Switchover to digital television has started.

At the end of last year 25,000 households in the Cumbrian town of Whitehaven and the surrounding area had their analogue television signal switched off for good, so becoming the first area to switch to digital only. The next will be for viewers served by the Selkirk transmitter group in the Border television region, which will go fully digital from November this year. It will be followed by 14 switch-overs affecting 4.6m households during 2009, with the rest of the UK switching to digital television by the end of 2012.

Whereas many individual houses are now prepared for the change, flats are usually dependent on a communal television system and so reliant on the landlord or managing agent to ensure they are digital ready. Unless adequate provision is made ahead of switchover, residents may be at risk of being faced with blank screens when the analogue signal is switched off.

Research conducted by Digital UK and Ofcom showed that while 90 per cent of people are now generally aware of the switchover, of people living in flats, only 60 per cent understand what they need to do to be ready. Flats also have the lowest figures for main set conversions, some 10 per cent behind the national average.

Recognising this knowledge gap, Sky has set up a dedicated team of experts to offer free advice on preparing flats for switchover. Residents and landlords can visit www.sky.com/communaltelevision or call 08442 410331.

Sky is one of the leading commercial specialists for switchover in the UK, particularly in the flatted sector, and is working closely with Digital UK in making preparations for switchover.

Digital UK is the independent, non-profit organisation leading the process of digital television switchover in the UK. It estimates that 20 per cent of UK households receive their television signal through a communal television system and that overall there are still an estimated 40m television sets that will need adapting or upgrading to digital.

Sky recognises the challenges digital switchover creates for housing professionals. Whether looking to upgrade or replace an existing system and whatever the size or style of the block, Sky can create bespoke communal solutions to suit all budgets. One dish serves the whole block meaning there is no need for individual minidishes and Sky can help take down any existing ones.

Talking about the support available,

‘We know sorting out the television system is just one of many responsibilities faced by landlords and property managers’, said Pascal Wharton, head of Sky Communal Solutions. ‘That is why we’ve set up a dedicated website and team of experts who can advise on digital switchover and go through what systems are available. We have local specialists who know your area and are familiar with the buildings.

‘We will help as little or as much as you need, whether you want us to project manage a complete installation or carry out specific activities such as consulting residents or providing details of approved installers in your area. We will work with you to put together a plan of action that makes the whole switchover process as simple, hassle-free and cost effective as possible’.

Case study – Blackhall Croft

Blackhall Croft is a modern five storey, 58 flat retirement development situated near the centre of the popular Lake District tourist town of Kendall. Opened in 2001, it offers private residents comfortable, well equipped accommodation a short walk away from the town’s main amenities.

The challenge

Sky approved installer, ABCA Systems was brought in to provide a television system that would ensure all apartments were digital switchover ready and have access to Sky services at a competitive price.

Added to this was the requirement of the managing agent, Peverell Management Services, for invisible wiring throughout the block. The development was too tall for safe installation of external wiring meaning cables had to be hidden inside the building.

The solution

ABCA Systems found that although the existing installation was generally in good working order, installing Sky’s Shared Dish in conjunction with a terrestrial system would ensure that all flats were ready for digital switchover and allow those residents that wanted it to choose Sky.

A new dish was discretely positioned on the roof of the building and existing wiring routes and false ceilings were used to hide cabling and equipment inside the block making it virtually invisible to residents. In fact the only visible difference of the new system is the slightly different face plates of the connection sockets within the flat.

The entire system was installed in three days.

The result

Residents of Blackhall Croft now have a television system that is completely ready for digital switchover and also offers the full range of Sky services including Sky+ and Sky+ HD for those that want it.

Describing the process, ABCA Systems Sky Manager Chris Scott said: “Despite the challenging requirements of an invisible install in this large block, the installation was completed on time, with minimal disruption and to the satisfaction of residents and the House Manager.”

Blackhall resident and Sky subscriber Beryl Dinsdale said: “I find my Sky system very easy to use and enjoy the extra channels, especially the arts and craft one. The installation was very straightforward and carried out quickly.”

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