22 June 2009
Some areas in rural Scotland are unable to view half of their digital TV channels, according to a new report.
Findings from Consumer Focus Scotland show 47% of homes served by relay transmitters can only access 20 of the 40 available digital TV channels.
Consumers need to be given a clear idea of what they can expect from the digital switchover, the report said, although Digital UK pointed out that the number of channels available now was a significant improvement on before.
Trisha McAuley of Consumer Focus Scotland said: "Our concern is that too much of the marketing material was too general and that a huge emphasis was placed on people going to their website which many older and less well-off people were not able to."
She emphasised that awareness was not akin to understanding, which could be where some of the problems lie.
The digital TV switchover is taking place in the UK between 2008 and 2012, when the old analogue system will be switched off.