Digital UK - Property manager's guide

Switchover News May 2008

Thu, 08 May 2008 14:00:00 GMT

FREESAT BRINGS FREE-TO-AIR DIGITAL SATELLITE TV FOR ALL Freesat, the subscription-free digital satellite television service from the BBC and ITV, launched on May 6. Initially offering over 80 TV and radio channels, including high-definition programming, the service is expected to provide more than 200 channels by the end of the year. BBC HD will available from day one, while ITV HD will follow later this year. Freesat receivers start from £49, with high-definition models available from around £120. Installation (including a satellite dish) costs from around £80. More on Freesat REPORT REVEALS LESSONS FOR UK SWITCHOVER Digital UK has published a report on the UK�??s first digital television switchover, highlighting lessons to be applied across the rest of the country as analogue signals are turned off over the next four years. Based on research into the experiences of 25,000 households in Copeland, Cumbria, including the town of Whitehaven, it found that the majority of viewers were well prepared, most found the process straightforward and approximately 10% of households took up the Switchover Help Scheme. For the full report. CAPTIONS SIGNAL END OF ANALOGUE TV IN SELKIRK Captions reminding viewers to get ready for digital switchover will appear on televisions in the Scottish Borders for the first time from May 6, 2008. Homes served by the Selkirk transmitter group still watching analogue services in the Border TV region will see the on-screen messages six months before these signals are switched off and replaced with Freeview channels. The captions, lasting one minute, will appear on BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1, Channel 4 and Five during programmes over a two-week period. CAMPAIGN MAKES SWITCHOVER SIMPLE FOR SHOPPERS Digital UK is supporting a new consumer campaign designed to help shoppers identify digital TV equipment that’s easy to set up and tune in. The Easy to Install recommended mark will be awarded to products that achieve the highest scores against criteria measured by independent testing body Ricability. The scheme follows research that found many people are not confident setting up new kit. Digital UK will also promote a new �??Digital Scoreboard�??, an extension of the familiar �??digital tick�?? logo. This voluntary scheme, which manufacturers will use to label digital TV equipment packaging and TV screens, identifies key features in a product, including power consumption in standby mode. More from Digital UK SPECIALIST SWITCHOVER TEAM TO SUPPORT RETAILERS Television retailers are to be supported through digital switchover by a team of specialist staff trained by Digital UK. The Retail Support Team, set up in partnership with field marketing agency Gekko, will assist stores in the lead switchover regions of Border, West Country and Wales. They will visit TV retailers in each region, starting one year before switchover.

Calling all Landlords

Thu, 08 May 2008 12:57:00 GMT

A good practice guide for all landlords and property managers about resident consultation for digital TV.

