GOVERNMENT EASES LANDLORDS SWITCH TO DIGITAL TV

LANDLORDS will now find it easier to access information about switching to digital TV, with the aid of a new leaflet aimed at helping them choose the type of digital receiving equipment to install in a block of flats or an estate.
The leaflet - Digital TV Information for Landlords - launched by Broadcasting Minister Kim Howells, enables landlords and tenants to make an informed decision on how to go for satellite, terrestrial and cable when upgrading to digital TV receiving equipment in multi-occupancy housing.
A significant number of households - around 20 per cent - now rely on shared aerial systems to receive television services. The Government wants to be sure that those households are included in the new digital age to allow every home in a block of flats or an estate to have the same full choice as an individual home.
Upgrading to the modern digital technology will be necessary in most situations to allow access to a comprehensive range of digital television and information services which are currently available - as well as new services which will be developed.
Kim Howells said: "Consumer demand to switch to digital television via satellite, terrestrial and cable is already high, and is continuing to grow rapidly. Failure to upgrade communal aerial systems will cause disappointment and frustration to those tenants unable to access the new digital services. We hope that landlords will consult their tenants and residents of homes which are served by communal receiving systems before they take decisions on a particular type of upgrade or modification to the existing system."
The Local Government Association, Housing Corporation and Welsh Local Government Association will distribute copies of the leaflet to Registered Social Landlords. People can also find copies of the leaflet on the government website for digital television at www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk. (CD)