West Yorkshire Police are asking residents to check the facts about the digital switchover before parting with cash to potential con men who are trying to sell items for the switchover which are not needed.
The two phases for the Digital Switchover in West Yorkshire take place on 7th September and 21st September 2011. If you already have digital, that is more than five standard channels on all of your TV sets, then you are already ready for the Digital Switchover. However, if you only have digital TV on your main set, then you’ll need to think about having your other sets converted if you want to watch them after the switchover.
There is a concern that some individuals may use the switchover process as an opportunity to pressurise members of the public in to buying a ‘digital aerial’ or having alterations doing to their TV sets, which is not the case.
The advice from the Digital Switchover team is as follows:
Virtually all TV sets can be converted with a digital box, even black and white sets and those without a ‘scart connection’. A digital (Freeview) box costs from around £25.
If you are looking to buy a new TV look for the ‘digital tick’ logo, as this means it is designed to work after the switchover.
Almost all aerials will continue to work after switchover and there is no such thing as a ‘digital aerial’. To double check the condition of your aerial visit the aerial checker on teletext page 284 on any analogue channel.
If you do find out that you need a new aerial look for a Registered Digital Installer (RDi) – www.rdi-lb.tv or if you can’t find one, an ‘Associate RDi’ or an installer from the industry trade body the Confederation of Aerial Industries – www.cai.org.uk
Nobody from Digital UK or the Help Scheme will come to your house unless you’ve arranged an appointment yourself – DO NOT LET ANY COLD CALLERS INTO YOUR HOME OR BUY ANY EQUIPMENT FROM THEM.
You may be eligible for assistance from the Switchover Help Scheme if;
you are aged 75 or over
or entitled to certain disability allowances or have been a resident in care for 6 months or more,
or are registered blind or partially sighted
The Switchover Help Scheme will write to all eligible people, but if you feel that you may be eligible or would simply like additional information, call the Help Scheme on 0800 40 85 900 or visit www.helpscheme.co.uk
Chris Joyce, Force Crime Reduction Officer said: “We know that some people are prepared to completely mislead people in to letting them in to their homes and use confusion tactics to sell a product or service.
“In relation to the Digital Switchover process the advice is simple; you don’t need a new television, there is no such thing as a ‘digital aerial’ and if your aerial is in good condition then you won’t need a new one. Nobody from Digital UK or the Switchover Help Scheme will come to your house unless you’ve arranged an appointment with them yourself.
“Generally speaking, most callers at your door may be genuine, however, it is imperative that you always check their identity before giving them any personal details, allowing them in to your home or purchasing any goods or services from them. If you have any doubt whatsoever turn them away and contact the police immediately on 0845 60 60 606 and report any suspicious activity.”
For help and advice about the Digital Switchover process contact Digital UK on 08456 50 50 50 or visit www.digitaluk.co.uk. For further details on the Switchover Help Scheme contact the Scheme on 0800 40 85 900 or visit www.helpscheme.co.uk.
If you feel that you may have been mis-sold any equipment and would like more advice contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
