A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau today (November 1) urged households using analogue TVs to take action immediately to add a digital set-top box or switch to a digital TV set. Otherwise, they will not be able to watch local free TV programmes after the implementation of full digital TV broadcast on December 1 (00.00 hours) this year.

     According to the latest survey findings, by October this year, 95 per cent of Hong Kong households had already switched to digital TV, while only 2.2 per cent (around 58 000) of households were still using analogue TVs and among those only less than 10 per cent of households indicated that they had not switched to digital TV owing to financial reasons.

     The spokesman said that consumers can find a large variety of digital TV receivers in the market. A basic model costs about several hundred dollars to over $1,000. Households in need can obtain digital TV receivers by applying for the Community Care Fund Digital Television Assistance Programme. The programme is administered by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) with very simple application procedures. Analogue TV households benefiting from specified social assistance programmes or are of low-income will not be required to go through additional means testing. As of now, the HKCSS has received more than 19 700 applications, of which some 16 200 households have had their digital TV receivers successfully installed.

     Eligible households can choose one of the following digital TV receivers: a set-top box, a 24-inch digital TV set or a 32-inch digital TV set. Within eight weeks after receipt of an application, the electrical appliances contractor will liaise with the applicant and arrange one-stop services, including delivery and installation of a digital TV receiver as well as disposal of the old analogue TV set. With only 30 days left before switch-off of analogue TV broadcast, the spokesman urged eligible households to apply as soon as possible, or there will not be enough time for processing and delivery before December 1.

     Application forms can be obtained from the 100 district service units that are assisting in implementing the programme and the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres in the 18 districts. Forms can also be downloaded from the programme website (digitaltv.hkcss.org.hk/en/). The programme will run until July 15, 2021. For details, please visit the dedicated website or call 2922 9230.

Ends/Sunday, November 1, 2020
Issued at HKT 9:00

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