Survey finds first TV switch-over a success

A survey by the group that oversaw the first analogue television switch-off in the UK has concluded it was a success.

The local organisations that make up Copeland Digital Group, which managed the October switchover with Digital UK, conducted the follow-up study in November and December.

It found viewers "responded well" and that digital terrestrial had "proved popular".

Another finding, from questioning 189 households and interviewing 25 in more depth, was that 60% of digital newcomers took Freeview and 40% Sky.

The research also found virtually all homes' main televisions were digital-enabled by November 14 and by mid-December 95% of second sets were also ready.

Just 5% of homes said digital was worse than analogue and 94% were either positive or neutral about the switch-off itself.

Digital UK's publicity and community work to get everyone ready for the change was also deemed to have been successful. Only 15% said they would have liked more information.

Nearly 75% of people told researchers they were not worried about it. However, 16% were unaware switchover would affect analogue television recorders.

A spokesman for Copeland Digital Group said: "The switch to digital has been recognised as a very positive change, on the whole well managed and well received, with several benefits for local people and for the area."