Slough trading standards are warning residents about the potential scams and misinformation being given over the impending Digital TV Switchover.
The scams occur when Slough consumers are told they’ll need a digital aerial when the change over happens to be able to receive transmission. This is not true.
Anyone who has taken up the offer of one of these aerials have been given a hefty bill for the installation.
Slough Consumers will no doubt know that between now and 2012, the original analogue signal for TV broadcast will be gradually turned off around the UK.
The digital takeover is being done region by region and it’s estimated that Slough will face this change around early 2010/2011.
Once the analogue signal has been turned off, residents won’t be able to receive a TV signal, unless they have either of the following:
* A satellite TV contract
* A cable TV contract
* A digi-box connected to your current TV set-up.
Dean Cooke, Trading standards officer at Slough Borough Council, said: “We have been made aware of a number of scams happening around the country, where consumers are being told they will need a digital aerial for their TVs and are being charged large amounts of money for fitting them.
“This is not the case. If your current aerial is good, then it should be compatible when used with a digi-box. “
Commissioner for community and leisure, Cllr Shafiq Chaudhry, added: “It’s very important to make sure you have the correct details from the right people.
“If you’re not sure of the information you are given, please either contact trading standards or the DigitalUK helpline.”
If Slough residents current TV picture, either from an indoor or outdoor aerial, is good quality, it’s more than likely their aerial will be good enough for the digital switchover, all they need to do is connect it to a digi-box.
Indoor aerials, with a fitted digi-box, may also work. As the signal goes up, the quality of the picture may even improve. Again, there are never 100 percent guarantees and some aerials may need to be upgraded to better a quality, in order to work with the new digital system.
Slough Residents over 75 years of age and those with disabilities can get help for free.
Appointments can be made for authorised fitters to fit one TV at their home to make it work for digital.
All genuine fitters will make appointment (i.e. they will not cold call residents). They will also carry I.D. with them. Trading standards urge residents to ask for I.D. from anyone calling at their door and to call them or the police if they have any doubts.
For more information, please contact the Digital UK helpline on 08456 505050 or log External link icononto the Digital UK website (opens a new window).
Any Trading Standards issues can be raised with Slough Trading Standards on : 01753 875255
Slough Borough Council
