IT industry issues from Intellect - read our blog...
What’s it about? The Government has made a commitment to introduce Digital Television Switchover (DTV) services to more than 99% of homes in the UK . However due to radio spectrum considerations it is not possible to fully introduce these services and continue broadcasting the five current analogue channels using the terrestrial system. It will be necessary at some point during the rollout of these services to switch off the existing analogue transmissions in the switchover process. It is currently anticipated that this process will start in 2008 and be completed by 2012.
Why is it important for the hi-tech industry? This upgrade of the broadcasting system will allow the UK to develop in technological terms. It will free up valuable radio spectrum and will constitute a major upgrade of the UK’s communications structure. The Government’s commitment to upgrade the UK broadcasting system from analogue to digital transmissions will dramatically affect the consumer electronics market. As public awareness of digital switchover increases, the demand for digital products will increase and the demand for analogue products will decrease. The consumer electronics sector is therefore integral to the switchover project; it must be ready to meet these changes in demand.
Intellect members have already committed years of R&D and investment to developing a wide range of digitally compatible products such as iDTVs (Integrated Digital Televisions), set top boxes and personal video recorders.
What is Intellect doing for its members? Intellect is now working to ensure that the supply chain is properly represented as the digital switchover project begins to be implemented and consumer electronics manufacturers are in the best position to respond to their new digital market place.
Digital UK Intellect’s Director of Consumer Electronics Laurence Harrison sits on the board of Digital UK to represent manufacturers. This ensures that manufacturers views are fed into plans for the rollout of digital television and the communications messages to the public. The seat on Digital UK also ensures that manufacturers receive accurate updates on switchover as things develop.
Digital Logo In September 2005 the DTI launch a digital logo designed to help consumers to find out information about digital switchover. The logo appears on DTV equipment, retail outlets, aerials and literature related to digital switchover, allowing consumers to easily identify information and product they can trust. Intellect is working to ensure that the logo is taken up by all stakeholders, particularly the broadcasters who are yet to adopt the scheme.
Digital Television Trials
Intellect has represented manufacturers in the Government’s recent and ongoing digital television trials in Ferryside and Bolton. In both cases Intellect was a member of the trial teams, allowing the feeding in of information about products to the trials and ensuring that manufacturers benefit fully from the learnings gained in the trial
More information?
Background:
Related links: Digital Television: www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk Digital UK: www.digitaluk.co.uk
Intellect contacts:
Laurence Harrison T 020 7331 2043 E This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
15/09/05 - Press Release: Consumer Electronics Industry is ready to support Switchover, says Intellect more»
