Over half of private sector rental properties in England and Wales are still not fully ready to go digital, despite the fact that switchover has already begun, according to research carried out by Sky.
The company carried out detailed physical surveys of 129 blocks of flats, in order to obtain a snapshot of the current situation nationwide. It found that 57 percent of those surveyed still have work to do.
Of those blocks surveyed, 30 percent needed minor work carrying out, such as fitting new filters or boosters, whilst others required major work with 19 percent of the buildings needing completely new systems.
This research supports findings from Digital UK, the independent, non-profit organisation leading the process of digital TV switchover in the UK, which estimates that a third of private landlords are unprepared.
Pascal Wharton, Head of Sky Communal Solutions, said: “We suspected that not everyone would be ready for digital switchover, but were surprised by some of the results – especially for areas due to go digital in the near future.
“The majority of communal systems will need some work carried out, such as a change of cabling, especially if the block is over 10 years old. Although most people we visited only needed to undertake minor work, we would still warn them to resolve the problems sooner rather than later.
“Recent figures from the National Audit Office appear to suggest that awareness of digital switchover is lower among residents in privately rented accommodation, compared to the population as a whole.
“Rented flats are usually dependent on a communal TV system and it is up to landlords to make the necessary changes so that residents aren’t faced with a blank screen when switchover occurs.”
The Selkirk transmitter in the Scottish borders already had its analogue signal turned off for good in November 2008. In 2009, 14 other areas are due to switchover, starting with parts of South Devon from 8 April, and digital switchover will affect 4.6 million households in the coming year.
Wharton added: “With digital switchover looming, the issue of communal TV systems is higher on the agenda than usual, and we are here to help private sector landlords and housing managers deal with the challenge. Whether it is through our website, over the phone or via our dedicated team of experts, landlords can easily get the advice they need on all areas related to going digital.
“Our Sky-approved ASHAs make personal visits to review existing systems, explain what changes are needed and identify the right solutions for the building. Our aim is to make the whole process as simple, hassle-free and cost effective as possible.”
Anyone who is still not ready for the digital switchover should visit the Sky communal website – www.sky.com/communaltv. It provides information and advice on different aspects of the switchover, including switchover dates for all the UK regions. It also gives detailed information on the different communal TV options open to landlords.
