Digital Text - Page Numbers

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As part of plans to improve the usability of the service, BBCi is set to add page numbers to its digital text and video services this month using the same page numbers as Ceefax.

Consumer research suggests that page numbers are easy, memorable and an effective way to reach the content.

This can be seen with viewers who have grown up with the page numbers used by Ceefax as a method of navigation - with most viewers knowing their favourite page numbers off the top of their head.

The introduction of page numbers forms part of a wider plan to improve BBCi, following the introduction of a faster service earlier this year, and is a means of encouraging more digital viewers to make the leap from analogue to digital.

Rahul Chakkara, BBC Controller of BBCi 24/7 interactive television services, said: "This latest development is really about making BBCi more efficient for the viewer, as we continue to increase the breadth of content available through the red button.

"One of the biggest challenges has been to make this diversity of content easily accessible for everyone.

"Research with our users has shown that page numbers are the most effective and simple way to enable people to navigate through our content.

"This will improve both the speed and usability of BBCi."

Page numbers will initially be available on the satellite platform with cable and Freeview applications to roll out over the next few months.