DTI publish digital television report

The TV industry has been challenged to seize the opportunity to make sure the consumer gets the most out of digital TV.
E-commerce Minister, Stephen Timms, also published new research which shows that today's designs of digital TV equipment are hard to use. The research, 'Digital Television for All', was carried out by The Generics Group for the DTI, and studied the accessibility and usability of digital TV. The report, based on the current state of equipment and services, showed:

• Current designs make digital TV equipment more difficult to use than existing analogue equipment;
• Poor design and "non-intuitive" systems are the greatest barriers to using digital TV;
• Also 7.1% of the population (around 2m people) would be unable to use one of today's set top boxes for simple everyday viewing, compared to only 2.7% with analogue TV.

Mr Timms said: "The UK leads the world in take up of digital TV, and we must not squander the opportunity to make the most of this advantage. This report provides a wake-up call to the industry.
"Today's digital TV equipment is confusing and difficult to use, even for people who take to new technology quickly. As many people as possible should enjoy the full range of television services. Manufacturers must recognise the opportunities and commercial rewards from designing products which are accessible to the widest range of consumers. We cannot expect people to fully embrace digital television unless it is simple and easy to install and use.
"There are no significant barriers to industry working together to solve design and ease of use issues and, in partnership with the Government, get the best from our digital future."
(GB)