Copeland Report

Thu, 08 May 2008 08:18:00 GMT

Report reveals lessons for UK switchover

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:38:00 GMT

A report on the UK�??s first digital television switchover is published today, highlighting lessons to be applied across the rest of the country as analogue signals are turned off over the next four years. The report from Digital UK, the independent body established to co-ordinate switchover, is based on research into the experiences of 25,000 households in Copeland, Cumbria, including the town of Whitehaven. In a two-stage switchover during October and November 2007, four analogue television channels were replaced with approximately 20 Freeview channels. The timing of Copeland�??s switchover was brought forward to test plans for the nationwide programme to upgrade the UK�??s terrestrial television network to digital. The next switchover will be for viewers served by the Selkirk transmitter group in the Border TV region, which will go fully digital from November 6 this year. It will be followed by 14 switchovers affecting 4.6 million households during 2009, with the rest of the UK switching to digital TV by the end of 2012. The report includes the following findings: Viewers were well prepared. Everyone was aware of the switch, and 95% understood what to do in order to be ready. Virtually all households had converted their television by the completion of switchover on November 14. Most found it straightforward. 81% had no problems with their digital television equipment and 50% found installing equipment easier than they thought. Some needed extra help. Approximately 10% of households took up the Switchover Help Scheme. Digital UK estimates 5% rang its help line or visited one of its locally run help centres. A further 5% of households sought help or advice from retail outlets. Some aerials needed replacing. Digital UK estimates that up to 5% of homes needed a new roof-top aerial and that up to 30% of set-top aerials needed changing. The report also highlights areas that will be reviewed by Digital UK for future switchovers. The two-stage switchover and �??transition period�??. Analogue BBC Two was turned off first on October 17 and remaining analogue channels removed on November 14, following a four-week transition period. There were mixed views on the merits of the two-stage process and transition period during which viewers had to toggle between analogue and digital to access all the channels available. Digital UK is reviewing the role and duration of transition periods. Explanation of the channel line-up. Some viewers were disappointed that the Copeland area received around 20 Freeview channels after switchover. Most UK households will receive closer to 40 channels*. Digital UK will ensure its future communications materials make clear the variation in channel line-up. It is also discussing with Freeview and manufacturers further steps to ensure consumers are aware of variations in the digital terrestrial channel line-up. Consultation between landlords and tenants. One housing association applied a service charge increase of £24 per annum for a new communal television system. Some residents felt they had not been sufficiently consulted. Digital UK is developing a model for consultation for use by landlords. Explaining the value of the Help Scheme. Those eligible for the Switchover Help Scheme are required to pay £40 towards the cost of the equipment and assistance provided, unless the recipient is on income-related benefits in which case it is free. There was some initial misunderstanding of who had to pay and of the value of this help. The Help Scheme and Digital UK will ensure the terms of the scheme and what it provides are made as clear as possible in future communications. David Scott, Chief Executive of Digital UK, said: �??This first switchover showed that the approach to informing and supporting the public through switchover was effective. People knew what was happening and where to turn for help when they needed it. I�??m enormously grateful to everyone in the local community who helped ensure the switch went smoothly. �??We�??ll now take on board what we�??ve learned and refine our approach as the switchover programme gathers pace across the country over the next few years. This is a momentous change for UK broadcasting, but one we will make as simple and straightforward as possible for viewers.�?? A copy of the report can be downloaded *After switchover, most UK households (approx 90%) will be able to receive their television signal from a main transmitter, which will broadcast more than 40 digital channels. These will include Freeview channels plus optional subscription services such as Top Up TV and Setanta Sport. One-in-ten households get their television signal from local relay transmitters, which will broadcast approximately 20 of the most watched free to air digital channels and text services. These will include the public service channels BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1, C4 (plus S4C in Wales) and Five plus associated digital channels such as ITV2, E4 and BBC Three. Research for the report was carried out for Digital UK by GfK/NOP and Blinc .

Switchover News June 2008

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:50:00 GMT

GET SET FOR THE DIGITAL TV SWITCHOVER ROADSHOW Thousands of viewers can find out more about the UK�??s switch to digital television as the Digital UK Switchover Roadshow hits town this summer. Digit Al, the switchover robot, and the roadshow team will travel almost 1,000 miles through Scottish Borders, Cumbria, Dumfries & Galloway and the Isle of Man over six weeks, offering practical advice on how to get set for digital. Visitors can also find out more about the Switchover Help Scheme. The roadshow will then continue on through the West Country and Wales later this year. HELP SCHEME AWARENESS CAMPAIGN STARTS IN BORDER REGION A major communications campaign to raise awareness among those eligible for the Switchover Help Scheme has started in Scottish Borders. Adverts highlighting the help available for those aged 75 or over, registered blind or partially sighted, or on certain disability benefits will appear on buses, bus stops, around supermarkets and in the press, urging eligible viewers to contact the Help Scheme information line. The campaign, developed by Digital UK, will see a first outing for the new Help Scheme branding, incorporating Digit Al and a distinctive purple logo. Radio ads will also run in the Selkirk transmitter group area, and those still watching analogue TVs will see on-screen captions. BARONESS BACKS ONLINE GUIDE AND CHECKLIST FOR COUNCILS Digital UK has launched an online guide and checklist for councils to help them prepare for digital TV switchover. Backed by Baroness Andrews, Communities and Local Government minister, the site explains the issues local authorities need to consider in the countdown to digital switchover: the implications for services such as schools, housing and social care; the need to protect consumers from mis-selling and the risk of rogue traders; and the implications for energy efficiency, waste disposal and planning. The guide and checklist can be found at http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/localgov ITV GOES HIGH DEFINITION AS DEMAND FOR FREESAT GROWS ITV has launched its first HD channel exclusively on freesat, kicking off with Euro 2008 coverage of Portugal vs Turkey on June 7. Viewers of the free-to-air satellite service from the BBC and ITV were able to watch the high-definition broadcast by hitting the red button on their remote control. Coverage of other Euro 2008 matches is also expected to be available in high definition. Freesat HD digital boxes are now available from Humax, Goodmans, Grundig and Bush, though the new digital TV provider issued a warning of shortages due to high demand. LANDLORDS GET GUIDE TO HELP WITH TV PLANS FOR RESIDENTS A good practice guide to help property managers consult with residents on the costs and benefits of preparing for digital switchover has been published by Digital UK. Calling all landlords provides practical advice together with a checklist to help housing organisations and private landlords discuss the implications of digital television, including the need for possible upgrades to communal aerial systems and any resulting service charges. 90% OF UK ADULTS NOW AWARE OF SWITCH TO DIGITAL National awareness of digital switchover among adults now stands at 90%, according to figures published this month. Results from the Digital UK/Ofcom Tracker survey for January�??March 2008 also found that nine out of ten viewers have converted their main set to digital, while more than half (57%) of those surveyed had converted every television in their home. The survey also revealed that 96% of respondents found digital TV to be as good as or better than analogue services. WELSH HOUSING SECTOR GETS ITS HOMES SET FOR DIGITAL Digital UK has presented the first �??Homes Set for Digital�?? accreditations in Wales, following a ceremony held at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay. Anglesey County Council and Clwyd Alyn Housing Association both received the awards from the scheme, which recognise housing organisations able to provide digital television and information about switchover to residents in good time before analogue services are switched off in their region.

