Digital Switchover Process Could Change
The body responsible for digital switchover, Digital UK, is considering turning off the analogue signal in one go rather than carrying on with the current two stage process, according to a report.
Switchover began in Whitehaven in October last year (see Digital Switchover Begins Today) in a two stage process which saw BBC Two switched off four weeks before other terrestrial channels.
However, a report in the Guardian said that the reactions to the two-stage process were mixed, with 49% of respondents to a survey in the Whitehaven area saying they would have preferred a single switchoff date.
Many who lived in the area said that they were not happy at having to “toggle” between analogue and digital channels.
The survey said: “There were mixed views on the merits of the two-stage process and transition period during which viewers had to toggle between analogue and digital to access all the channels available. Digital UK is reviewing the role and duration of transition periods.”
David Sinclair, the head of policy at the charity Help the Aged, was reported by the Guardian as saying that take-up of support and advice in Whitehaven had been “nowhere near high enough”.
“The report highlights evidence of confusion by consumers over who would receive free help or how someone would benefit from paying the £40 fee for support,” Sinclair added.
Digital UK: www.digitaluk.co.uk