As the digital switch over date for residents of Hertfordshire looms large, Hertfordshire Trading Standards have issued a series of tips to ensure that residents are able to stay ahead of the trend and ‘shop savvy’ when it comes to purchasing new TV sets and audio visual equipment.
The date for the digital switch over in the region is April 2012 and anyone who has yet to purchase either a TV set or set top box that is able to receive the digital signal is being advised to do so sooner rather than later.
A number of companies offer a digital TV service that can be paid for monthly, or with a one of payment, and residents with any concerns are being advised to log on to www.digitaluk.co.uk/cost__and__options. Most of these companies also employ engineers who are able to offer assistance when it comes to the installation of their set top box, and can also deal with any issues that customers may experience with the service.
If it is that you are particularly attached to the TV set that you have, the good news is that there is no need for you to purchase a new one. Whilst most new television sets now come with basic ‘Freeview’ built in, which will allow users to view channels that are transmitted over the digital signal, older televisions can still receive the digital signal with the help of a set top box – even the black and white portable that finds itself relegated to back bedrooms across the land. Shoppers who are looking to purchase a new television are advised to look for the digital ‘tick’ logo that signifies that it has been approved for the switch over.
Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety, Richard Thake, praised the amount of information available to those who might find the UK digital switch over daunting. He singled out ‘Digital UK’ and advised residents to utilise the information that they have to offer.
Whilst a large number of regions in the UK have already had their analogue signal switched off, there are still a number of places where it can still be received. It is estimated that the digital signal will be fully unfurled throughout the UK by October 2012.
