Over half of private rental properties are not fully ready for digital switchover - research by Sky indicates there is still work to be done
Over half of private sector rental properties in England and Wales are still not fully ready to go digital, despite the fact that switchover has already begun, according to research carried out by Sky. The company carried out detailed physical surveys of 129 blocks of flats, in order to obtain a snapshot of the current situation nationwide. It found that 57% of those surveyed still have work to do. The results are available on the Managing Agent page of Sky's dedicated website for communal TV - www.sky.com/communaltv - which also contains information to help landlords prepare for switchover.
Sky's specialist team visited 129 blocks, each containing between 4 and 66 separate flats (a total of over 3,000 individual homes), and undertook in-depth physical surveys of the buildings to ascertain their status as regards to digital switchover. The surveys found that for many properties there is still work to be done. Of those blocks surveyed, 30% need minor work carrying out, such as fitting new filters or boosters, whilst others need to undertake major work, for instance replacing all old cabling or installing a suitable digital transmitter. In fact 19% of the buildings visited need completely new systems.
This research supports findings from Digital UK, the independent, non-profit organisation leading the process of digital TV switchover in the UK, which estimates that a third of private landlords are unprepared.
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 by some of the results – especially for areas due to go digital in the near future. The majority of communal systems will need some work carried out, such as a change of cabling, especially if the block is over 10 years old. Although most people we visited only needed to undertake minor work, we would still warn them to resolve the problems sooner rather than later".
He continues: "Recent figures from the National Audit Office appear to suggest that awareness of digital switchover is lower among residents in privately rented accommodation, compared to the population as a whole. Rented flats are usually dependent on a communal TV system and it is up to landlords to make the necessary changes so that residents aren't faced with a blank screen when switchover occurs".
The properties surveyed were spread throughout England and Wales and the results give an indication of the situation across the private rental sector. Some of the properties were in areas that are due to go digital this year, such as Caldbeck and Exeter, and surprisingly many of these were still not fully ready.
It is becoming increasingly important that landlords put solutions in place. The Selkirk transmitter in the Scottish borders 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.
Jane Ostler, Director of Housing at Digital UK 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".
Pascal adds: "With digital switchover looming, the issue of communal TV systems is higher on the agenda than usual, and we are here to help private sector landlords and housing managers deal with the challenge. Whether it is through our website, over the phone or via our dedicated team of experts, landlords can easily get the advice they need on all areas related to going digital. Our Sky-approved ASHAs make personal visits to review existing systems, explain what changes are needed and identify the right solutions for the building. Our aim is to make the whole process as simple, hassle-free and cost effective as possible".
Sky recognises the challenges that digital switchover creates for landlords. 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. Sky's Shared Dish and Integrated Reception System solutions allow landlords to not only future-proof their properties for switchover, but they also remove the need for individual mini dishes, and provide access to all of the main channels you can get through Freeview, digital radio and foreign language channels, as well as Sky and Sky+ - which is what residents want.
Anyone who is still not ready for the digital switchover should visit the Sky communal website – www.sky.com/communaltv. It provides information and advice on different aspects of the switchover, including switchover dates for all the UK regions. It also gives detailed information on the different communal TV options open to landlords.
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