5 February 2007
Pensioners, the unemployed and families on low incomes are among the 50,000 earmarked to receive digital television for no cost in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh.
Due to switch in 2010, Edinburgh will be among the many cities hosting roadshows by Digital UK, the consumer information and advice group for the switchover.
A spokesman for the group told the Scotsman: "Our role at Digital UK is to communicate the help scheme as part of our general information campaign, which we'll launch later this year. As part of this we will send a leaflet to every home explaining how to prepare for switchover.
"A big part of our message to those eligible for the help scheme and every other household, is trying to debunk the myths associated with the switchover.
"We still have people who think you need to buy a new television or that their existing television cannot be converted and part of our job is to communicate what is actually involved," he concluded.
Praise from Age Concern was bestowed upon the government-funded campaign, with a spokeswoman telling the newspaper that any government support for society had to be welcomed.
"Television is a lifeline for many elderly people, particularly during the colder months when they can't get out much or need vital information about the weather.
"I think older people will adjust and see the benefits over the inconvenience of making the change, but it is important that we let them know far enough in advance and get them prepared," she added.
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