Viewers confused over digital plan

[The Feedster]

The government's plan to switch off the analogue signal by 2012 may be harder than thought, due to consumers not understanding the implications of the digital switchover.

This is noted in the fact that in the first seven months of 2007, almost half of televisions sold were analogue, meaning they will not receive a digital signal without the aid of a set-top box.

Digital dilemma

Even MPs have started to pick apart the government's 2012 plan, stating in a parliamentary report that "consumers have not been well-served" by the 'Digital Tick' label scheme that has been put in place to notify consumers whether a TV is ready for the digital switchover.

The report goes on to say "many sales staff are still not able to explain properly what the logo means."

Further in the report, it states that out of the £800 million budget put aside for the switchover, £250 million could go unspent, as the number of people taking up the offer of free or subsidised televisions and set-top boxes - those entitled to the scheme are over 75 and those with disabilities - has been lower than expected.

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