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Intellect's Concept Viability Service The Office of Government Commerce, the Government CIO Council and the National Audit Office all recommend early engagement with industry
30/06/05
Government’s Digital TV Switchover Plans Need Clarity Hi-tech industry concerned over Government’s failure to commit to switchover timetable Intellect Director General, John Higgins has today told an audience of senior officials from Government, industry, retail and broadcasting that the Government’s digital TV picture remains blurred - and that certainty of the switchover timetable must be provided if industry is to respond and support the anticipated switchover from analogue to digital. He warmly welcomed the announcement made this morning, by James Purnell MP, that Government will undertake a targeted assistance trial later this year, aimed at understanding the best ways to assist vulnerable groups through switchover, and particularly the confirmation received that an announcement of the switchover timetable would not be withheld until after the results of this trial. However, he confirmed that industry's position remains firm; to respond and support switchover we must have confirmation of the timetable as soon as possible. Intellect considers Autumn 2005 to be the cut off point in terms of manufacturer preparation and consumer education, it calls on Government to do the following:
Speaking in London today, John Higgins CBE, Intellect Director General said; "The clock is ticking. We are potentially only three years away from the beginning of digital switchover, and yet, for industry and consumers, the picture of Government’s plans remains blurred. If industry is to effectively support the UK and meet the demand created by the first regional switchover of Borders in 2008, we must have certainty of Government’s plans. Without this certainty, and without a strong consumer marketing and communications plan industry is unable to plan effectively to support switchover.
He continued; "If consumers are to make the correct purchasing decisions then effective public information is vital. In 2004 the UK consumer electronics industry sold around 5.5 million analogue televisions, 3.5 million set top boxes and 500,000 integrated digital TVs (idTVs)." "These figures shout of the need for an increase in awareness of switchover amongst consumers. More must be done to educate them before yet more uninformed buying decisions are made in the run up to the first regional switchover in 2008." "Twenty manufacturers and over 2,400 retail outlets now use the digital tick logo, but consumer awareness remains low. We look to SwitchCo and the BBC to promote the logo to consumers, as this will be the most effective way to make an impact on consumer consciousness and ensure that no more uninformed buying decisions are made." "So far this counsel has fallen on deaf ears at the BBC, but we hope that the creation of SwitchCo, and its positive plans to promote the logo, will act as a catalyst to action for the broadcaster." Press contact:
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