Managing Agents urged to act now to prepare for digital switchover
The UK’s digital switchover is now in its final stages, with major TV regions such as Meridian and London set to switch by 2012. Sky has developed a specialised Communal TV Solutions team to help managing agents prepare for the Digital Switchover (DSO) and for a limited time only is offering subsidies on its Shared Dish solution. However these end on 30 November, so managing agents need to act now if they are to benefit from this additional support.
It would appear that some property managers are unclear on preparations for switchover and are concerned about the perceived cost implications. Sky’s Communal TV Solutions Team has attended around 1,500 meetings with managing agents and residents committee members since its launch, helping to explain the process and discuss the options available to them.
Pascal Wharton, Head of Sky Communal TV Solutions, comments: “When we’re helping flats make preparations for switchover, our experience is that around half of them will require at least some work to get them fully digitally ready. Ideally this should take place a year or so in advance of switchover to avoid the pressure of working to a tight deadline, but in reality many managing agents are delaying decisions until the last minute because they believe the work will be costly and stressful.
“They have also told us that they want a single point of contact who can manage the process for them. Our specialist team offers this and assures property managers have a smooth and affordable switchover.”
So why Shared Dish? This system is particularly suitable for private apartment blocks and comes at a very competitive price. The Sky service includes a dedicated project manager and expert installers to guide property managers through the entire installation process. In addition, in many cases Sky offers substantial subsidies starting at 50%*, depending on the complexity of the installation and cabling work, to make the costs more manageable. These are only available until 30 November 2011 so managing agents need to get the ball rolling on their switchover preparations as soon as possible.
The Shared Dish system delivers digital satellite TV signals to each flat in a block from a single discreet rooftop dish, so residents don’t need their own mini dishes, only their own set top box. Cables are run directly from the Shared Dish to the set-top boxes in the flats of Sky subscribers. As part of the Shared Dish package Sky will help with the communication to residents, as well as providing a quality guarantee for the system and a variety of maintenance options.
Pascal Wharton adds: “Reaching an agreement with residents over switchover plans can be a huge headache for managing agents. The Sky Communal TV Solutions team can help by attending residents meetings, explaining the process and reassuring residents, so that a solution can be found to suit all involved. We take the needs of the residents on board before deciding which system will work best.”
An alternative to the Shared Dish system is Sky’s Integrated Reception System (IRS), which is a “platform-neutral” solution, offering residents a choice of TV provider. It works by distributing signals to multiple flats from a single multi-purpose reception unit. A discreet faceplate is fitted in each flat, so that residents can choose either to watch free-to-air programmes on Freeview or Freesat (where available), or to subscribe to Sky TV (including Sky+ and Sky+HD). This cost-effective system comes with a variety of maintenance and leasing options.
Pascal Wharton concludes: “Managing agents can be assured that whatever the size or situation of their block, Sky has a suitable system available to help them prepare for switchover. We advise on an individual basis, block by block, and take into account the needs of residents, to provide the very best solution for all involved.”
To find out more about preparations for digital switchover and the subsidies which end on 30 November, managing agents should visit www.sky.com/managers or call 08442 410 331 for a free estimate, and get in touch with the Sky Switchover Team.
* Shared Dish Subsidy: Only available on a Shared Dish system. This subsidy is based on a standard externally cabled system design and is inclusive of earth bonding. Sky will contribute towards the cost of materials. There could be other factors that could impact the cost of installation in your particular block, such as internal cabling costs.
