As you may already know, TV has already gone digital  in many areas across the East of England region. The last area that will be switched to a digital signal is Norfolk.  The switchover will take place on 9th November. The existing analogue TV signal will be switched off and replaced with a new, stronger digital TV signal. There are advantages to the new system, but to keep the TV service, everybody needs to convert his or her TVs to digital before your area’s switchover date. This means that if you have not yet switched and will not do so in the coming weeks, you will not be able to watch television after 9th November. If you are not yet watching digital TV through for example freeview or freesat, then you can find out more on www.digitaluk.co.uk or call Digital UK on 08456 50 50 50. There is a help scheme. 

Digital UK can help you convert one TV to digital if you:

· are aged 75 or over; or

· get or could get Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, or

· Constant Attendance Allowance or mobility supplement;

· or have lived in a care home for six months or more; or

· are registered blind or partially sighted.

The scheme will ask you to pay £40 towards:

· easy-to-use digital equipment;

· installation by a security checked installer (or delivery only if you prefer);

· an aerial check and replacement if needed, where we can;

· a helpline and retuning advice;

· a 12 month aftercare service, including a free helpline.

This may however be free if you are eligible and you for example get pension credit, income-related employment and support allowance (ESA(IR)), income support or income-based jobseeker's allowance. Everybody who can benefit from this scheme has received a letter in the post.  For more information you can call 08456 50 50 50 or visit helpscheme.co.uk.  By ringing the phone number or visiting the website you can find out if you can benefit from the scheme and if you have to pay £40 or if the service is free.