Memorandum submitted by John Orton
INTRODUCTION
1. This paper looks at the analogue switch
off from the point of view of the everyday TV watcher and raises
issues that will concern all viewers as the reality of switch
off day comes closer. In the West Country it is only three or
four years away.
TVS WITH
SET TOP
AERIALS
The problem
2. In documents supporting compulsory switch
off reference is made to the number of households who already
have a digital TV or who are likely to have one by switch off
date. This could be seriously misleading. In my own home we have
a "main" TV in the living room that is converted to
digital. We have three other TVs with set top aerials that are
used daily and another that is used when we have visitors staying
the night. All of these receive a reasonable analogue signal and
were it not for the switch off we would have no need to convert
them. The problem with portable TVs is that you will need a digital
box for each one—but this of itself is no guarantee that
you will be able to receive a digital signal. As the nature of
the analogue and digital signals is different, it is probable
that portable TVs are unlikely to be able to get an adequate digital
signal and in a household like mine they would each have to have
an aerial connection. Sky viewers can purchase a multi room option
but I believe that this costs £10 per set per month.
3. This problem is compounded by the fact
that you cannot purchase a small TV with a built in digital receiver—apparently
one was recently on the market but has been withdrawn.
Possible action
4. The Government's statistics showing "households"
with a digital TV should be reworked on the basis of TV sets that
are currently being watched.
5. There should be a survey to identify
the number of TVs with set top aerials requiring conversion.
6. There should also be an estimate of how
much it will cost to convert all portable TVs currently in use.
7. There should be some form of grant aid,
either in cash, free advice or free equipment to all households
based on the number of TV sets requiring conversion.
8. The implications of millions of portable
TV sets being sent to the tip need to be addressed.
RECORDING OF
TV PROGRAMMES
The problem
9. It is not possible to record a programme
on one digital channel while watching another unless you acquire
a digital recorder with a twin feed. At present you can record
digital and watch analogue. On switch off those with VCRs or single
feed digital recorders will only be able to record what they watch.
10. This means that many people will be
obliged to spend money to maintain their current viewing/recording
practices.
Possible action
11. Grant aid in the form of cash or possibly
vouchers for those who buy equipment now which will need to be
upgraded on switch off.
INFORMATION AVAILABLE
TO THE
PUBLIC
The problem
12. I have found out for myself the problems
that I will face on switch off. Even in this area where switch
off is close there are no notices in shops selling TV equipment
about switch off. When I recently had to buy an item I was not
told about the impact of switch off until I asked. Once I had
raised the question it was clear that I needed to buy something
different. Shops are still selling portable TVs and there appears
to be no requirement on the vendor to explain that there will
be a cost element, which might be significant if a new aerial
connection is required, on switch off. VCRs and single feed DVD
recorders are still being sold without a "health warning"
that their use will be limited on switch off.
13. Particularly affected are those who
are in areas where they cannot currently receive a digital signal.
If they need to replace, for example, their VCR, they will then
be faced with additional outlay on switch off if they need to
then acquire a twin feed recorder.
Possible action
14. In areas where switch off is likely
within say a three/five year time scale, all retail outlets, including
second hand shops and charity shops selling TVs or recording equipment
should have to display a notice about the effect of switch over
on the goods they are selling and all sales staff should be obliged
to tell customers of the implications of switch off.
COST IMPLICATIONS
The problem
15. The Governments proposals to give minimal
financial assistance to OAPs do not go far enough. There is surely
a case for individuals who will have to incur financial expenditure
solely because of the switch off and to do no more than to retain
their current level of TV watching and recording, being reimbursed
or helped either by way of cash payments, free advice, or vouchers.
Possible action
16. The switch off of the analogue signal
is very similar to the compulsory acquisition of property rights
and there should be a code of compensation.
17. The Government should fund this by a
levy on those who will benefit financially from the switch over.
This should include all Broadcasters (not just the BBC), manufacturers,
retailers and installers of digital equipment who will, if switch
off goes ahead as currently planned, make small fortunes. The
Government should also put all the profit it makes itself from
the sale of the analogue wavelength towards the compensation scheme.
23 November 2005
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