BBC Digital switchover help scheme

[rosyposy]

Has anyone used the BBC switchover help scheme and what do you think of it please? If anyone upgraded to a digital recorder with them what kind did you receive and how much more then the £40 BBC are charging did it cost. My elderly neighbours are wondering which would be the best thing for them, to go with the BBC one for £40+ or buy a recorder themselves. They already have the proper aerial. They have written to the BBC to ask for the details of the recorded one they are offering (or do they get a choice?) but they haven't replied, so I am hoping someone here can give me more info.for them. TIA -rosy

[Maydup]

I don't think they'll get a digital recorder for £40, it will be a digi-box which will connect to their TV.

If they already have a digital TV or a set top box, then the £40 will be charged for someone to come and check thier equipment and retune it for them.. To be honest you or another neighbour could probably do that for he. If they want a digital recorder, help them to shop around in the supermarkets or Argos.

[rosyposy]

Thank you for replying Maidup. They are not expecting a recorder for £40. it says on the form they were sent that a digital recorder will cost you more, so they are wondering 'how much more' and how the one they would get compares with what is on offer in the shops- there is such a variation in them I was hoping someone could tell them what the BBC is supplying before they (I) start shopping around. Thanks again - rosy

[VHG]

The web site says you get a "set top box" for your £40 not a recorder (that is extra).

The set top box will just be a "basic" Freeview set top box the same as you could buy from Argos, Tesco etc.

You can get a set top box from Argos for between £18 up to over £100.

According to the digital switchover web site the only areas left to switch are "Meridan, Tyne Tees, Northern Ireland", are you in one of those areas?

[VHG]

If they want a digital recorder then Humax are one of the best makes.

There is one on the Argos web site for £170.

What sort of TV have they got? Old large "CRT" type TV, or a modern flat screen TV?

[rosyposy]

Yes VHG we are in Tyne Tees-getting switched over September/October. I know about the extra to pay which is why I put £40+. Thanks for replying - rosy

[VHG]

Note you can contact the people running the scheme a number of ways, see here. There is a phone number

http://www.helpscheme.co.uk/en/contact

[rosyposy]

Lines crossed there. They have the old CRT -rosy

[rosyposy]

Right, thank you for that, I will give them a ring. thanks again - rosy

[VHG]

>>>They have the old CRT

Does the CRT TV have a Scart socket?

May be slight problem if it does not.

More complex to fit a Freeview box if the TV does not have a Scart socket.

[rosyposy]

Yes, it actually has three scart sockets - it's just a couple of years old I think - rosy

[rosyposy]

Hello VHG, I must mention that we have a Humax and it drives me crazy! It freezes regularly for about 24hours (at least) every week, which is another rerason I wanted advice for my friends - rosy

[RachArk]

Hi Rosy

The price of a DTR in the Tyne Tees region is £186. This price includes the equipment, delivery, installation, an aerial upgrade if needed and a 12 month aftercare service.

Your neighbours should have been sent an options guide that clearly outlines the options available and the prices for each option.

I would just like to point out that Maidup was actually wrong to say:

'If they already have a digital TV or a set top box, then the £40 will be charged for someone to come and check thier equipment and retune it for them.. '

If one of our engineers identifies that the customer is already digital they will tell them they do not need any equipment from us and their £40 will be refunded. Our engineer don't retune or assist with non-Help Scheme equipment.

The DTR the Help Scheme provides is a TVonics HV-250.

I hope this helps, however if you require any further information please clal our helpline on 0800 408 5900. If you are calling on behalf of somebody else you will need to answer certain questions for data protection purposes.

Kind regards

Rachel

[rosyposy]

Thank you RachArk for your very comprehensive reply. They did receive a letter outlining their options but the only price mentioned was the £40 hence my question. I will let them know what you have told me and we will take it from there, thanks again - rosy