Switchover News February 2008
Posted on 5th February at 11:44 AM, Posted by: Digital UK
- DAVID SCOTT TAKES HELM AT DIGITAL UK
David Scott, former Deputy Chief Executive of Channel 4 and member of its original launch team, has been appointed Chief Executive of Digital UK.
Mr Scott, 53, took up his post on February 1 and will be in overall charge of the switchover programme which will see analogue terrestrial television signals phased out region by region, from 2008-2012. He takes over from Ford Ennals, who led Digital UK since it was established in 2005 and oversaw the first switchover in Copeland.
- CURRYS, DIXONS & PC WORLD STORES GO ALL DIGITAL
DSG international plc has stopped all orders of analogue televisions and will move to a 100% digital range in stores once existing stock has been cleared. The electrical retailer is the market leader in UK television sales and in the last 12 months has sold approaching 2 million sets. DVD recorders featuring analogue tuners will also be removed and buyers of remaining analogue sets will be offered the option of a digital box to ensure that the televisions are capable of receiving digital broadcasts once switchover takes place. More from DSG International
- PRAISE FOR SWITCHED ON LANDLORDS
Digital UK has launched the Homes Set for Digital scheme, recognising housing providers and managers taking steps to provide digital television and information about switchover to residents. Organisations with a Switchover Action Plan can use a new certification mark showing their commitment to providing quality homes and services. According to research published by DCMS last year, around one-third (34%) of social housing providers in the UK’s first regions to switch don’t have a plan to be ready in time. Digital UK estimates that even fewer private landlords may be making preparations for the change.
- ANDY BURNHAM REPLACES PURNELL AT DCMS
Following a cabinet reshuffle, Andy Burnham has been appointed Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Previously Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the MP for Leigh in Lancashire, has described the new position as his ‘dream job’. Mr Burnham, 38, once worked as a research assistant to Tessa Jowell and was special adviser to Chris Smith, Labour’s first culture secretary. He is also a keen football fan and has written two books on the subject. Burnham replaces James Purnell, who moves to the Department for Work and Pensions.
- TOURISM SECTOR MUST PREPARE FOR SWITCHOVER
Three-quarters of UK hoteliers and B&B owners say that availability of television is important in letting their rooms, yet a majority are unprepared for the forthcoming switchover to digital TV and run the risk of their guests being stuck with blank screens, according to research released by Digital UK.
Forty-seven per cent of those questioned said that they had not switched to digital yet. Fifty–four per cent of those who have not fully converted their properties to digital TV said they have no plans in place to do so. The figures were particularly high in the Border TV area, West Country and Wales – which are the first UK regions due to switch. More from Digital UK
- COPELAND POSITIVE ON SWITCH TO DIGITAL
Following the UK’s first switchover in Copeland, new research reveals residents are overwhelming positive about digital TV. A survey carried out by Digital UK showed that 94% of 189 homes interviewed after the switch felt positively or neutrally about switchover, while 95% thought digital TV services were better or the same as analogue. When making the move to digital TV, approximately 40% of homes with analogue TV chose Sky while 60% opted for Freeview. To mark the success of switchover, Digital UK presented a grant to help establish a digital inclusion project run by Age Concern North West Cumbria, which will provide advice, assistance and training in new technologies for people of all ages.
Posted on 10th February at 03:06 PM, Posted by: ASHLEY THORNTON
with relation to the cost of the switch over, my housing association will be adding £1.20 per week as added service charges, a total of £312.00 over a five year period. i have a virgin v-box package ( phone, broadband & digital tv ). question - do i need to have to accept the intended ( I R S SYSTEM )???
Posted on 11th February at 03:54 PM, Posted by: dee ryan
why is the reception so bad and pictures distorted at various times on my new digital ready tv?
Posted on 12th February at 03:05 PM, Posted by: Digital UK
The Digital Television Group ( DTG ) have set up usability action groups to look at programme guides and best practice in handset design. These will inform manufacturers thinking going forward.
We are aware of some large clearly labelled remote controls on the market; there is a big button remote control available from Maplins and similar from such as Dixons Stores Group. However, we are aware that these do not work with all digital boxes.
Intellect is the Trade Association for the UK technology Industry with group activities in the Consumer Electronics space and manufacturer members across the TV sector. http://www.intellectuk.org/content/view/23/3/ You may wish to contact them with your question.
Posted on 13th February at 04:43 PM, Posted by: Digital UK
In response to the query about the cost of switchover for tenants of a housing association - it depends on what your lease or tenancy agreement says on whether you will have to contribute to the upgrade and maintenance of the communal TV system. As part of the structure of the building it is likely that the landlord will be entitled to recover the cost of an upgrade from residents. The landlord will be looking at the long term lettability of the property and will expect that all dwellings will be connected to the system. It will also give you the flexibility should you decide in the future to change your platform provider.
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Posted on 7th February at 01:55 PM, Posted by: Ian Simons
When will a manufacturer take on board the needs of elderly people and manufacture equipment with BIG CLEARLY LABELLED buttons on the remote control and simple to operate user interface.