Are you switched on for switchover?

Nowadays a television in a guest’s bedroom is regarded as the norm, not a luxury. So, if you provide televisions in your accommodation, you will need to make sure, if you haven’t already, that your guests aren’t left watching a blank screen after digital switchover.

Starting this month with Whitehaven and Copeland (Border), TV region by TV region will go completely digital across the UK between 2007 and 2012. The process is called digital switchover.

To find out when your region switches to digital TV visit www.digitaluk.co.uk

What does this mean for accommodation providers?

Unlike the switch to colour TV in the 1960s, when not doing anything was an option, all televisions will need to be upgraded or replaced to enable them to receive a digital signal.

There are several options for converting your TVs and a number of factors for you to consider. The type and size of your accommodation, the number of TVs to convert, your guests’ expectations and your budget are all important things to consider.

How do I convert my TVs?

You might choose to provide a digital TV service through your existing aerial. Connecting a digital box to every TV set will enable you to receive the Freeview package of free-to-air channels (around 30 depending on signal strength). However, digital boxes require their own remote control, and you may need to physically secure the boxes in the rooms. A digital box costs from around £25.

Alternatively you could replace existing analogue TVs with integrated televisions (IDTVs) which have inbuilt digital receivers. These cost from £100 upwards.

If either of these is your preferred option then your existing aerial or cables should be able to receive the digital signal, but there’s a chance they may need to be replaced. If you need to check or upgrade your aerial, look for a Registered Digital Installer (RDI) or an Associate RDI. If you can’t find an RDI installer in your area call 08456 505050 or look for an installer in your area who belongs to a trade body.

If TV is not a high priority for your guests, and you only want to deliver some TV channels, then a head-end distribution box may be the ideal choice. For around £500 the head-end distribution box converts five channels (for example BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Channel 4 and News 24) into analogue and then this can be carried on the existing cables to existing televisions. This extends the use of existing TVs and you can vary the channels you choose, however, it will give no access to the interactive services that digital TV offers.

Another option for receiving digital TV is through a satellite dish. You can choose from either subscription or non-subscription packages. Please visit www.business.sky.com/hotels.asp for more information.

There are further options for receiving digital TV, such as via cable and through a phone line. These are available in most regions, so visit Digital UK’s postcode checker to see what services are available in your area at www.digitaluk.co.uk

Larger hotels and leisure accommodation may have a communal TV aerial system (one set of aerials or satellites serving multiple TV connections) that may require upgrading. Ask a registered digital aerial installer to check.

For further information

Look for the digital TV logo (shown below) when buying any TV equipment. This identifies products that are designed to work before, during and after switchover.

For more detailed information on digital TV switchover and any of the systems mentioned above please visit www.digitaluk.co.uk/propertymanagers