SWITCHED ON: Retravision salesman Garry Ozols explains customers’ digital TV options. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 0608sgtv2
MANY people are unaware the digital switchover has occurred, according to Orange electrical retailers.
Orange Retravision store manager Mark Andrew said about a dozen people had confronted staff in the past three days because their analog televisions were not working.
“Some people just still don’t understand it has happened and they are really confused,” he said.
The analog signal for the central west was turned off on Tuesday. People need to use a digital television to receive the digital signal.
Mr Andrew said he didn’t realise the switchover would cause such distress.
“For some reason the message just hasn’t got through to some people,” he said.
“Some people have been angry that their televisions don’t work.”
Harvey Norman electronics salesman Shannon Hart said people had plenty of notice for the switchover.
“They have been advertising this for about three years,” he said.
“Personally I think there was enough advertising.”
However, both men said people calmed down when they explained customers would get free digital channels.
Mr Hart said another problem was people thought they could still record from their television.
“People come in saying we bought this new digital TV and it won’t record,” Mr Hart said.
“Once we explain to them they need to have a digital recorder with an inbuilt tuner they are happy.
“It is really important to explain to people what the switchover means as it can be a confusing for some.”
nicole.kuter@ruralpress.com