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Research by the UK's Department of Trade and Industry has unveiled that 13 per cent of viewers do not want to switch from analogue to digital amid strong doubts over the quality of programming in the multichannel universe. The research warned that if the government pushes ahead with its plans to convert all households to digital television by 2010, while not addressing viewer's concerns, this opposition could harden. More than 50 per cent of Britain's 24.5 million households watch digital TV via SkyDigital, cable or Freeview. The government admits that making the other 50 per cent switchover is going to be tough: one possible option is to subsidise so-called digital refuseniks to switch from analogue.
However at only 13 per cent resolutely against, the results are better than many expected. The report, called "Attitudes to Digital Television", said people had "more fundamental concerns about the quality of content on offer" than about practical issues such as cost and installation.
The 13 per cent is equivalent to 3.2 million households. More than half of the refuseniks are over the age of 55 with a bias towards manual workers, the unemployed or retired. "This segment of society believes their active resistance to digital TV will help change society for the better," the report said.
The Government says the analogue signal will not be switched off until 95 per cent of consumers have access to digital TV. The report was based on research involving consultations with stakeholders, eight focus groups and a survey of 4,000 typical viewers.
However at only 13 per cent resolutely against, the results are better than many expected. The report, called "Attitudes to Digital Television", said people had "more fundamental concerns about the quality of content on offer" than about practical issues such as cost and installation.
The 13 per cent is equivalent to 3.2 million households. More than half of the refuseniks are over the age of 55 with a bias towards manual workers, the unemployed or retired. "This segment of society believes their active resistance to digital TV will help change society for the better," the report said.
The Government says the analogue signal will not be switched off until 95 per cent of consumers have access to digital TV. The report was based on research involving consultations with stakeholders, eight focus groups and a survey of 4,000 typical viewers.
