Report hails success of Welsh digital switchover trial

A report published by Britain's Department of Culture, Media and Sport shows that a technical trial of digital switchover in Wales was a success and had overwhelming support from the people who took part.

In March households in the villages of Ferryside and Llansteffan became the first in UK to switchover to digital television, as part of preparations for UK switchover between 2008-2012. The report and accompanying research into the trial, which took place between November 2004 and March 2005, show it was achieved on time and with no major transmission issues.

They also reveal:

• 81% of trial participants were able to install their equipment without help from the trial team.
• Friends and neighbours have an important role to play in helping people switch to digital.
• 99.2% of respondents to the end-of-trial questionnaire voted to keep digital television.
• New technology was embraced by all ages, with people over 90 years old using digital recording facilities.
• The need for technical support and products that meet the needs of vulnerable consumers, along with clear information about digital television services.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said: "This report confirms what we suspected – digital television is a product people want. We want everyone to benefit from the improved choices and services that people in Ferryside and Llansteffan now enjoy. To do this we must switch off the analogue signal. That's why we've made a clear commitment to achieving digital switchover between 2008-2012. The newly-created SwitchCo will co-ordinate the UK's switchover to digital television and ensure that the public knows what is happening and what they need to do at every step."

Digital Switchover Technical Trial at Ferryside and Llansteffan (1.68 Mb PDF file)

Other recent stories..

Other News Stories

• Get our news headlines for your website - click here
• Submit your news story - click here