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September 15, 2005
Digital TV switch-over formally announced
Speaking at the Royal Television Society conference in Cambridge, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell announced formal approval for the switch-over from analogue to digital television. Viewers on the ITV borders region will have their existing TV signals switched off in three years. Switch over for other UK regions will follow in stages, ending in 2012.
According to media regulator Ofcom, approximately 63% of households in the UK already have digital television, an increase from 61.9% in the previous quarter. The total number of households with digital television is now 15,715,178.
After the switch-over, the analogue spectrum could be sold off for other uses. Switching off the analogue will mean that all televisions and video recorders will have to be connected to a digital receiver to work. Many people may also require a new aerial.
When the analogue signal is switched off, everyone will be able to access all the digital services through an aerial. Currently only 73% of households have access and only 80% can watch Five.
Ms Jowell said that households with at least one person over 75 and people with a significant disability, will qualify for help to access equipment needed for the switch. This support will be funded by the BBC through the licence fee.
David Sinclair, policy manager at Help the Aged, welcomed the announcement, but said that in a recent survey, 57% of older people still saw digital television as a threat. He said the government must promote digital television in easy-to-understand terms and manufacturer must develop easily accessible technology and services.
Posted by at September 15, 2005 06:24 PM
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