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TV switchover help scheme runs out of digital boxes TV switchover help scheme runs out of HD digital boxes
(about 4 hours later)
A scheme to help the elderly with the switchover to digital television has been inundated with requests for set-top boxes. A scheme to help the elderly with the switchover to digital television has been inundated with requests for high definition set-top boxes.
The Switchover Help Scheme was set up to help older and disabled people with everything needed for the change. The href="http://www.helpscheme.co.uk/" >Switchover Help Scheme was set up to help older and disabled people with the change.
However, an unexpectedly high number of requests has resulted in a shortage of Freeview boxes and affected installation dates. However, there has been an unexpectedly high number of requests for HD Freeview boxes in Northern Ireland.
Applications have been higher in NI than in any other region. The HD box can pick up RTE's digital service while the standard box will not.
A help scheme spokeswoman said the applications had continued right up to the switchover and this had affected appointment dates for people who are applying now.A help scheme spokeswoman said the applications had continued right up to the switchover and this had affected appointment dates for people who are applying now.
"The Switchover Help Scheme is sorry that many customers in Northern Ireland are waiting for installations," the spokeswoman said."The Switchover Help Scheme is sorry that many customers in Northern Ireland are waiting for installations," the spokeswoman said.
"The Freeview HD box which gives access to RTE channels and TG4, has been even more popular than we expected and we ran out of stock in the summer.""The Freeview HD box which gives access to RTE channels and TG4, has been even more popular than we expected and we ran out of stock in the summer."
'New supplies''New supplies'
However, all was not entirely doom and gloom for those waiting to have their digital box installed.However, all was not entirely doom and gloom for those waiting to have their digital box installed.
"New supplies of the Freeview HD box arrive in the next two weeks and people with existing orders will start getting them shortly," the spokeswoman said."New supplies of the Freeview HD box arrive in the next two weeks and people with existing orders will start getting them shortly," the spokeswoman said.
"The Switchover Help Scheme is working very hard to install everyone's equipment as soon as we can and we are aiming to serve nearly everyone who has already applied by the end of the year.""The Switchover Help Scheme is working very hard to install everyone's equipment as soon as we can and we are aiming to serve nearly everyone who has already applied by the end of the year."
Eligible older and disabled people in Northern Ireland can still get help from the Switchover Help Scheme.Eligible older and disabled people in Northern Ireland can still get help from the Switchover Help Scheme.
They have been offered practical help to convert one TV in their homes, including digital TV equipment, installation and 12 months aftercare.They have been offered practical help to convert one TV in their homes, including digital TV equipment, installation and 12 months aftercare.
Most people will be asked to pay £40 towards the help, but it is free for eligible people who are also on certain income-related benefits.Most people will be asked to pay £40 towards the help, but it is free for eligible people who are also on certain income-related benefits.
In Northern Ireland, eligible people can choose between an easy-to-use Freeview set-top box, or a Freeview HD set-top box which can receive the UK public service channel and also TG4, RTE One and RTE Two, subject to coverage in their area.In Northern Ireland, eligible people can choose between an easy-to-use Freeview set-top box, or a Freeview HD set-top box which can receive the UK public service channel and also TG4, RTE One and RTE Two, subject to coverage in their area.
Other options are also available, some at higher cost.Other options are also available, some at higher cost.
Applications to the help scheme can be made until 24 November.Applications to the help scheme can be made until 24 November.