DIGITAL TV SWITCHOVER
The following press release has been produced on behalf of Churches Together in Devon by Adrian Prior-Sankey, regional press officer for the Salvation Army, on the digital switchover which is happening this year in the south-west of England.
Church Leaders Use Pulpit To Promote Digital Switchover
Church leaders across the south west are adding their voices to the Digital UK switchover message. Ministers of all denominations are being encouraged by their senior colleagues to exhort their congregations to check they have made the necessary changes to their television equipment if they want to continue to viewing their favourite religious programmes beyond the switchover process this summer.
Speaking on behalf of Devon and Cornwall's senior church leaders, The Salvation Army's Divisional Commander, Major Cliff Bradbury, said,
"Churches will be encouraging their members to act as good neighbours for people in their local community who might require a helping hand as switchover dates approach. Being at the heart of local life, ministers and congregations are well placed to pass on the message that practical help is available for over 75's and those with disabilities.
"Many viewers, particularly those who spend considerable time indoors need their television to stimulate their spiritual life as well as maintain their awareness of the wider world. Church leaders can not only encourage their congregations to be ready, but also help their communities to be ready, especially promoting the help scheme which is available to over 75's and those with specific disabilities. As leaders of the broad spectrum of churches in the south west we are pleased to harness our own channels of communication to assist Digital UK's dedicated team."
Switchover is the process of converting the UK's terrestrial television system to digital. Between now and 2012, analogue channels will be switched off region by region and replaced with Freeview digital TV and radio services.
In the southwest the changeover will happen at the following times:
May 6 2009: East Devon, West Dorset, Exeter
July 1 2009: North Devon, West Somerset
July 8 2009: West Cornwall
Aug 12 2009: East Cornwall, West Devon, Plymouth
Viewers must ensure that their TVs are capable of receiving a digital signal in order to continue receiving television services after switchover. Virtually any TV, even black and white ones, can be converted with a digital box. Anyone buying new TV equipment should look for the 'digital tick' logo which identifies equipment designed to work before, during, and after switchover.
There are three main options, depending on where you live:
- Through an aerial (e.g. Freeview, Top Up TV, BT Vision), either through a digital box, or a tv with an integrated digital tuner (an iDTV)
- By satellite (eg Sky,Freesat)
- Through a cable (eg Virgin Media)
The Digital Switchover Help Scheme has been established to offer practical assistance at the time of switchover. The scheme will cover households in which one person or more:
- is aged 75 years or over; or
- has a significant disability - i.e. claims disability living allowance, attendance allowance
- is registered blind or partially sighted
More information can be found on the Digital UK website or by calling the helpline 
0845 505050.
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