3 December 2007
The switchover to Digital TV is being stymied by public confusion over the issue, a new report from the Consumer Panel claims.
In the report, entitled Going Digital, the Panel says that some consumers remain unsure as to what equipment is necessary for Digital TV.
The report also called for the organisation overseeing the sector, Digital UK, to deliver a "targeted national information campaign" to clarify the issues in question.
Over the next few years, the old analogue TV signal will be switched off as the UK makes the digital transition.
Colette Bowe, Consumer Panel Chairman, said: "We wanted to understand the experience of vulnerable consumers as they 'go digital', and our research is an important step in tracking their experiences.
"Going Digital has raised urgent, practical issues about targeting information and support to vulnerable groups that need to be addressed."
The Cumbrian town of Whitehaven became the first place in the UK to complete its switchover last month - with the Borders the first region as a whole to make the digital transition next year.
Nationwide, the analogue signal will be switched off in 2012.