Thousands of owners face blank screens in digital switch

With contractors likely to face capacity problems during switchover, some less responsible landlords will delay improvements needed due to the financial crisis or just simply to save money. It is important for residents to avoid facing a ‘blank’ screen when their area switches off the current analogue signals over the next few years. With the Border region next to switch to ONLY digital later this year, the potential for ‘switch-off’ could affect thousands. Residents may be forced either to pay inflated service charge rises or be left without any TV. Digital UK is to commission pilot research to evaluate and monitor progress and attitudes among private rented and long-leasehold residential housing sectors in Manchester. The aim of the project is to measure progress made by private sector landlords to upgrade communal TV systems. With the conversion of communal aerial systems and issues of responsibility being the main causes of a slower conversion rate than in houses, it is disappointing the Government’s help scheme excludes landlords or managing agents. This potentially leaves many flat-dwellers who otherwise would qualify for the scheme with an inflated cost to receive the new technology. Michael Moore MP has secured a debate on this important issue in Westminster Hall.