Don't Get Conned When TV Goes Digital

The mark that anyone buying digital tv equipment should look for

By Ben Aulakh

People in Warwickshire preparing for the switchover to digital television are being warned not to be sucked in by rogue traders.

The county’s Trading Standards are urging people not to allow dodgy doorstep sellers to con them into buying equipment they don’t need, or allowing unnecessary work to be carried out on their homes.

The switch from analogue to digital television will begin on March 30, with the last broadcast from the old Lark Stoke transmitter covering Stratford upon Avon ending on April 6.

A warning on the organisations website says, “Don't be conned in to buying a brand new TV, a set top box costing around £20 - £30 should enable most televisions to receive digital signals.

“If you do wish to purchase a digital TV recorder, shop around and look for products with the digital TV tick.”

Trading standards are also keen to stress that most rooftop aerials and some set top boxes will continue to work after digital switchover.

This means that viewers may not need to upgrade their aerial or buy a digital receiver; anyone can test the strength of their aerial by visiting Teletext page p284.

The council agency is advising people to follow a few simple steps to avoid being caught out by dodgy dealers.

Firstly, if you are approached on the doorstep by a trader offering to replace your aerial just say no and shut the door.

Secondly, check the aerial strength first and if you need an upgrade, ensure that the trader you choose is a Registered Digital Installer.

Thirdly, be aware that the installation of a standard new rooftop aerial can cost from £60 up to a maximum of £180.

The latest advice on unlicensed tradesmen comes as part of the council’s ‘Scamnesty’ drive, urging people to ‘bin a scam’ in February.

Scamnesty bins’ will have been provided at main libraries and one stop shops across the county for residents to bin their bogus prize draws and sweepstakes, scam lotteries and advanced fee fraud letters.

Trading Standards Officers will then collect the bins, identify any relevant issues and then shred them.

Millions of people each year are targeted by mass marketing scams and one in every 15 recipients fall victim to them, costing UK consumers is a staggering £3.5 billion every year.

More information can be found on the council’s website at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk.

Photograph from  www.westcountrydigital.co.uk