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16/09/2005
Jowell confirms digital TV switchover schedule
The government has announced details of the five-year phased switchover to digital television in the UK.
Announcing the switchover at the Royal Television Society Cambridge Convention 2005, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said: “Digital television is no longer a probability, it is a certainty. And I believe it can leave us with a legacy of more choice, for more people, than anywhere else in the world.”
The digital switchover will happen gradually throughout the ITV regions between 2008 and 2012, with the Border region switching first in 2008 and the Meridian, Carlton/LWT, Tyne Tees and Ulster switching in 2012.
Nearly two-thirds of UK households already have digital television. The reason for the complete switchover to digital is because the current system of jointly broadcasting in analogue and digital is inefficient. Currently, only 73% of households can get access to the full range of digital TV services, while one fifth cannot access Five.
Access can only be increased by switching off the analogue signal.
Ms Jowell also announced a support scheme for the most vulnerable households, which would be funded by the BBC through the licence fee. Under the scheme, help in making the switchover will be provided for the over-75s, those with significant disabilities and those receiving benefits such as income support of jobseekers allowance.
The assistance will include the provision of necessary equipment to convert one TV set and the relevant support to install and use the equipment.
Households can access digital television in the UK through a satellite, cable, aerial or telephone line. In order to watch broadcast television services through an aerial after switchover viewers will need to convert their analogue TV sets and recording equipment or purchase a digital television set.
Digital switchover will be phased in between 2008 and 2012 by ITV region in the following order:
(KMcA/SP)
Announcing the switchover at the Royal Television Society Cambridge Convention 2005, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said: “Digital television is no longer a probability, it is a certainty. And I believe it can leave us with a legacy of more choice, for more people, than anywhere else in the world.”
The digital switchover will happen gradually throughout the ITV regions between 2008 and 2012, with the Border region switching first in 2008 and the Meridian, Carlton/LWT, Tyne Tees and Ulster switching in 2012.
Nearly two-thirds of UK households already have digital television. The reason for the complete switchover to digital is because the current system of jointly broadcasting in analogue and digital is inefficient. Currently, only 73% of households can get access to the full range of digital TV services, while one fifth cannot access Five.
Access can only be increased by switching off the analogue signal.
Ms Jowell also announced a support scheme for the most vulnerable households, which would be funded by the BBC through the licence fee. Under the scheme, help in making the switchover will be provided for the over-75s, those with significant disabilities and those receiving benefits such as income support of jobseekers allowance.
The assistance will include the provision of necessary equipment to convert one TV set and the relevant support to install and use the equipment.
Households can access digital television in the UK through a satellite, cable, aerial or telephone line. In order to watch broadcast television services through an aerial after switchover viewers will need to convert their analogue TV sets and recording equipment or purchase a digital television set.
Digital switchover will be phased in 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
(KMcA/SP)
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27 April 2004
BBC publishes first report on digital TV switchover
The BBC has published its first report on the proposed switchover to digital television.
BBC publishes first report on digital TV switchover
The BBC has published its first report on the proposed switchover to digital television.
12 January 2010
Lords Launch Digital Switchover Inquiry
The House of Lords Communications Committee has announced an inquiry into the progress of, and prospects for, digital switchover of both television and radio in the United Kingdom.
Lords Launch Digital Switchover Inquiry
The House of Lords Communications Committee has announced an inquiry into the progress of, and prospects for, digital switchover of both television and radio in the United Kingdom.
27 April 2007
BBC receives go-ahead for 'Freesat' TV service
The BBC has today been given approval by the BBC Trust to launch a UK free-to-view satellite proposition as a joint venture with ITV. The 'Freesat' service will provide a Standard Definition and High Definition (SD and HD) enabled digital satellite proposition with launch anticipated for Spring 2008.
BBC receives go-ahead for 'Freesat' TV service
The BBC has today been given approval by the BBC Trust to launch a UK free-to-view satellite proposition as a joint venture with ITV. The 'Freesat' service will provide a Standard Definition and High Definition (SD and HD) enabled digital satellite proposition with launch anticipated for Spring 2008.
07 January 2004
Public ambivalent on digital television, says report
More people would be willing to take up digital television if they were given the right information and the switchover were easy and cost-effective, according to new research published by the Department of Trade and Industry.
Public ambivalent on digital television, says report
More people would be willing to take up digital television if they were given the right information and the switchover were easy and cost-effective, according to new research published by the Department of Trade and Industry.
04 April 2003
Digital switchover is on target says report
Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell today welcomed the progress made by industry towards achieving the 2006 - 2010 target for the digital switchover. And responding to a joint ITC/BBC report Progress Towards Digital Switchover, she stressed the government would take the necessary steps to ensure that the challenging target is met.
Digital switchover is on target says report
Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell today welcomed the progress made by industry towards achieving the 2006 - 2010 target for the digital switchover. And responding to a joint ITC/BBC report Progress Towards Digital Switchover, she stressed the government would take the necessary steps to ensure that the challenging target is met.
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