REPORT HAILS SUCCESS OF DIGITAL SWITCHOVER TRIAL

REPORT HAILS SUCCESS OF DIGITAL SWITCHOVER TRIAL

London, 21 July/GNN/ --

DEPARTMENT FOR CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT News Release (101/05) issued by the Government News Network on 21 July 2005 A report published today shows that a technical trial of digital switchover in Wales was a success and had overwhelming support from the people who took part.

In March households in the villages of Ferryside and Llansteffan became the first in UK to switchover to digital television, as part of preparations for UK switchover between 2008-2012.

The report and accompanying research into the trial, which took place between November 2004 and March 2005, show it was achieved on time and with no major transmission issues.

They also reveal:

* 81% of trial participants were able to install their equipment without help from the trial team.

* Friends and neighbours have an important role to play in helping people switch to digital.

* 99.2% of respondents to the end-of-trial questionnaire voted to keep digital television.

* New technology was embraced by all ages, with people over 90 years old using digital recording facilities.

* The need for technical support and products that meet the needs of vulnerable consumers, along with clear information about digital television services. Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said:

"This report confirms what we suspected - digital television is a product people want.

"We want everyone to benefit from the improved choices and services that people in Ferryside and Llansteffan now enjoy.

"To do this we must switch off the analogue signal. That's why we've made a clear commitment to achieving digital switchover between 2008-2012.

"The newly-created SwitchCo will co-ordinate the UK's switchover to digital television and ensure that the public knows what is happening and what they need to do at every step."

Notes to Editors

1. The Report of a Digital Switchover Technical Trial and Ferryside and Llansteffan Digital Technical Trial: Research on Vulnerable Households can be found at:

http://www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk/publications/publication_home.html

2. The purpose of the trial was to gauge the technical issues for broadcasters, multiplex operators and consumers associated with the switch to digital television. It was run in partnership by the Government, broadcasters and digital multiplex operators.

3. Digital television transmissions were switched on at the Ferryside transmitter on 29 November 2004 and the analogue signals were switched off on 30 March 2005.

4. The trial was not a "blueprint" for national rollout. Manufacturers, retailers and other industry stakeholders will receive feedback from the trial.

5. From September a trial to help define the type of assistance needed for switchover by older consumers for will take place in Bolton.

CONTACT

DCMS Press Office: 020 7211 6269 Out of hours telephone pager: 07699 751153 Public Enquiries: 020 7211 6200 www.dcms.gov.uk

SwitchCo Press Office: 0207 737 7008 www.switchco.co.uk

Department for Culture, Media and Sport 2-4 Cockspur Street London SW1Y 5DH www.culture.gov.uk

Source: DEPARTMENT FOR CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

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