Switchover News April 2008

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:26:00 GMT

WEST COUNTRY SWITCHOVER SET FOR NEXT SPRING Digital UK has announced that the West Country TV region will start the switchover to digital terrestrial television on April 8, 2009. The date for digital �??take off�?? was revealed by Bill Taylor, Digital UK�??s Regional Manager for the South West, during an event at Exeter International Airport exactly a year before the switch. Analogue broadcasts will be turned off first at the Beacon Hill transmitter group, followed by the Stockland Hill transmitter group on May 6, 2009. The Huntshaw Cross, Redruth and Caradon Hill transmitter groups will follow between July and September 2009 to complete switchover in the region. MORE THAN 22 MILLION HOMES NOW ENJOY DIGITAL TV New research reveals 22.2 million households across the UK have already embraced digital television. Ofcom�??s Digital Progress Report for Q4 2007 indicates nine out of ten (87.6%) households now receive multi-channel services on their main set. Sales of Freeview equipment were at their strongest ever during the period, accounting for almost half (49%) of the growth in the digital TV market during October to December. Integrated Digital TVs (IDTVs) accounted for most of the units sold, up 132% on the same period in 2006. NEW CALDBECK GIANT SERVES ENGLISH AND SCOTTISH VIEWERS The new television transmitter mast being built at Caldbeck in Cumbria has now reached its full height �?? at 337 metres it�??s the third tallest structure in the UK, topped only by the Belmont television transmitter in Lincolnshire and the Skelton Radio mast near Penrith. The new mast is taller even than the Eiffel Tower and is needed to carry additional aerials because after switchover it will broadcast separate services for both England and Scotland. The new mast will come into service in time for switchover, which will happen between April and June 2009. OFCOM ANNOUNCES PLAN FOR FREEVIEW HD SERVICES High-definition Freeview channels will arrive next year, according to Ofcom. Following a consultation in November 2007, the communications regulator has initiated a major upgrade programme that will introduce the latest technologies to the digital terrestrial network to create up to four new HD services. The plan is to deliver HD services with switchover in the Granada TV region in 2009. Viewers will need an HD receiver to view the new channels. Initially, three HD channel slots will be available with one reserved for the BBC. The others will be awarded to the commercial public service broadcasters (ITV, Channel 4, Five, S4C) via a competitive bidding process. Applications for each slot will be judged on efficient use of spectrum; contribution to public service broadcasting and range and diversity of television services. PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE REVIEWS SWITCHOVER The Public Accounts Committee has taken evidence from senior officials on preparations for digital switchover. Evidence was given by Jonathan Stephens, Accounting Officer and Permanent Secretary to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Sir Brian Bender KCB, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, and Peter White, Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Switchover Help Scheme. Following the hearing, the PAC is set to produce its own report to which the Government will respond.

