ONDIGITAL WELCOME NEW DIGITAL TV 'KITEMARK'

ONdigital, the digital terrestrial Pay TV platform, has warmly welcomed a government announcement that all digital TVs are to carry a ‘digital kitemark’.
Stuart Prebble, ONdigital's Chief Executive, said: "We're delighted to see this new campaign being launched. Millions of people still do not understand that they can already get up to 15 channels for free simply by buying a digital TV. I have said in the past that the government and broadcasters could help clear up consumer confusion by working together. I'm delighted that the government are establishing this kitemark and that ITV will shortly be launching an on air public information campaign - I hope and expect the BBC and Channel 4 to do the same before long.
"As well as making it clearer to consumers what they can get free on a digital TV, this campaign provides a real opportunity for ONdigital. Every digital TV that is sold is a greater opportunity for us than for our competitors. Because a digital TV owner doesn't need a set top box or a satellite dish or cable connection, just an aerial and a tiny low-cost module the size of a credit card to get ONdigital's pay TV channels, we can provide our pay TV services to digital TV owners at a lower cost to us and more easily to the customer than any satellite or cable company.
"To underline that advantage we are now offering anyone who buys a digital TV a free subscription to up to 6 of ONdigital's best channels, including MTV, E4, Nickelodeon/Paramount Comedy Channel, Cartoon Network, Carlton Cinema and UK Gold, absolutely free to add to the great line up of free to air channels they can get for nothing. So not only will digital TV owners get a great range of free channels from the BBC, ITV and others, they will also get the chance to sample ONdigital's service, without cost.
"The Government's actions underline its commitment to digital terrestrial television. I have said repeatedly that the development of the digital TV market is the greatest single opportunity for ONdigital and has the potential to make us the largest player in the UK's pay TV market over the years ahead." (CD)