Survey finds 86% of social landlords are not fully prepared for digital switchover
Digital switchover may have begun, but a survey carried out by Sky has found that many landlords are not fully prepared – in fact only 14% of social sector landlords have made all the changes necessary, in order to go digital. The remaining 86% are still not fully prepared. The results are available on the social landlord page on Sky's dedicated website for communal TV - www.sky.com/communaltv. This site contains information and help that social landlords need for the switchover.
The survey of over 400 of the country's largest social sector landlords (400+ properties each) came back with rather surprising results. It found that only 14% were fully ready, while 74% said that they were only partially ready, and the remaining 12% said they weren't ready at all. Although some of the landlords were from regions not set to go digital for the next couple of years, the survey results indicate that there is still work to be done to make sure they are not caught out by the switchover.
Anyone who is still not ready for the digital switchover should visit the Sky communal TV website - www.sky.com/communaltv. It provides information and advice on different aspects of the digital switchover, including switchover dates for all the UK regions.
Talking about the survey results, Pascal Wharton, Head of Sky Communal Solutions, said: "We suspected that not everyone would be ready for digital switchover, but were surprised that only 14% of the major social sector landlords were fully prepared. Flats are usually dependent on a communal TV system and it looks like some residents may be in danger of being faced with a blank screen unless adequate provision is made."
It is becoming increasingly important that landlords put solutions in place. The Selkirk transmitter in the Scottish borders has already had its analogue signal turned off for good in November 2008. In 2009, 14 other areas are due to switchover, starting with parts of South Devon from 8 April, and digital switchover will affect 4.6 million households in the coming year.
Pascal adds: "Our website and dedicated team of experts can advise on all areas related to digital switchover and explain what systems are available. Our aim is to make the whole process as simple, hassle-free and cost effective as possible, and we even have local specialists who have in-depth knowledge of specific geographic areas and are familiar with the buildings."
Sky recognises the challenges that digital switchover creates for housing professionals. Whether looking to upgrade or replace an existing system and whatever the size or style of the block, Sky can create bespoke communal solutions to suit all budgets, using Shared Dish and Integrated Reception System solutions.
Digital UK is the independent, non-profit organisation leading the process of digital TV switchover in the UK. Jane Ostler, Director of Housing from the organisation comments: "Housing providers have an important role to play in ensuring the success of the UK's digital TV switchover. Those in areas that have already made the switch were well prepared and we would encourage landlords and tenants everywhere to ensure they are ready well ahead of analogue TV signals being switched off in their region. Digital UK offers independent advice on switchover and provides a dedicated website for housing providers."
To find out more visit www.sky.com/communaltv or call 08442 410 331 to talk to one of Sky's communal experts.
For more information on the digital switchover, go to www.digitaluk.co.uk/propertymanagers