Digital TV switchover achievable by 2010, says BBC

The BBC has reported that the progress of switching the nation to digital television has been “astonishing” and that “it puts the UK in an enviable position”.

The BBC report also said the UK could switch over by 2010, but only if Government and industry worked together. If left to the market it will take until 2013 for 95 per cent of households to have digital TV.

In response, culture secretary Tessa Jowell said: “This Government is absolutely committed to working with the industry to achieve digital switchover. The potential rewards, including more choice for consumers and more space for new services, are too great for us not to be.”

“The fact that half of homes in the UK now have access to digital TV shows there is a considerable appetite for the product out there,” she added.

Issues that still need to be addressed before switchover is complete include: the conversion of secondary TV sets; a regional sequence for switchover; ensuring recording works for digital TV; setting up an organisation to manage the switchover; ensuring digital TV is simple enough for everyone to use.