[13.09.2011] LONDON’S DIGITAL COUNTDOWN BEGINS
12 September 2011
EastEnders stars June Brown and Rudolph Walker today launched the digital TV switchover campaign for London, with a street party for residents of the capital’s real Albert Square.
On 4 April 2012, analogue TV services for nearly 12m viewers across the London TV region will start to be switched off. A public-information campaign launches today with advertising on channels including BBC and ITV, special messages on screen and a letter sent to households eligible for the Switchover Help Scheme.
The Help Scheme is available for those aged 75 or over, disabled, blind or partially sighted people, or those living in a care home. For £40 or free for people that are eligible and also on certain income related benefits, the Help Scheme will provide:
Easy-to-use equipment to convert one set
An approved installer to supply and install the necessary equipment, and
A 12-month aftercare service including free helpline
Visiting the real Albert Square in Lambeth to host a special launch event with local residents, EastEnders favourites June (Dot Branning) and Rudolph (Patrick Trueman) got behind the campaign to make sure viewers can still watch their favourite shows after April.
June Brown said: “The thought of losing TV channels may concern many older or disabled people. I know from the letters I get every day that, for many older people and those who are housebound,TV is a real lifeline – almost a friend in the corner of the room.
“But there’s no need to worry because help is available. No-one need buy a new TV; almost every set can be converted for digital.”
The information campaign, launching across the London TV region today, includes:
On-screen messages: viewers will start seeing special messages covering part of their screens. They will increase in size and frequency as the switchover gets closer.
The Switchover Help Scheme is writing to older and disabled people offering them practical help to switch one TV to digital, including equipment, installation and aftercare.
12 September 2011
Advertising: there will be extensive local advertising on TV, radio and in local newspapers.
Roadshows: the switchover roadshow will tour the region from January, stopping at dozens of locations, offering face-to-face advice and practical demonstrations of digital TV.
Guide to switchover: in the new year, all households will be sent a detailed guide, including advice on retuning Freeview equipment.
Charity partnerships: Age UK and RNIB are working with Digital UK and the Help Scheme to offer extra information and support to viewers who need it.
To apply for help from the Switchover Help Scheme, or to find out more about who is eligible for help, call the free helpline number on 0800 40 87 654. Textphone users can call 0800 40 85 936.
For general switchover advice call Digital UK on 08456 50 50 50.
Source: http://www.digitaluk.co.uk