Consumers Hail Digital TV a Success
Nearly three out of ten people have digital television and of those nearly four out five are satisfied with its performance. Extra channels, greater choice and high quality digital pictures and sound have been highlighted as the main advantages to switching to digital.
Figures published today by Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell, show that the majority of people surveyed say they intend to switch to digital television by 2006.
The Digital Television 2001 survey was commissioned by DCMS on behalf of the Viewers' Panel and carried out by MORI.
Key findings include:
- 30 per cent of households currently have digital television
- 25 per cent of households predict that they will switch to digital television by 2006
- 86 per cent of people who have seen digital television are satisfied with digital pictures and sound quality
- 75 per cent of people who have seen digital television are pleased with the quality of the programmes on digital television
Welcoming the results of the Digital Television survey, Secretary of State, Tessa Jowell said:
"The Digital Television survey clearly shows the astonishing progress in the UK of the take up of digital television. So far 30 per cent of households have digital television and this figure could increase to 85 per cent over the next five years. These figures are encouraging. We want to see the benefits of greater choice and better quality television available to the widest number as quickly as is practicable."
"Digital switchover will - as we have already said - depend on two tests: that viewers who now receive the main free-to-air channels must be able to do so digitally; and that everyone can afford to make the switch. Ensuring that people understand what digital television means and what it can offer is also important. That is why the Government has been working closely with broadcasters, manufacturers, retailers and consumer groups to ensure that viewers get accurate and sensible information about digital television."
"Much has been done to make sure that people understand the benefits of digital switchover. So far, we have set up the:"
- Viewers' Panel
Representing the viewers' point of view on the progress of digital switchover. - Digital Labelling Scheme
DTI announced earlier this year a digital labelling scheme (DVB) to help consumers shop for digital televisions with confidence. - Digital Neighbourhood Schemes
Earlier this year DCMS and DTI announced plans for a series of digital pilot projects to be led by the Independent Television Commission to provide a series of neighbourhoods with free conversion to digital television.
Toplines [pdf format - 349K]
Technical details
- A copy of the Digital Television 2001 survey can be found on the DCMS website: www.culture.gov.uk
- For further information about the Government's initiatives relating to digital switchover:
- Viewers' Panel - The Viewers' Panel research into digital television switchover can be found on the DCMS website: www.culture.gov.uk. A list of Viewer's Panel members can be found on the DCMS website: (DCMS PN 225/2000)
- Digital Labelling Scheme - For further information about the Digital Labelling Scheme please see (DTI PN P/2001/205) on the DTI website: www.dti.gov.uk or contact the DTI Press Office: 020-7215 5978
- Digital Neighbourhood Schemes - For further information about the Digital Neighbourhood Schemes please contact the Independent Television Commission, which is leading the project, and is currently considering suitable sites in which to base the first project. (DTI PN P/2001/250). ITC Press Office: 020-7306 7546
Technical details
MORI interviewed 1918 people face-to-face in 190 sampling points across Great Britain between 1 - 5 March 2001. Data are weighted to the population profile.
