Social landlords who still don't have a clear plan for the digital switchover need to act quickly - because the change to digital TV has already begun in some parts of the UK.
The chart below shows the planned switchover schedule region by region. Remember, if your residents aren't equipped with a suitable digital reception system when the analogue TV signal is switched off in their area, they could be left with blank screens.
Your organisation is far from unique if it's not ready for the digital switchover. We recently surveyed over 400 of the top social sector landlords (400+ properties) and found that 86% of landlords were not fully prepared for the switchover – including 12% that had not even started thinking about getting communal systems. Click here to view the detailed survey results.
The good news is that there is still time to get a first-class digital Communal TV solution for your residents. Call us today on 08442 410 326 to talk to our dedicated team about how the switchover will affect your organisation.
The Switchover timings are as follows:
| Region | Year/s |
Region | Year/s |
| Border | 2008/09 |
Yorkshire | 2011 |
| West Country | 2009 |
Anglia | 2011 |
| Granada | 2009 |
Central | 2011 |
| Wales | 2009/10 |
Meridian | 2012 |
| West | 2010 |
London | 2012 |
| STV North | 2010 |
Tyne Tees | 2012 |
| STV Central | 2010/11 |
Ulster | 2012 |
| Channel Isles | 2013 |
| |
How can Sky help?
Sky has been a leader in digital broadcasting for over 20 years, so we are the UK experts in digital TV and can ensure your residents get the best-possible digital TV solution. We can also support you at every stage of the process – from writing and presenting a digital TV policy for your organisation to managing the installation of its new Communal TV solution. We'll even arrange a post-installation technical audit, if required.
What's the best Communal TV solution for your residents?
Sky's Integrated Reception System (IRS) has been developed to provide a high-quality Communal TV solution for the social housing sector. IRS distributes digital signals to multiple homes from a single discreet roof-top reception unit. So there's no need for residents to put up their own minidishes and the whole block will be ready for the digital switchover.
IRS is 'platform-neutral', which means residents who want free-to-air TV can watch Freeview or Freesat. However, people who want Sky can subscribe for all our programmes and services.