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26 May 2006
98% Of Older People In Bolton Trial Happy With Digital TV
The vast majority of older people in a digital television trial thought switching over was easy and liked watching digital television, according to a report published today by Broadcasting Minister Shaun Woodward.
98 per cent of participants felt watching digital TV was better or the same as watching analogue and 93 per cent thought the process of switching to digital TV had been easy.
The trial also highlighted the importance of support from family and friends in installing and using the equipment and the need to give older and disabled people time to adapt to using new television equipment.
The Bolton trial, which started in July 2005, tested the process for supporting vulnerable consumers through switchover, assessing the costs and identifying and addressing any issues arising.
Over 400 households took part in the trial, all in the Hulton ward of Bolton. Reflecting the groups to be covered by the national scheme, each trial household was home to at least one person aged 75 or over or one person with significant disabilities.
The results of the trial, run jointly by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the BBC, also show that:
- 69 per cent of participants were able to install equipment themselves or with the help of friends and family.
- Once their equipment was installed, 67 per cent said they most liked the extra channels, whilst 20 per cent most liked the improved reception.
- 92 per cent found the specially prepared and clearly written instruction booklet helpful.
- Older and disabled people need time to adapt to using new equipment - after four weeks, 74 per cent of people were reporting problems with their equipment but more than 80 per cent reported no problems with equipment just four weeks later.
Launching the reports, Mr Woodward said:
“Seventy per cent of UK homes now have digital television, so we know it’s a product people want. And now we know they like it.
“The Bolton trial reveals that people who may need extra help making the switch become as keen on digital television as anyone else, once they have it. Ninety eight per cent felt it was an improvement on or as good as analogue viewing.
“The findings of this trial add further encouragement as we move towards switchover. It will be used in our work with the BBC to establish a nationwide targeted assistance scheme, ensuring that no one is left behind when we move to digital only television between 2008 and 2012.
“As intended, the trial has highlighted the areas we need to look at closely as we prepare for the scheme, such as the important role that families, friends and volunteers will play.
“Bolton has also shown that vulnerable consumers need equipment that is easy to use and has clear instructions. So we will need to consider carefully what equipment is given to older people and those with disabilities under the nationwide scheme. I urge manufacturers of digital television products to consider the needs of vulnerable consumers in developing equipment.”
The BBC will help establish and fund schemes to ensure the most vulnerable households are not left behind.
Notes to Editors
1. The Report of the Bolton Digital Television Project and quantitative research into the trial by independent researchers Ipsos can be seen at: www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk/publications/pub_boltondigtv.html
2. In September 2005 , Tessa Jowell announced that digital switchover will happen between 2008 and 2012 by ITV region in the following order:
- 2008 – Border
- 2009 – West Country, HTV Wales, Granada
- 2010 – HTV West, Grampian, Scottish Television
- 2011 – Yorkshire, Anglia, Central
- 2012 – Meridian, Carlton/LWT (London), Tyne Tees, Ulster
3. The scope of support, as set out by Tessa Jowell in September 2005, is:
- help will go to all households with one person aged 75 or over;
- help will go to all households with one person with a significant disability (receiving attendance allowance, disability living allowance);
- help will be available free of charge to households with one person aged 75 or over/disabled households receiving pension credit, income support or jobseekers allowance; other households will pay a modest fee;
- specific support for households where one person is blind;
- assistance will consist of providing the necessary equipment to convert one TV set and the relevant support to install and use the equipment. Equivalent arrangements will be made to provide assistance if a different platform for receiving digital is opted for.
4. Further details of how the scheme will operate in practice will be developed by the BBC and the Government based on the trial results.
5. Photographs and comments from trial participants are available from DCMS press office.
Press Enquiries: 0207 211 6269/6267
Out of hours telephone pager no: 07699 751153
Public Enquiries: 0207 211 6200
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