Hong Kong will implement full digital TV broadcast on December 1 (00.00 hours) this year. With only 60 days left, households using analogue TVs should take action immediately to obtain digital TV receivers, otherwise they will not be able to access local free TV programmes, a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau urged again today (October 2).
According to survey findings, by July this year, nearly 95 per cent of Hong Kong households have already switched to digital TV, while only 2.6 per cent (around 68 000) of households are still using analogue TVs. These figures show that most Hong Kong residents are ready for full digital TV broadcast.
Analogue TV households can purchase a suitable digital set-top box or a digital TV set according to their family needs.
The Government has engaged the Hong Kong Council of Social Service to launch the Community Care Fund Digital Television Assistance Programme to help analogue TV households in need obtain digital TV receivers. Analogue TV households benefiting from specified social assistance programmes or are of low-income will not be required to go through additional means testing. 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.
As of now, more than 17 500 applications have been received, of which some 14 300 households have their digital TV receivers successfully installed.
The spokesman urged that eligible households should apply now to allow time for processing and delivery before the analogue TV transmission is switched off in December.
Application forms can be obtained from the 100 district service units which assist 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.
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