Care Homes and Digital TV

‘It is the responsibility of landlords rather than residents to upgrade communal TV systems and reception or other reception equipment which the landlord is responsible.’
Digital UK, 2008   

Research has proven that for residents in care homes, the television is often the point of focus for entertainment, companionship and point of contact with the outside world. To avoid residents losing access to services, all landlords should make sure that existing communal TV systems are ready for digital in good time for switchover.

Not all systems will need upgrading, and simply attaching a set top box will suffice. However, this in itself may pose a problem. Residents will now receive a plethora of channels and the use of two remotes will cause confusion.

Using a distribution unit could be a solution. This involves attaching a ‘digital box’ at the headend distribution unit. 6 channels are then sent to each resident where they can watch and record television exactly as they did before switchover and without the need to purchase any new equipment. 

Each situation is different but what we endeavour to do is give an honest and impartial opinion of your situation, offering recommendations and any advice when necessary.

What is digital switchover?

November 1st 2009 will see the Granada region go completely digital. This means that you won’t be able to watch television on any set that doesn’t have a digital signal and hasn’t been converted.

How will it affect you?

If you own or manage a property you will have to ensure that the current system is set up to receive digital, otherwise residents may not be able to watch television after switchover, even if they have the correct equipment.

What do you have to do?

If your property uses a single aerial or dish feeding an individual room / home then it should be relatively easy to ensure you receive a digital signal. If however, it uses a single dish or aerial, distributed to a large number of residents, a communal system, then it could be more problematic.

We offer a service where we will come to your establishment and assess your needs. Members of the Association will be entitled to the discounted price of £100.00 plus VAT (usual cost £150.00 plus VAT). For this, you will receive a detailed report about the system in place and what you have to do in preparation for switchover. You then have the choice to either use us for any changes or present it to another company for another quote.

There is a great deal of confusion amongst care home owners with regards to what they have to do, their responsibilities etc. We are only now getting care homes coming back to us who want the work doing. Preparation is key! There is the potential that a lot of care homes will be unable to offer TV services to their residents, come switchover unless they upgrade their TV systems. This is not always the case and many homes will be OK but because of supply and demand, nearer the time prices will increase as the demand increases.

After presenting you with the report you are under no obligation to use our services or even take our advice. If you do decide to use us, we offer a variety of payment options. From full invoicing, finance on a ‘cost per room’ basis or payment over a set period, we are able to offer a solution that best suits your needs.

Who are dugdales?

‘Our aim is to provide quality, cost effective digital solutions’

With over 20 years of experience our business has been built up by offering the best possible service at a competitive price. Having completed thousands of domestic and commercial installs we have the experience and knowledge to cope with any situation.

We are one of the top ten independent SKY retailers in the UK and were one of the first companies in the UK have its installers gain ‘registered digital installer’ status. All of our fitters have thus, met this criteria:

• Level Two NVQ or SVQ in Electrical and Electronic Servicing (Signal Reception Pathway)
• Satisfactory criminal record disclosure
• Appropriate Public Liability Insurance

To arrange for your Digital Report at a discounted members rate of £100.00 plus VAT (normally £150.00 plus VAT), call 01925 415163 or contact us dugdales@completecarenetwork.co.uk

CARE HOME OWNERS CONFUSED BY DIGITAL SWITCH OVER

Our details:

www.dugdalescommercial.com
dugdales@completecarenetwork.co.uk

dugdales digital (Commercial) Ltd
Astra House
1 Chatburn Rd
Clitheroe
Lancs
BB7 2AW