20 March 2007
Consumers need to be given a "drastic boost" to their awareness of the imminent digital television switchover, according to the Head of Communications at price comparison website uSwitch.com.
Steve Weller's comments follow last week's announcement by Ofcom suggesting that less than half of Britons (48%) are still using the traditional analogue technology on their televisions.
Researched carried out by uSwitch suggests that four fifths of adults do not know when their region will have its analogue signal switched to digital.
Almost a quarter of adults are also under the impression that they will have to purchase a brand new TV set when the regional digital switchover begins in earnest in seven months' time.
Mr Weller said: "Our advice to consumers is to first establish when their region is scheduled to be switched over."
Regarding the need to buy a new set, he pointed out "that it's highly unlikely that consumers will have to go out and buy a new TV set" due to the wide range of choice that should "meet all needs and budgets".
"Then, check online at either to see which digital services are available in their area," he added.
Cable or satellite? What about Freeview? See what digital TV package would work best for you and what's available in your area by using the uSwitch.com comparison and switching service. Compare digital TV providers and switch in minutes.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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