The switch to digital can be a confusing time for people who have had their TV for a number of years and are not sure of the steps they need to take. Argos sells around one in four set top boxes in the UK so we’re ideally placed to help*. We don’t want
(PRWEB) November 18, 2009
Argos, the UK’s number one multi-channel retailer, is preparing to help customers in the Granada region for the digital switchover with the introduction of dedicated trained advisors, customer information points and a wide range of digital products. The Winter Hill transmitter group, affecting Liverpool, Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire and North Staffordshire areas, began switching over on November 4 and Argos is on hand to help. By 2012, all television signals will be digital and analogue TVs and videos will no longer work without extra equipment. Locals needn’t worry, with advisors on hand to help at their local Argos store.
Argos is working closely with Digital UK to ensure customers have all the information they need for the switchover. The 85 stores around the area covered by the Winter Hill transmitter have Digital UK approved advisors on hand to help. With experience from other areas that have switched, Argos knows the needs of customers at this time, having recorded enormous demand for set top box lines. In-store displays will also ensure customers have access to simple, clear advice.
Paul Emslie, Technology Trading Director, Argos commented:
“The switch to digital can be a confusing time for people who have had their TV for a number of years and are not sure of the steps they need to take. Argos sells around one in four set top boxes in the UK so we’re ideally placed to help*. We don’t want customers to make the mistake of buying equipment that they do not need, and hope that by providing trained staff and great value offers that we can make the switchover as easy as possible for our customers”.
Virtually any TV can be converted with a digital box. Anyone buying new TV equipment should look for the ‘digital tick’ logo which is clearly marked in the Argos catalogue to ensure the product they are purchasing works before, during and after switchover.
There are three main options for going digital:
1. Convert your existing TV with a digital set-top box (eg. Freeview, Top Up TV)
2. Get a service like satellite, cable or broadband TV installed for you (eg. through Sky or a Freesat box)
3. Get a new TV with digital built-in (eg. Freeview, Freesat)
The Winter Hill transmitter will switch to digital in two stages: Stage 1 - BBC Two will go to digital and some new digital channels become available (November 4), Stage 2 - All the remaining analogue channels will switch to digital and the remaining digital channels will become available (December 2). If you have Freeview, BT Vision or Top Up TV you’ll need to re-tune your equipment at each stage of the switchover.
Switchover is the process of converting the UK’s terrestrial television system to digital. Between now and 2012, analogue channels broadcasting from more than a thousand transmitter sites will be switched off region by region and replaced with Freeview digital TV and radio services.
Argos also has an interactive digital switchover section on the website, http://www.argos.co.uk, which includes an online tool designed to ‘walk’ customers through their current set up and requirements and guide them to the product they need. Customers can also refer to the latest Argos catalogue for help.
Notes to editors
For more information contact iris PR:
Laura Mair 020 7654 7924, 07921 828 414
Amy Richards 020 7922 8126, 07887 992 177
- Figure from independent market research agency GfK Group
About Argos
Argos is a unique retailer recognised for choice, value and convenience. It sells general merchandise and products for the home from over 700 stores throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland, online and over the telephone. In the last financial year, Argos sales were £4.3 billion.
Argos serves over 130 million customers a year through its stores. On average, 18 million UK households, or around two thirds of the population, have an Argos catalogue at home at any time.
Argos expects to add around 20 stores this year. Its internet site, http://www.argos.co.uk, was the most visited high street retailer online in the UK in 2008.
Argos is part of Home Retail Group, the UK’s leading home and general merchandise retailer.
More information about Argos can be found on http://www.homeretailgroup.com (this is a separate website and will open a new window).
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