Help with the switchover

The digital switchover may seem confusing, especially if you haven’t even got digital television yet. But there’s lots of help out there for you if you’re a bit confused. Whether you just want a bit of advice, or are looking for comprehensive help about getting switched on to digital, you’ll find all you need to know here.

The easiest way to get help with the digital switchover is to browse our articles about the digital switchover and look for help with anything you’re confused about. We cover everything from the kind of equipment you will need to the channels you can get. Plus you can use our postcode checker to find out which services you can currently get in your region and then switch – so beat the rush and make sure you’re prepared before your area goes digital.

The digital switchover is a huge undertaking, but if you need advice there are lots of people on hand. Don’t hesitate to ask:

• someone from your electrical retailer if you’re buying new equipment
• your digital TV provider (if you have one)
• your aerial installer

These people should all be able to give you advice on how best to prepare for the digital switchover.

To find your nearest legitimate aerial installer contact the Confederation of Aerial Industries (CAI) who will give you details of qualified installers in your local area.

Even with lots of advice some people may still find it difficult to get switched onto digital TV. If you are over 75, have significant disabilities, or are blind or partially sighted, then you are entitled to specific help from a government scheme. You are also eligible if you have a dependent child with significant disabilities, or who is blind or partially sighted. Set up in 2005, the Help Scheme aims to give active support to the seven million households the Department for Work and Pensions has estimated need help. Households with a very low income (e.g. those on Income Support) will be able to benefit from the scheme for free, but others will only have to pay a subsidy of £40.

The support provided includes:

• The equipment to convert one television to digital
• Help with installation
• Follow up support

If you are eligible for this scheme you should be contacted before your region switches over, but you can apply yourself eight months beforehand if you have not been contacted.

You can also request leaflets about the digital switchover in large print, audio and Braille formats by calling 0845 234 0388.