Originally published in the North Norfolk News. Restored from the surviving column copy, with light typo corrections. Prices, predictions and opinions reflect the time.
Is your digital television up the blink at the moment? Do you feel like throwing the box across the room?
It could be because the technical experts have recently made âimprovementsâ to our nearest transmitter at Tacolneston, just outside of Norwich.
I use the term âimprovementsâ loosely because the enhancement work that took place on the 5th August actually caused several models of âFreeviewâ boxes to stop working, and the number of calls logged to the company has risen to 2,300.
Although it was only minor work that took place this month, and only a minority were affected, I still believe there is cause for concern that in three years time we wonât be ready for the digital switchover in our region.
Luckily, there is a new solution to our digital television woes.
If you are suffering from poor âFreeviewâ signals because you are out in the sticks, or you simply canât fathom how to make the box work, there is a new option of getting television through your satellite dish without having to pay a subscription.
For the elderly and young families, Sky television is far too expensive, especially to those who are paying £40 a month just to watch a few extras channels.
So you will be pleased to know that the BBC and ITV have joined forces to create âFreesatâ â where you simply pay for the box, the dish and the installation.
You can get hold of a box for about £50 now in most electrical retailers, and although installation comes at the price of around £80, this is all youâll ever need to pay.
Itâs as simple as that, and there is no con or extra fees, providing you have a television set with scart sockets at the back.
I personally think this is a brilliant addition to the market, and as it is coming through a satellite dish, it is guaranteed to be more reliable than what you can currently get through an aerial with terrestrial television.
The platform is growing with over 80 television channels from networks including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and a variety of radio stations too.
And so, if you are looking to upgrade to television this autumn and winter, look out for the multi-coloured âFreesatâ logo in the electrical shops, or log on to www.freesat.co.uk.
If you spot Puppet Man on the streets of Norwich in the next few weeks, give him a warning.
A homeless man from East Yorkshire has been banned from playing his music on the streets after police received complaints from passer bys.
The courts branded his actions as âanti-social behaviourâ and he now faces further legal action should he play his music again.
Isnât it amazing that this sort of âstreet entertainmentâ is faced with such fierce opposition, and yet those annoying charity muggers continue to roam the streets asking for money every time you pass them?
Now it may not be as warm as previous summers, but the weather has been humid and often unbearable when you are stuck inside.
Yet many careless animal owners are leaving their dogs locked up in their vehicles as they go shopping in town and often keeping the windows closed so they have no cool air.
Itâs awful to witness the sight of these unhappy dogs, especially when they are squealing and barking to get out.
Please could owners use a bit of common sense when they take your dogs their dogs on a day trip?