Why Digital TV?
The analogue signals that we have all received for TV will be gradually switched off around the country over the coming few years. Therefore every household will need to switch over to digital TV to continue watching.
If you have questions about the switchover in your region, call the Digital UK Helpline on 0800 519 2021.
Regional Switchover
By 2013, television services in the UK will be completely digital, transferring to the new system region by region.
The remaining TV switchover dates by region are:
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Anglia: March 2011 - November 2011
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Central: March 2011 - September 2011
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Yorkshire: August 2011 - September 2011
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Meridian, London, Tyne Tees, Ulster: 2012.
For dates of the transmitter switchover in your region visit the Digital UK website.
Assistance in Switching
RNIB has played a crucial role in the design of the Targeted Help Scheme that has been created by the government. The scheme will help people who have not already switched to digital TV and are either:
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registered blind or partially sighted
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over 75 years
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in receipt of Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance
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requiring assistance in the run-up to switchover in their region.
The Targeted Help Scheme will be free to eligible households. This includes those on Income Support, Job Seeker's Allowance or Pension Credit. Other households will be asked to make a contribution of around £40.
A few months prior to switchover in your region, the scheme will give you:
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the necessary equipment to convert one TV set
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help with installation, provided by a registered digital installer
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follow-up support if needed
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an option of a Smart Talk digital set top box that will speak the menus and guides to you.
The Smart Talk device will be the standard Helpscheme offering for registered blind and partially sighted people, at a cost of £40 or free of charge, depending on eligibility in regions still to switch over.
For further information about the help available visit the Helpscheme website or telephone 0800 519 2021.
Audio Description
For information about audio description, a service that is available on digital television that can enhance viewing for blind and partially sighted viewers, visit our Audio Description on TV pages.
Information Talks for Local Groups
RNIB is offering information talks to local groups around the UK to advise blind and partially sighted people about digital switchover and audio description. If you would be interested in a speaker attending your group then please email broadcasting@rnib.org.uk or telephone 020 7391 2150.
New Talking TV Boxes
There are talking TV devices available that have been designed and developed to provide full access to digital TV and radio services for blind and partially sighted people.
W4B
W4B is a charity supporting those needing assistance with a TV or Radio. They aim to prevent isolation and loneliness by ensuring that those with issues associated with age, illness or disability, who may find it difficult to leave their homes, can benefit from the entertainment that a radio or TV can bring.
Consumer testing of digital TV
Ricability (Research Institute for Consumer Affairs), an independent research charity, has further detailed tests of some of the products that deliver audio description on their website.
Further information
For further information about digital television and switchover please email audiodescription@rnib.org.uk or telephone 0303 123 9999.