4. Why is L&Q doing Digital TV upgrading and why start so early (2009)?

L&Q is taking the opportunity of Switchover to survey their properties for TV reception and, where necessary, install or upgrade communal aerial systems to receive digital TV and radio. This is necessary because after Switchover, many existing communal systems may be incapable of delivering digital TV, which would mean residents being left with blank screens. Where there is currently no communal system in a block, installing a new system will mean residents do not have to rely on their own aerials which often give poor reception. In addition, because of the popularity of satellite TV and the need to reduce the number of individual satellite dishes (due to planning regulations), the upgrade will include one or more communal satellite dish(es) on each block.

This combined TV/radio/satellite communal system is called an Integrated Reception System or IRS. Starting in 2009 means that there is enough time for L&Q to complete the survey and upgrade process across all of its stock of some 2,100 qualifying blocks (those with 4 or more flats).