Help is available to switch to digital TV

Eligible older and disabled people living in the Isle of Man are reminded that help is still available to convert one TV set to digital under the Switchover Help Scheme, but only until 22 August 2009.

Hon Adrian Earnshaw MHK, Chairman of the Communications Commission said:

“It is important that no one is left behind in the switch to digital television. The Department of Health and Social Security, the Communications Commission, Age Concern and other organisations have supported the Help Scheme in its work for a number of months now. We want to ensure that as many eligible people as possible take up this offer in converting to digital TV.

To date only a third of eligible people have responded to letters from the Help Scheme and even less have taken up the offer of help to switch either a main or another TV set to digital. With switchover on the Island beginning on Thursday 18 June, I would urge those who have not yet been in touch with the Help Scheme to do so as soon as possible, by phoning the Help Scheme free on 0800 40 85 901.”

The Isle of Man transmitters will begin to switch to digital on 18 June, but the exact switchover date may be different if people watch TV from an off-island transmitter. Watching TV without digital equipment will not be possible after switchover. Even if an eligible person has already converted one TV set, without assistance from the Help Scheme, they can still apply to the Help Scheme to convert another TV set to digital.

The Switchover Help Scheme, which is run by the BBC, has been working closely with the Communications Commission and the Isle of Man Government.

Who is eligible?

• People aged 75 or over;
• People who have lived in a care home for six months or more;
• People who get (or could get) attendance allowance or disability living allowance from the DHSS, or constant attendance allowance or mobility supplement paid with their war pension;
• People who are registered blind or partially sighted.

To get help, eligible people need to contact the Help Scheme on 0800 40 85 901. More information about the Help Scheme can be found at helpscheme.co.uk

Notes:

The Communications Commission, a Statutory Board, regulates the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors on the Island.

The Switchover Help Scheme will be sending out a final reminder letter to eligible people.

Digital switchover of the Island’s TV transmitters starts on the 18 June when BBC Two will cease broadcasting in analogue and the first group of Freeview digital channels will become available. Four weeks later, the remaining analogue channels will be permanently switched off and replaced with additional digital services (16 July 2009).

What’s on offer?

1. The Help Scheme offers eligible older and disabled people practical help to convert one TV set to digital, including installation if required, a demonstration, and aftercare.
2. For a one-off payment of £40, or free for eligible people who get income support or income-based jobseeker’s allowance, the Help Scheme offers:
   • Easy-to-use equipment to convert one television set to digital;
   • Help with installing the equipment;
   • Fitting a satellite dish, or aerial where a satellite dish cannot be fitted if it's needed to make the new equipment work;
   • A demonstration of how the new equipment works;
   • Someone to call for help while getting used to it.
3. The standard offer of equipment in the Isle of Man is a Sky satellite system. Other options to switch to digital are also available, some at a higher cost.