Digital TV aerial warning

Local Homewatch co-ordinators are urging local residents to be on their guard against doorstep salespeople prior to the digital switchover for the Granada region, scheduled for 4th November 2009.

The following advice has been received from the Trading Standards office: "Householders are warned to be on their guard against doorstep salespeople insisting they need a new TV aerial before the digital switchover. Cheshire Trading Standards officers have received several reports of traders cold-calling who claim their existing aerial will not receive a digital signal and urge them to pay for a replacement."

Digital UK, the not-for-profit organisation leading the switchover process, says most aerials will work perfectly well with digital TV.

Jo Waters, Granada Regional Manager for Digital UK said: "There's no such thing as a digital aerial – as long as it's in good condition your current aerial should be able to receive a digital signal after the switchover.

"For the very small percentage of households that do need an aerial upgrade, we advise to only buy from reputable retailers and qualified installers – never from people who turn up without an appointment"

An aerial test on Teletext page 284 will help viewers to determine whether their aerial ill be good enough to receive a digital signal.

Digital UK is working with local charities and volunteers to provide advice and assistance for those who may require a little extra help.

Its Switchover Help Scheme offers advice and equipment to convert one TV for those aged 75 or over, registered blind or partially sighted or on certain disability benefits. Further information is available from the Digital TV helpline on 0845 6 50 50 50 or via the website http://www.digitaluk.co.uk

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.