With London switching off analogue TV signals next year Digital UK, the body in charge of switching Britain’s TVs to digital, are urging households not to needlessly replace their old TVs.
Research suggests nearly 3m people in the London TV region are unaware their existing TV can be converted to digital with a low-cost, no subscription set-top box.
Digital UK’s survey also suggests more than half of Londoners plan to buy a new TV ahead of switchover, spending more than £1bn between them.
The switch from analogue to digital television will get underway in London on April 4th 2012.
A Help Scheme which assists with converting one set to digital is available for those aged 75 or over, disabled, blind or partially sighted people, or those living in a care home.
A letter explaining how the scheme works is being sent to eligible households.
With an estimated 11.7million TVs in London, Digital UK is urging people to consider adapting their existing sets – or, if they do choose to replace their TV, recycle the old one responsibly by contacting their council, as many components can be recycled for new equipment.
Deborah Bain, London Manager for Digital UK, said: “The last thing we want people to do is spend money if they don’t need to. Our survey reveals there’s still some confusion about whether old TVs will work after switchover in April.
“Virtually any TV, even black and white ones, can be adapted for digital with a low-cost box.”
