Operating both analogue and digital systems is inefficient and the government has devised a timetable for switching off analogue television transmitters by TV region over a four and a half year period.

 Ian Adams is Head of Business Development at Digital UK, the organisation which will co-ordinate the UK switchover. He explained: “Switchover to digital TV will enable more people to access the wider choice and better quality viewing experience that digital services offer. Currently, one in four UK households cannot get the full range of digital TV services available free though an aerial and one in five households cannot get Channel Five through their aerial. The government wants everyone to have a choice of affordable digital TV options and only switchover can change this.”

He continued: “Digital technology is a more efficient way of delivering television signals. Switching to digital will free up spectrum that could be used for new services such as high definition television and broadcasting to mobile phones, and ensure that the UK continues as a world leader in broadcasting.”

Implications for landlords and tenants

For tenants of apartment blocks to be able to receive the digital signal it is likely that many of the current communal TV systems will need upgrading or, in some instances, replacing entirely. An aerial, dish or cable connection must be established or an upgraded communal system installed that tenants are able to plug in to. 

With this in place, viewers need to connect a ‘set-top box’ receiver to their television or use a digital-ready television, where the receiver is integrated into the set, to watch digital programmes.

Options for digital satellite TV

Specifically set up to provide support for viewers accessing digital satellite television in multiple dwelling properties, Sky Homes is a division of British Sky Broadcasting Ltd and as such has access to the most accurate and up to date information on digital television in the UK.

Simon Jackson, Head of Sky Homes, said: “We are committed to ensuring that residents of rental or leasehold properties have access to digital satellite TV and Sky Homes is on hand to help landlords in providing it to residents in the most cost effective manner.”

“At the forefront of technological developments and with a network of approved contractors, Sky Homes has developed Free Shared Dish (FSD) which is a communal TV system that has been specifically designed for apartment blocks. It gives every resident access to digital satellite services from Sky in the same way as an individual homeowner but without the need for each flat to put up their own dish – an option often disallowed under building covenants and planning regulations,” he continued.

Free Shared Dish (FSD)

For large, new build developments it is possible to install integrated reception systems (IRS) for digital TV during the construction phase. However for existing, smaller blocks of flats that were built without provision for digital TV, FSD is a cheap and flexible alternative for landlords and tenants alike.

The FSD equipment is provided free by Sky Homes, subject to survey of the block, for buildings containing between four and 25 flats and with at least four subscribing to Sky digital. There is no charge for FSD installation, the only cost to landlords is for the electrical earth bonding of the equipment which must, by law, be carried out or certified by a qualified electrician and normally costing in the region of £150-£200.

FSD is well suited to both private landlords and management companies alike. The system has a single small satellite dish, usually fixed on the roof and out of site, signals are distributed by special head-end equipment that requires no mains power supply of its own, and can be located near the dish without need for extra electrical works. Cabling is routed to individual apartments externally, so there is minimum upheaval for residents, and this allows additional connections to be made easily at a future date.

FSD provides access to digital satellite TV from Sky when all residents will have to make the change from analogue, but it also enables those wanting digital satellite TV beforehand to benefit from the Sky’s range of digital services.

Case study – Bevan Gate

Bevan Gate is a smart development of around 40 homes built over four years ago in Bracknell and includes terraced and semi-detached homes and a small three-storey block of 14 apartments. While most of these apartments are privately owned, six of the units are owned and sub-let by Berkshire Rooms, a company offering short-term executive accommodation to professionals working away from home, all of which furnished, serviced, and fully equipped with all the necessities and comforts of home.

The Bevan Gate block was originally built with an analogue aerial distribution system to deliver standard terrestrial TV services to each apartment, but this wasn’t meeting the needs of the Berkshire Rooms residents who increasingly wanted and expected the latest entertainment technologies. 

Don James, Managing Director of Berkshire Rooms, explained: “We offer the fullest possible service to our residents and they expect accommodation to the highest standards, fully equipped with all modern conveniences and digital entertainment.”

“When we first purchased the apartments at Bevan Gate, we installed Freeview boxes in each apartment but these didn’t really suit our residents’ needs,” said James. “Freeview provided a reasonable basic service, but only through Sky TV can we offer residents the option of a full package of sports and movies which is what they want.”

“Comprehensive integrated TV systems, like IRS, were considered but proved too expensive. We also investigated cable but that was not even available to the building and as residents couldn’t put up their own dishes – they’re not allowed on the apartments – it had to be a central shared system, but at the right price. ”

It was FSD that provided residents with the digital services they expected, at a price they would consider – supplied and installed for free.

The building was surveyed by Sky Homes contractor, Spectrum UK and judged suitable for FSD. David Fogelman of Spectrum explained: “We want the job to be as easy as possible for everyone, so it’s all pre-agreed. The managing agent at Bevan Gate was sent the survey and they approved it before we started the job.”

“The single dish was positioned on the side of the building and all cabling colour-matched with the brickwork and hidden by the architectural features where possible. FSD is the perfect solution to the specific problem of small blocks of flats,” said Fogelman.

Since FSD was installed, the reaction from Berkshire Rooms residents has been “really, really positive,” said James. “It’s about offering choice. They like the idea of having the option to upgrade to all the channels. For some it’s imperative – because they can now get sport!”

He continued: “The installation process was very straightforward and FSD involved no cost to us which was very welcome.”

More details about digital TV switchover and timings are available at www.digitaluk.co.uk or by calling Digital UK on 0845 6 50 50 50.

Information about installing a digital TV platform into flatted properties and the Free Shared Dish system can be found at www.skyhomes.co.uk or by calling 08706 080 298.

SWITCHOVER TIMING                    TV REGION

Starting in 2009                                    West Country, Wales, Granada

Starting in 2010                                    West, Grampian, Scottish

Starting in 2011                                    Central, Yorkshire, Anglia