
Consumer Focus has warned that some people could be ripped off during the digital switchover due to confusion over what equipment they need to purchase.
The switchover begins in Wales on August 12 when the Kilvey Hill TV transmitter, which serves 132,000 homes in the Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot areas, transfers to digital.
The remainder of Wales will then switch off the analogue signal by March 2010, making it the first UK nation to complete the full transition.
During this process, the vast majority of people will not need to buy any additional equipment beyond a Freeview set-top-box - if they don't receive satellite or cable services instead.
Switchover body Digital UK has been running ongoing publicity and support drives to help people during the process.
However, Consumer Focus Wales has expressed concern that some people remain unsure of what they need to do.
According to the organisation, anecdotal evidence is already cropping up that suggests some people could end up paying too much for new TV sets or viewing equipment.
This includes a recent report from trading standards officers in Dorset of an individual being wrongly told by a retailer that they should buy a £1,000 TV set to get the best out of digital.
Consumer Focus is therefore running some mystery shopper trials on aerial installers and TV retailers in Wales to test the validity of information being passed on.
The group will also run bilingual newspaper adverts in the country this week to offer clear advice on what is required during the switchover.
Gareth Price, spokesman for Consumer Focus Wales, said: "We want to protect consumers from scams and from being misinformed, that's why we've joined together with Consumer Direct, Digital UK and Citizens Advice Bureaux to launch a bilingual campaign telling people what they need to know.
"The advert will be launched on Wednesday in Swansea, and appear in a range of local papers. The advice will also be available in Citizens Advice Bureaux across Wales.
"Most people won't need new equipment beyond a digital Freeview box on top of their TV. But if you do, get more than one quote, compare prices and use a reputable trader."
Meanwhile, Digital UK has cautioned that the geography of Wales is currently causing some problems in ensuring that everyone can access a strong TV signal after the switchover.
Wales national manager Emyr Hughes told BBC News: "In parts of Wales analogue television reception isn't all that wonderful because we've got so many hills and valleys.
"A lot of people have Freeview, but it has to run at low power because Ofcom won't allow us to put the power up while analogue is there because otherwise the digital signals would interfere with it. Now we're talking about running Freeview after switchover at higher powers - multiplying it by ten.
"So if you've got an aerial that isn't quite pointing at the transmitter or a cable that has been damaged - there will be enough signal blasting out of the transmitter after switchover to be able to deal with most of those problems.
"The new high-powered digital signals plus satellite filling in the gaps means everybody can have a really good choice of channels."


