The Chelmsford Digital Switchover will take place either later this year (2011) or in the Spring of 2012, depending on which transmitter you currently receive your TV signal from.
If you receive the London signal from the Crystal Palace transmitter and live in Chelmsford, digital switchover will be happening in April 2012. This will take place in two stages, as firstly the BBC2 analogue signal is switched off on 4th April 2012, and secondly the remaining terrestrial channels are turned off in 18th April 2012.
If you currently receive the Anglia signal from the Sudbury transmitter and live in Chelmsford, digital switchover will be happening much earlier in July 2011. Again taking place in two stages, the BBC2 analogue signal will be switched off on 6th July 2011, and then the remaining terrestrial channels will go forever on 20th July 2011.
Chelmsford Digital Switchover Help Scheme
For most elderly people who are old enough to remember life without television, the thought of losing their treasured TV programmes is a worry for everyone concerned. Therefore, the Government has set up a dedicated scheme which is completely free of charge for those who qualify, to help those needing to switch to digital or change their current equipment.
Do I Qualify?
To be eligible for the Digital Switchover Scheme you must meet one or more of the following criteria....
- Aged 75 or over
- Lived in a care home or similar residence for 6 months or more
- Registered blind or partially sighted
- Are receiving, or qualify to receive, Disability Living Allowance/ Mobility Supplement or Attendance Allowance
Please note that if you do qualify for the free scheme, you will be contacted prior to your area's switchover and be sent an information pack. This will contain information about what you need to do, who to contact, and how the scheme works.
What Do I Get?
Should you need help switching, then you will be appointed a registered installer who will take the time to explain your options and how the new system will work. You will be provided with new, easy to use digital equipment which will be installed for you along with an aerial check and replacement if necessary.
Also included in the scheme are a telephone helpline, retuning advice, and a 12 month aftercare service for your new digital TV equipment.
What if I Don't Qualify?
If you do not meet the requirements and are therefore are not eligible for the free scheme, you can still take advantage of this service for only £40.
Alternatively, you can appoint a local installer to check your aerial and help you switch to digital. Always make sure that they are a member of the Registered Installer Scheme (RDI), all of which have been security checked and are specialists in their field. All members are identified by the ‘digital tick' logo.
To find a local installer for your area, call the digital UK helpline on 08456 50 50 50 or visit the RDI website at www.rdi-lb.tv. If there are no members registered in your area, look for those accredited with a CAI+ trade association qualification, or ask at a local electrical shop or retailer who will only be to happy to help.
Chelmsford Digital Switchover Helpline
If you require any help or information on the Digital Switchover in Chelmsford or the surrounding area, you should contact the following....
Digital Information Helpline Telephone Number: 08456 50 50 50
Lines are open...
Monday to Friday: 8.00am - 7.00pm
Saturday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Sunday: Closed
On any switchover dates, these times will be extended to help assist those who are having trouble re-tuning their television or accessing their normal service.
Benefits of the Chelmsford Digital Switchover
Whilst most people in general do not like change, the digital switchover will have a number of benefits for the TV viewer. For a start, the new technology provides a much clearer television picture and will also enable all viewers to access HD (High Definition) stations if they so wish. In addition to this, there will be 69 Freeview channels (plus 4 HD) to choose from instead of the standard four or five which are currently available under the old analogue system. There are also several radio stations to be enjoyed as well, including local and national BBC services, as well as commercial radio, again, both local and national.
Options for Digital Viewers in Chelmsford
There are a number of service providers offering TV packages and services for residents in the Chelmsford area. As at May 2011, these were as follows....
Aerial
Freeview
Freeview HD
Top up TV
BT Vision
Satellite
Freesat
Freesat HD
Sky
Freesat from SKY
Cable
Virgin Media
If you have any questions about the great Chelmsford Digital Switchover, you should call the helpline number above or visit the government's dedicated digital switchover website at digitaluk.co.uk.