available to you. All you need will be installed in your home and assistance will be provided to ensure you are happy with how it all works.

How do I know if I have digital TV?

If you get more than five channels on one of your TVs, you probably already have digital TV. If not, you may need help.

Am I eligible?

Those eligible include:

• Anyone aged 75 or over, or
• Has lived in care home for six months or more, or
• Gets (or could get)
  • Disability living allowance, or
  • Attendance or constant attendance allowance, or
  • Mobility supplement, or
• Is registered blind or partially sighted.

Will I have to pay?

You'll be asked to pay £40 for the standard offer, which includes:

• Easy-to-use equipment that meets your needs.
• Help with installing the equipment, if you wish.
• An aerial check and replacement if needed, where we can.
• A demonstration and someone who can call for help while you're getting used to things.

The service is free if you get pension credit, income support, employment support allowance or income-based jobseeker's allowance. There are other options available at an extra cost, which we can explain to you.

You must have a valid TV licence (free if your are over 75) to get help.

What do I do now?

If you're eligible, you will be written to in plenty of time by the Switchover Help Scheme, to ask if you want help.

Know someone else who needs a helping hand?

You may have friends or family or someone in your local community who will need help with the switchover. If so, please pass this information on to them.

Contact information

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL FREE ON 0800 40 85 900 OR VISIT www.helpscheme.co.uk. Lines are open 8am to 9pm, 7 days a week. If you are using a mobile phone, call rates may vary.

The Switchover Help Scheme is run by the BBC, under an agreement with the Government and is managed on behalf of Digital Switchover Help Scheme Limited, by eaga plc, eaga House, Archbold Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1DB.

Central TV Region Switchover Dates

Transmitter	Serving	Starts
Nottingham	the Nottingham area	30 Mar 2011
Lark Stoke	Stratford upon Avon area	06 April 2011
Bromsgrove	the Bromsgrove area	06 April 2011
Ridge Hill	Herefordshire, south Shropshire and parts of Gloucestershire	06 April 2011
The Wrekin	north Shropshire and south Cheshire	06 April 2011
Waltham	serving much of east Midlands	07 August 2011
Fenton	Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme	07 Sept 2011
Sutton Coldfield	much of West Midlands	07 Sept 2011
Oxford	Oxfordshire, parts of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire	14 Sept 2011