Switchover News March 2008

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 07:46:00 GMT

NINE OUT OF TEN NOW AWARE OF SWITCHOVER Nine out of ten adults are aware of digital television switchover, according to new research from Digital UK and Ofcom. The Digital UK/Ofcom Tracker Survey, carried out between October and December 2007, indicates national awareness of switchover has reached 89%, up from 66% at the beginning of Digital UK�??s public information campaign in May 2006. The figure rises to 96% in the Border TV region, which is set to start the switch at the Selkirk transmitter on November 6. Around three-quarters of those served by the transmitter could also pinpoint the exact date analogue transmissions will be turned off and replaced with a digital signal. Research also shows more people than ever are relaxed about switchover. Nationally, 86% of those interviewed were comfortable with the move to digital TV. For the full report click here NAO REPORT FINDS SWITCHOVER PROGRAMME ON TRACK A new report by the National Audit Office has declared that switchover is on track, with two-thirds of the population saying they understand how to get ready. Published in February, �??Preparations for Digital Switchover�?? also found relations between Government departments and delivery partners characterised by �??open and effective co-operation and strong working relationships�??. The report noted 85% of households have already converted to digital, ahead of expectations, but that projected costs for the Digital Switchover Help Scheme could be reduced if future take-up across the UK mirrored that of Copeland. More work is also needed to ensure retailers can explain the meaning of the �??digital tick�?? logo, though three-quarters of consumers are already aware of it. CHARITIES UNITE TO SUPPORT SWITCH TO DIGITAL TV Digital UK has joined forces with three of the UK�??s leading charities to develop a groundbreaking partnership that will support viewers through switchover. The new organisation brings together Age Concern England, Help the Aged, Community Service Volunteers and Collective Enterprises Limited, a company specialising in working with the charity sector. The programme will offer help to those not eligible for the Digital Switchover Help Scheme, focusing on groups including older people, those with sensory, mobility or dexterity impairments, people with learning difficulties and the socially isolated. Activities are scheduled to start in the Selkirk transmitter area of the Border TV region in May this year. More from Digital UK. BBC SELECTS EAGA AS PARTNER FOR HELP SCHEME The BBC has appointed eaga plc as the supplier to deliver the Digital Switchover Help Scheme. Up to seven million people will be eligible for support to convert one television set to digital during switchover between now and 2013. Eaga will contact each eligible person directly and deliver or install equipment in line with their particular needs. It will also provide the scheme contact centre. People eligible for the Help Scheme are those 75 and over, or in receipt of certain disability benefits, or registered blind or partially sighted. More from the BBC MULTICHANNEL AD REVENUES UP DESPITE PROFITS FALL AT ITV Multichannel TV advertising is expected to hit £1billion for the first time in 2008, according to sales house IDS. The prediction is borne out by new figures from ITV, which show revenue growing on its digital channels despite a 35% drop in the broadcaster�??s pre-tax profits. Net Advertising Revenue (NAR) for its digital line-up, which includes ITV2, ITV3, ITV4 and CITV, increased by 33% to £209m. NAR on ITV1 dropped 4% to £1,224m. ITV2 was also recently voted non-terrestrial channel of the year at both Broadcast magazine�??s awards and the 2007 Edinburgh International Television Festival.

Switchover News February 2008

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:44:00 GMT

DAVID SCOTT TAKES HELM AT DIGITAL UK David Scott, former Deputy Chief Executive of Channel 4 and member of its original launch team, has been appointed Chief Executive of Digital UK. Mr Scott, 53, took up his post on February 1 and will be in overall charge of the switchover programme which will see analogue terrestrial television signals phased out region by region, from 2008-2012. He takes over from Ford Ennals, who led Digital UK since it was established in 2005 and oversaw the first switchover in Copeland. CURRYS, DIXONS & PC WORLD STORES GO ALL DIGITAL DSG international plc has stopped all orders of analogue televisions and will move to a 100% digital range in stores once existing stock has been cleared. The electrical retailer is the market leader in UK television sales and in the last 12 months has sold approaching 2 million sets. DVD recorders featuring analogue tuners will also be removed and buyers of remaining analogue sets will be offered the option of a digital box to ensure that the televisions are capable of receiving digital broadcasts once switchover takes place. More from DSG International PRAISE FOR SWITCHED ON LANDLORDS Digital UK has launched the Homes Set for Digital scheme, recognising housing providers and managers taking steps to provide digital television and information about switchover to residents. Organisations with a Switchover Action Plan can use a new certification mark showing their commitment to providing quality homes and services. According to research published by DCMS last year, around one-third (34%) of social housing providers in the UK�??s first regions to switch don�??t have a plan to be ready in time. Digital UK estimates that even fewer private landlords may be making preparations for the change. ANDY BURNHAM REPLACES PURNELL AT DCMS Following a cabinet reshuffle, Andy Burnham has been appointed Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Previously Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the MP for Leigh in Lancashire, has described the new position as his �??dream job�??. Mr Burnham, 38, once worked as a research assistant to Tessa Jowell and was special adviser to Chris Smith, Labour’s first culture secretary. He is also a keen football fan and has written two books on the subject. Burnham replaces James Purnell, who moves to the Department for Work and Pensions. TOURISM SECTOR MUST PREPARE FOR SWITCHOVER Three-quarters of UK hoteliers and B&B owners say that availability of television is important in letting their rooms, yet a majority are unprepared for the forthcoming switchover to digital TV and run the risk of their guests being stuck with blank screens, according to research released by Digital UK. Forty-seven per cent of those questioned said that they had not switched to digital yet. Fifty�??four per cent of those who have not fully converted their properties to digital TV said they have no plans in place to do so. The figures were particularly high in the Border TV area, West Country and Wales �?? which are the first UK regions due to switch. More from Digital UK COPELAND POSITIVE ON SWITCH TO DIGITAL Following the UK�??s first switchover in Copeland, new research reveals residents are overwhelming positive about digital TV. A survey carried out by Digital UK showed that 94% of 189 homes interviewed after the switch felt positively or neutrally about switchover, while 95% thought digital TV services were better or the same as analogue. When making the move to digital TV, approximately 40% of homes with analogue TV chose Sky while 60% opted for Freeview. To mark the success of switchover, Digital UK presented a grant to help establish a digital inclusion project run by Age Concern North West Cumbria, which will provide advice, assistance and training in new technologies for people of all ages.

