Take-up of digital TV has increased by 10% in the UK during the past year, according to a survey conducted by MORI on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Approximately 40% of UK households now have access to digital television, up from 30% last year. Moreover, the report found that 71% of people know about digital television and consider it to be better than analogue. This is encouraging news for the government which is planning to switch off the analogue signal before the end of the decade.
Speaking at the Radio Festival in Cambridge, Broadcast Minister Kim Howells said “it is very clear that more people are aware of the benefits of digital TV and are making the switch themselves.”
According to the report, 24% of people without digital television are planning to switch to the medium by 2004 while a further 42% said that they will make the change in six to ten years time.
While viewers tend to be attracted by the prospect of a wide choice of channels, the survey does allude to the public’s concerns about digital TV. These include the initial charges and ongoing subscription costs.
“What is apparent is that there is more work to be done to demystify digital television’s benefits to those unsure about making the move,” said Howells
