DORSET Trading Standards officers say they have found “disappointing” gaps in the knowledge of TV aerial installers ahead of next week’s digital switchover.

The television signal for the eastern half of the county is being switched to digital on Wendesday, March 7, so anyone relying on the old signal without a set-top box will no longer be able to watch their television.

An undercover survey by county trading standards officers found that of 19 aerial installers called, most confirmed it was not always necessary to have a new aerial, but suggested a visit may be best to determine whether any extra equipment was needed.

None of the traders pointed callers towards Teletext page 284, where consumers can check the signal for themselves, or the postcode checker on the Digital UK website.

Only one of the 19 highlighted the Switch-over Help Scheme, despite the direct question of whether there were discounts for customers of 75 and above.

When asked how much a new aerial would cost, all were within the range suggested by Digital UK.

Richard Herringshaw principal trading standards officer for Dorset County Council, said: “This was an improvement on a similar survey conducted in 2008. However, it was still disappointing that traders failed to highlight the Digital Help Scheme or the Teletext signal page.”

He reminded tradesmen entering into a contract at anyone’s home that they have to give notice of the consumer’s right to cancel within seven days.

Anyone who may have been mis-sold equipment for digital TV or were not given notice of cancellation rights should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.