Just what's happening with the digital switchover?

05/03/2008

Between 2008 and 2012 analogue television broadcasts will be replaced with digital television, region by region - whether consumers like it or not. This "digital switchover", which involves the conversion of more than a thousand television transmitter sites broadcasting to some 25 million households, will cost the UK economy £4.6 billion - mostly borne by consumers through the cost of acquiring and installing digital receiving equipment.

 

Once the switchover is complete, households without at least one television set capable of receiving digital  signals will lose access to broadcast television. The Government claims to have made "good progress" so far, with main set conversion at 85% and a successful switchover in the flagship area of Copeland.

 

But for thousands of older people who rely on their televisions for company, this technological change is likely to cause considerable confusion and distress. David Sinclair, head of policy for Help the Aged, said: “While the majority of people seem to know what to do to prepare for switchover, worryingly a third of people still don’t.

 

“Older people often need some support and advice when it comes to new technology and this shouldn’t stop just because they’re set up with the right equipment.  Support needs to be ongoing. Television is the main form of company for nearly half the older people in the UK - we must ensure they’re not cut off."

 

Confusion about the digital switchover is also high among minority ethnic groups and non-English speaking groups. The introduction of the "digital tick" logo, which helps consumers identify goods and services that work through the switchover,  is recognised by 75% of the public - but mystery shopping research has shown that around half the retail staff were unable to explain satisfactorily what it actually meant!

 

Meanwhile the building of transmitters got slightly delayed in 2007 due to bad weather, and there remains a residual risk that a repeat of the adverse weather could delay things further.  And what about the sheer quantity of waste involved? Up to 26 million analogue televisions, including secondary sets, will have to be either converted or replaced - at an estimated total cost to the consumer of some £3.8 billion.

David Sinclair, added: “The so-called 'digital divide' is still a gaping crevice in the UK. Switchover could help to bridge this divide but only if more is done to explore the opportunities it can bring. Government and industry need to get the basics right - then, together, we can endeavour to ensure the most vulnerable members of society aren’t left behind.”