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25/11/04
Consumer Electronics Industry Agrees DTV Consumer Support Measures are Critical to Switchover Success
Intellect has today welcomed the Ofcom Consumer Panel Report "Supporting the Most Vulnerable Consumers Through Digital Switchover" and the proactive approach taken to tackling the rollout of digital services to the vulnerable sections of society. However, whilst encouraged by the Report’s conclusion that an effective public information campaign will be key to ensuring that people are made aware of switchover and what it will mean for them individually, Intellect warns that this is only one of many factors which will ultimately contribute to a successful switchover in the UK. Intellect believes that it is crucial for the Government to retain control and ownership of the switchover project, and that one single ministerial owner is given responsibility for its success. "Only Government is in a position to provide the appropriate level of leadership, and is capable of understanding the various drivers and objectives of each stakeholder involved in the project. The Consumer Electronics Industry is committed to working in partnership with Government, Broadcasters and other key stakeholders to ensure an effective delivery of UK DTV switchover, but Government ownership will be critical to this success," commented Laurence Harrison, Intellect’s Director of Consumer Electronics. Intellect also believes that the effective communication of information to the public will be a critical factor in the overall success of the switchover project and calls on the Government to announce the timetable for switchover as soon as possible to give manufacturers and consumers the certainty they require about switchover. Harrison continued, "The Ofcom Consumer Panel report highlights the challenges we face in delivering digital switchover to all parts of the community in the UK. It rightly emphasises the importance of public information, which along with a definite commitment to a timetable for switchover from the Government, will allow the next stage of development to begin."
"The Consumer Electronics manufacturers have been long committed to switchover, investing heavily in the research and development of a full range of digital products for all consumer needs. Intellect takes its responsibilities seriously in this regard and will continue to work with consumer stakeholders and others to help development of the most accessible and useable products possible." Intellect will be meeting with the Ofcom Consumer Panel to gain direct feedback on how the Consumer Electronics sector can best support the more vulnerable consumers conversion to digital television and thereby enjoy the many benefits it can deliver.
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