The Switchover
Nationwide, residents have been 'switching over', with the majority of UK householders now receiving digital  television broadcasts. Tv transmissions were previously delivered using wave/analogue technology.

The Central TV region (served by The Wrekin & Sutton Coldfield transmitters) completed this transition in September 2011.

If you have recently lost your reception to BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 and have already tried re-tuning your tv/vcr, you will probably need to purchase some new receiving equipment. (Please refer to the Help Section for further guidance).

How can I watch tv 'post-Switchover'?
If you are without tv (or are simply unhappy with your current provider), do not despair. There are many different ways to receive digital tv.

Whilst the Wrekin Housing Trust is not able to help individuals with the cost of subscriptions, or the purchase of decoding equipment – this is your responsibility – we can offer some useful guidance on the viewing options available to you, so please read on:

Set-top boxes
Terrestrial tv as we knew it has been updated, and the most basic of set-top boxes will offer around fifteen free-to-air public service channels. The most popular provider is Freeview; though services such as Top Up Tv (08444 158158) provide further choice.

(Residents with individual aerials fitted may find that they will need to purchase a wideband aerial to ensure that they get the best reception).

There are also a range of subscription services available, such as Sky TV, Virgin Media (Cable) and BTVision (see below). These each provide the the free-to air channels, and various bonus channels, pre-recorded programmes and recording options, depending on your 'package'.

Sky TV and FreeSat
If you wish to subscribe to Sky Digital or HD, call 0844 241 0285, or for details on FreeSat/HD (a one-off payment) call 0844 241 0595.

Note: Landlord's Permission is required for all new Sky TV/FreeSat installations, whether you are in a house, bungalow or flat. To begin a Landlord's Permission request please visit your local Trust Shop or call 01952 217100.

Many blocks of our flats have recently had a new 'communal' aerial system fitted, meaning that the old satellite dishes and individual aerials on the side of the block could be taken down. These properties now receive Sky channels via the Trust's aerial/dish, but residents still use their own decoding equipment.

Virgin Media/Cable TV
For the majority of cable customers, tv viewing will be unaffected. Virgin Media has made digital provisions for its customers via the installation of fibre-optic cables. However, if your system is still marked with "Telewest" or "NTL", please contact your service provider for further details or call 0800 052 0730 if you are unsure. All new Virgin Media customers should call 0845 454 1111.

In blocks of flats, residents are given separate access to the communal aerial/satellite system – providing a useful alternative viewing package – for use in other rooms in the flat, or if they ever wish to cancel their Cable contract.

BTVision
Like Virgin and Sky, BTVision offers all free-to-air channels as well as a number of channels on subscription basis. There is also a variety of On-Demand programmes to watch for free and for a one-off fee. A BT phone-line is required, though BT will fit an aerial if you do not have one.

Note: Landlord's Permission is required for all new aerial requests to be fitted to the 'exterior' of the property, whether you are in a house, bungalow or flat. To begin a Landlord's Permission request please visit your local Trust Shop or call 01952 217100.

New BT customers should call 0800 678 1984.

Repairs / Technical Help
Most reception and viewing problems can be rectified by simply re-setting or re-tuning your box. Details of how to do this can be found in your User Manual. However, if you do require any assistance with this please call Digital UK on 08456 50 50 50. They can provide general and technical advice and their staff can talk help you through the process.

Alternatively, there are a range of electronic instruction manuals viewable online, which aim to be specific to your equipment manufacturer. Please visit: http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/how_do_i_switch

Due to varying signal strengths, you may routinely need to re-tune your equipment if you find you are losing channels.

If you live in one of our flats or sheltered schemes where there is a communal aerial fitted, and believe there may be a fault please call 01952 217217. Please ensure you have re-booted your personal decoding equipment before calling. It may also be worth checking with a neighbour to see if they are experiencing problems. (See also - More on Communal Aerials)

Other Help Schemes
Digital UK and the BBC have pioneered help schemes for the over-75s and those on certain qualifying benefits, on the run-up to switchover. You may have been contacted by these organisations to say that you are eligible for help with the installation or the cost of equipment.
For further information on these schemes please call 0800 40 85 900. The accompanying pdf document (right) called "The Digital Switchover Scheme" may also be of use.