98 PER CENT OF OLDER PEOPLE IN BOLTON TRIAL HAPPY WITH DIGITAL TV

98 PER CENT OF OLDER PEOPLE IN BOLTON TRIAL HAPPY WITH DIGITAL TV

London, 26 May/GNN/ --

DEPARTMENT FOR CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT News Release (080/06) issued by The
Government News Network on 26 May 2006
The vast majority of older people in a digital television trial thought
switching over was easy and liked watching digital television, according to
a report published today by Broadcasting Minister Shaun Woodward.

98 per cent of participants felt watching digital TV was better or the same
as watching analogue and 93 per cent thought the process of switching to
digital TV had been easy.

The trial also highlighted the importance of support from family and friends
in installing and using the equipment and the need to give older and disabled
people time to adapt to using new television equipment.

The Bolton trial, which started in July 2005, tested the process for supporting
vulnerable consumers through switchover, assessing the costs and identifying
and addressing any issues arising.

Over 400 households took part in the trial, all in the Hulton ward of Bolton.
Reflecting the groups to be covered by the national scheme, each trial
household was home to at least one person aged 75 or over or one person with
significant disabilities.

The results of the trial, run jointly by the Department for Culture, Media
and Sport (DCMS) and the BBC, also show that:

* 69 per cent of participants were able to install equipment themselves or
with the help of friends and family.

* Once their equipment was installed, 67 per cent said they most liked the
extra channels, whilst 20 per cent most liked the improved reception.

* 92 per cent found the specially prepared and clearly written instruction
booklet helpful.

* Older and disabled people need time to adapt to using new equipment -
after four weeks, 74 per cent of people were reporting problems with their
equipment but more than 80 per cent reported no problems with equipment just
four weeks later.

Launching the reports, Mr Woodward said:

"Seventy per cent of UK homes now have digital television, so we know it's
a product people want. And now we know they like it.

"The Bolton trial reveals that people who may need extra help making the switch
become as keen on digital television as anyone else, once they have it. Ninety
eight per cent felt it was an improvement on or as good as analogue viewing.

"The findings of this trial add further encouragement as we move towards
switchover. It will be used in our work with the BBC to establish a nationwide
targeted assistance scheme, ensuring that no one is left behind when we move
to digital only television between 2008 and 2012.

"As intended, the trial has highlighted the areas we need to look at closely
as we prepare for the scheme, such as the important role that families,
friends and volunteers will play.

"Bolton has also shown that vulnerable consumers need equipment that is easy
to use and has clear instructions. So we will need to consider carefully
what equipment is given to older people and those with disabilities under
the nationwide scheme. I urge manufacturers of digital television products
to consider the needs of vulnerable consumers in developing equipment."

The BBC will help establish and fund schemes to ensure the most vulnerable
households are not left behind.

Notes to Editors

1. The Report of the Bolton Digital Television Project and quantitative
research into the trial by independent researchers Ipsos can be seen at:
www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk/publications/pub_boltondigtv.html

2. In September 2005 , Tessa Jowell announced that digital switchover will
happen between 2008 and 2012 by ITV region in the following order:

* 2008 - Border
* 2009 - West Country, HTV Wales, Granada
* 2010 - HTV West, Grampian, Scottish Television
* 2011 - Yorkshire, Anglia, Central
* 2012 - Meridian, Carlton/LWT (London), Tyne Tees, Ulster

3. The scope of support, as set out by Tessa Jowell in September 2005, is:

* help will go to all households with one person aged 75 or over;

* help will go to all households with one person with a significant disability
(receiving attendance allowance, disability living allowance);

* help will be available free of charge to households with one person aged
75 or over/disabled households receiving pension credit, income support or
jobseekers allowance; other households will pay a modest fee;

* specific support for households where one person is blind;

* assistance will consist of providing the necessary equipment to convert one
TV set and the relevant support to install and use the equipment. Equivalent
arrangements will be made to provide assistance if a different platform for
receiving digital is opted for.

4. Further details of how the scheme will operate in practice will be
developed by the BBC and the Government based on the trial results.

5. Photographs and comments from trial participants are available from DCMS
press office.

Press Enquiries: 0207 211 6269/6267
Out of hours telephone pager no: 07699 751153
Public Enquiries: 0207 211 6200
Internet: http://www.culture.gov.uk

Department for Culture, Media and Sport
2-4 Cockspur Street
London SW1Y 5DH
www.culture.gov.uk

Source: DEPARTMENT FOR CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

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