Study highlights digital switchover uncertainty

People are still confused over what the digital switchover entails, according to research by Money Supermarket.

In a survey of 2,014 people the price comparison site found just under half did not know the switchover meant that they needed a digital receiver on each TV set in the home to watch television programs.

It also found that almost two thirds were unsure about when the switchover would happen in their area and just under a fifth admitted their TV sets were not digital-ready.

James Parker, manager of broadband and mobiles at moneysupermarket.com, said: “The switchover is well underway now but it is worrying how many people still do not understand what it actually means for them.

“Despite increasing sales of Freeview boxes and satellite subscription services, there are millions of adults who simply do not feel prepared for the switchover.”

However, Digital UK, an organisation which has been set up to oversee and give advice about the digital switchover, disagreed with the findings.

It said its face-to-face research in areas yet to convert showed 90 per cent awareness of switchover, and 88 per cent of people were already watching digital TV.

A representative for the organisation said: “We run a regional campaign to help viewers prepare for switchover, which intensifies around one year before they make the switch.”

He said this included advertising, roadshows, letters to every home and captions on analogue channels.

“All the evidence from switchovers so far shows that this works, with awareness virtually universal in areas about to switch.”

However, he pointed out that understanding was “naturally less high in regions where switchover is still years away and our campaign has yet to begin”.