Easy TV publish digital television recommendations

New research published by Easy TV partners the ITC and the Consumers' Association challenges manufacturers to improve the usability of digital TV.
The research, which is featured in the January edition of Which? magazine, highlights important recommendations from viewers to make digital TV equipment easier to use and emphasises that new viewers are more likely to be attracted to digital services which are both easy to use, and are perceived to be so.
Following publication of the research, the Easy TV partners are proposing the creation of a best practice guide to encourage manufacturers to share best practice and focus on user-friendly features when designing and producing digital TV equipment, a move which will encourage digital take-up and benefit viewers and industry alike.
It follows the Easy TV 2002 conference in November last year which endorsed the need for a best practice guide. The conference brought together designers and manufacturers of digital TV, as well as politicians, broadcasters and consumers groups, to discuss public attitudes to technology, media consumption and digital TV.
Gary Tonge, ITC Director of Technology, said: "The results presented in the research offer an excellent starting point in identifying best practice in the design and development of easy to use digital TV equipment and services. We welcome the prospect of manufacturers creating a set of simple, common-sense guidelines for digital TV equipment, that will help to ensure that everyone can benefit from the expanded range of digital services."
(GB)