Press Release: Purnell praises switched on landlords

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:39:00 GMT

Five public housing providers were today named as the first recipients of a new award recognising housing providers and managers who are prepared for digital television switchover. The Homes Set for Digital scheme, established by Digital UK, recognises organisations able to provide digital television and information about switchover to residents in good time before analogue services are switched off in their region. James Purnell MP, Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, said: �??I�??d like to congratulate these organisations for leading the housing sector in preparing for the digital future. They are at the forefront of a change which will touch every home and which every landlord, property manager and developer should be planning for now.�?? Research shows that while most property managers are aware of switchover many have yet to take action to upgrade their television reception systems. According to research published by DCMS last year, around one third (34%) of social housing providers in the UK�??s first regions to switch don�??t have a plan to be ready in time. Digital UK estimates that even fewer private landlords may be making preparations for the change. The Homes Set for Digital scheme is the latest initiative from Digital UK aimed at boosting switchover awareness and preparation among housing developers, landlords, property managers and residents. Leaflets have been sent to rented properties across the first four regions to switch and a dedicated website providing information for property managers (digitaluk.co.uk/propertymanagers) was launched in summer 2007. Jane Ostler, Digital UK�??s Director of Housing, added, �??Housing providers have an important role to play in ensuring the success of the UK�??s digital switchover. While most householders can make the switch for themselves, many people rely on a shared aerial system which can only be converted to digital by their landlord or property manager. �??Taking action early will mean that landlords are able to manage the process in a way that works best for them and their residents. For private landlords, it could also help give them an edge over their competitors in the rental market. Anyone who wants to apply to the scheme, can do so online at the Digital UK website: http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/propertymanagers.�?? The successful Homes Set for Digital award winners are: Arena Housing Association IDS (Industrial Dwellings Society) Sanctuary Housing Six Town Housing SPH Housing Applications for the Homes Set for Digital certification mark are welcomed from organisations that have responsibility for the provision of communal TV aerials to residential properties. This could be in the role of developer, managing agent or landlord in either the private or public sectors. Interest in participating or making an application for the certification mark can be registered online

Test reports on digital TV recorders with Freeview Playback

Sun, 27 Jan 2008 11:03:00 GMT

Recording headaches could be a thing of the past! The latest Ricability consumer test programme has focused on the new digital TV recorders with Freeview Playback. See the results at http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk. Lindsey Etchell, Principal Researcher for Ricability says, �??We�??ve just tested 5 digital TV recorders with the new Freeview Playback logo. This means they have improved recording features - and no monthly subscription contract. The results are very exciting, the Humax Duovisio PVR-9200TB £164.69 scored highest for ease of use amongst all the digital TV recorders we have ever tested. It also had lots of useful features and was very easy to install. That was closely followed by the Wharfedale 160DTR £119.19 and Technika AEDTR160S7 £119.97 and we would recommend consumers to consider any of these�??. Digital TV recorders - sometimes called hard disc recorders, or personal video recorders (PVRs) - enable you to receive digital TV AND record on to an internal hard disc. You can buy digital TV recorders to work with terrestrial, or with cable or satellite broadcasts. You can use them with an existing or new TV. Freeview Playback digital TV recorders have no subscription or contract and enable you to receive and record over 40 digital TV channels on an existing TV. You can also pause and rewind live TV, record one channel when watching another and easily record an entire series. For further information see http://www.freeview.co.uk. Ricability, an independent national research charity, has been testing a range of TV products as part of the digital switchover. Their website has free, independent information, explained in clear, simple language that cuts through the jargon. It tells you exactly what to look for and then you can easily search for products with the features you want http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk.