One Vision Housing

One Vision Housing is now making plans to upgrade all existing communal aerials so that they are ready for the Government's 'digital switchover'.

One Vision Housing will be working in conjunction with the Northern Housing Consortium and Digital UK to ensure that all affected One Vision housing homes are ready by 2009.

Digital means that the pictures and sounds are converted into computerised 'bits' of information and compressed, and then sent from a transmitter to your TV set. The signal arrives at your set via an aerial, cable or via a satellite dish. The signal is then converted back into pictures and sounds - TV programmes.

Over the next few months One Vision housing will be carrying out consultation with tenants and leaseholders to obtain their views on what the new Digital service should be. We will also be working with our partners, tenants and leaseholders in the selection of contractors who we consider will be capable of carrying out the work.

One Vision Housing:- Digital T.V. Leaflet

Digital Switchover - Frequently Asked Questions

1.   What is digital TV Switch Over?

Starting in 2008 and ending in 2012, TV services in the UK will go completely digital, TV region by TV region. This process is called Digital Switchover. The UK's old television broadcast signal (known as analogue is being switched off and replaced with a digital signal. Any TV set or video recorder thats not converted to digital when the switchover takes place will no longer receive TV programmes.

2. I can't currently get Freeview. Does this mean that I will lose my TV after switchover?

No. One of the reasons that switchover is happening is so that more people can get Freeview (TV through their aerial). It's only by switching off the old analogue signal that power for the digital signal can be increased.

3. If I don't do anything, will I lose my TV Reception?

Yes - if you don't already have digital TV and don't do anything, you won't be able to continue watching television broadcasts after switchover.

You will also need to ensure that every TV set in your home that you want to use to watch TV broadcasts can receive digital TV. Any TV set that you use solely to play back videotapes or DVD's, or with a games console, will not need to be converted.

4. When will it start?

Digital switchover will start in 2008, and roll out region by region finishing in about 2012.

Your TV region is determined by which ITV1 service you currently receive, Government has confirmed the Granada switchover will commence in 2009.

5. How long will switchover take in the Granada region?

Preparatory engineering work on the transmitter masts across the Granada TV region will begin well before 2009. Generally, this should have little or no effect on viewers other than a few short breaks in service outside peak viewing times. The switchover process itself will be completed in the second half of 2009.

6. How will switchover take place?

Switchover will start with switching BBC2 to digital-only. There will then be a month's grace period, so that if there are problems with your set-up,there will be time to resolve them. We will send you information about the exact date of switchover in your area nearer the time.

7. Which transmitters are affected by the Granada switchover? 

Switchover affects the main transmitter for the Granada region at Winter Hill, and all 69 of its relay transmitters.

8. I already watch Freeview. Will switchover affect me?

Low power Freeview transmissions are already available from Winter Hill and the relay transmitters at Lancaster; Pendle Forest, Saddleworth and Storeton. These transmissions will be upgraded as part of the switchover process, bringing new households into coverage for the first time, and boosting reception for existing viewers. The way the improvements will be made means that existing Freeview viewers will need to rescan their receivers to continue to enjoy Freeview. We will send you information about the steps you need to take nearer the time.

9. Am I eligible for the Digital Switchover Help Scheme?

You are eligible if you your partner or dependent child:

• Are 75 years old or over
• Are entitled to attendance allowance, constant attendance allowance, mobility supplement or Disability Living Allowance or,
• Are registered blind or partially sighted.

 If you, your partner or dependent child are eligible, then you will only get help to convert one TV set between you.

10. Iam eligible, how much will it cost me?

 The basic option will be free only if you are eligible (see above), and if you are entitled to Pension Credit, Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.

For those who are not entitled to Pension Credit, Income Support or income based Jobseeker's Allowance and are eligible (see above criteria), the Help Scheme will cost eligible households a subsidised amount of £40 for the basic equipment and help.

For more information on the Help Scheme either visit the digital uk website here.

11. If I am entitled to the Digital Switchover Help Scheme will I still pay a service Charge?

Yes - The service charge is made to cover the cost of the initial installation and the future maintenance of the aerials.

12. I live in a flat and share my aerial with others. What do I need to do?

If you share your aerial with others then you may have a communal TV system. If so, this may need to be adapted or replaced to receive digital television. Your landlord or managing agent should be aware of this and be making plans.

13. What is One Vision Housing doing to ensure my aerial can receive Digital T.V.?

One Vision Housing will be installing a new communal aerial system which will give residents the ability to receive Digital TV.

14. How will the new aerials and maintenance service be paid for?

One Vision Housing would levy a service charge to individual residents who benefit from the new aerial system.

15. When the new aerial is installed will I be able to receive Digital TV immediately?

No - You will still need to purchase a set top box or digital ready television

16. Will the new aerial allow access to other services?

This will depend on the type of communal aerial system One Vision Housing installs in your property.

17. Who will decide which aerial system will be installed?

You will - One Vision Housing will be carrying out a survey of all residents who currently have a communal aerial system to ask which system residents would like to see installed.

18. Will Housing benefit pay for the Service Charge?

Because the aerials are communal and if you are entitled to Housing Benefit then the service charge would be fully or partially covered by Housing Benefit depending on individual resident's circumstances.

19. How will I report any problems?

Before any work starts all residents will be given contact details of One Vision Housing representatives who will be monitoring the standard of work carried out.

20. Can I meet the contractors before they start work? 

Yes - One Vision Housing will arrange a further meeting prior to any work being started giving residents an opportunity to meet with the contractors, their staff or representatives.

21. Can residents be involved in selecting the contractors for the work?

One Vision Housing will work with nominated representatives from the area in the selection of any contractors for the work.

22. If I am currently paying for Sky, Virgin Media will I still need to pay a service charge?

Yes - The service charge is made to cover the cost of the initial installation and the future maintenance of the aerials.

23. Will I still need to pay a television licence?

Yes - Your licence is paid to the government.

24. Does One Vision Housing have to levy a Service Charge?

 Yes- Service charge regulations allow One Vision Housing to pass on the cost of installation and maintenance of the digital system. Government guidance indicates that service charges should be charged separately from any rent payments to enable tenants and leaseholders to understand service costs.

Further information can be obtained from digital uk.