The TV industry must take steps to make digital equipment and services easier to use if uptake of the technology is to be optimised, says a new report out this week.
The research,
Digital Television for All was carried out by
The Generics Group for the Department of Trade and Industry and focused on the accessibility and usability of digital TV.
It found that current designs make digital TV equipment more difficult to use than existing analogue equipment. Poor design and “non-intuitive” systems are described as the greatest barriers to using digital TV.
According to the report, 7.1% of the population (around 2 million people) would be unable to use one of today’s set top boxes for simple everyday viewing, compared to only 2.7% with analogue.
“The UK leads the world in take up of digital TV, and we must not squander the opportunity to make the most of this advantage. This report provides a wake-up call to the industry,” said e-commerce minister, Stephen Timms.
“Today’s digital TV equipment is confusing and difficult to use, even for people who take to new technology quickly. As many people as possible should enjoy the full range of television services. Manufacturers must recognise the opportunities and commercial rewards from designing products which are accessible to the widest range of consumers. We cannot expect people to fully embrace digital television unless it is simple and easy to install and use.”
Amongst the recommendations in the report is a call to make purchasing easier, for example by making remote controls visible at point of sale. The Generics Group also suggests that instruction books and installation guides should be made more intelligible to the layman and the industry should agree common design principles so that equipment is more intuitive to use.
UK digital TV penetration stood at 44% at the end of the first quarter (see One In Five UK Digital Homes Receives Free-To-Air Services), the highest rate in the world, but analysts doubt whether the target of 95% of households switching to digital services will be achieved this decade. However, Timms is defiant that the 2010 deadline will be met (see Analogue TV Switch-Off Target Will Be Met, Says Timms) and believes that designers and manufacturers should pull together at this critical time.
“There are no significant barriers to industry working together to solve design and ease of use issues and, in partnership with the Government, get the best from our digital future.”
The Government has said it will consider the conclusions of the DTI report and work with the relevant parties to see how digital TV accessibility and usability can be improved.
