Editorial:

With only a little over 3 months to go before North Devon switches over to Digital in what is the biggest event in television history since colour transmission, Torridge Electrical are using this month’s issue of the ‘North Devon Insight’ magazine to advise households and consumers alike of the three main options available in the simplest way possible.
For starters it is not at all necessary to buy a new television set, however all televisions will need a Freeview or freesat box connected. Any existing aerials will accept the digital signal but the older television models that take analogue transmissions will not accept digital hence the reason for buying a Freeview or freesat box. Newer televisions now come with in-built Freeview. All those households who are Sky subscribers will not have to worry, ditto BT Vision subscribers.

Consumers who do use this opportunity to upgrade their televisions need to check that their new make or model comes either with Freeview or freesat. New models will have the digital logo on them. One benefit to families in this ever evolving technology is that it can reduce all the extra remote controls! For example, Panasonic is the only company at present whose televisions have integrated freesat.

At the moment the signal at Huntshaw Cross is 1/4 of the output of what it will be. When analogue is switched off, then the power will be boosted. Aerials in a loft may need minor adjusting or moving to a better position. Tenants who live in blocks of flats may have problems with a communal aerial in which case building maintenance will have to adjust this, whether it be Council, Private Owners, or Housing Associations.
Another reason for poor reception could be that the distribution amplifier may need upgrading, which is easily remedied.

Now may also be a good time for households to replace old exterior television cables that haven’t been touched for years as they may be worn or cracked.

If householders who already receive a good signal find their reception has worsened with the switchover then a quick call to Torridge Electrical will solve the problem. The engineer would do signal testing, replace or remove an amplifier.

Although established in 2006, each of Torridge Electrical’s three Directors are fully qualified electricians who have over 60 years of experience between them having worked throughout North Devon. They specialise in all fields of the industry from domestic to industrial and commercial installations.

Torridge Electrical can also supply and install top quality appliances from a large range of manufacturers, and are able to source and install appliances at competitive prices with free delivery throughout the Barnstaple, Bideford and Torrington areas.

For prompt personal and professional service call Torridge Electrical today.

Tony Colwill for all aerial and digital enquiries – 07917 208192
Kevin Andrew for new appliance enquiries – 07974 846449
John Meincken for all electrical work – 07786 391818
Angela Shenton – The Link Publications