Digital switchover boosts tech confidence

One-in-three older TV viewers in the UK says that getting ready for digital TV switchover has boosted their confidence with new technology.

Research published by Digital UK, the organisation set up to communicate switchover, found that 31% of over-65s in areas where analogue TV has been switched off felt more tech-savvy as a result of converting to digital. Among all ages, 26% said they felt more confident. Most late converters to digital TV (64%) said they now want to try other gadgets, including DVRs, digital cameras and using the internet.

Nearly eight out of ten said they were confident making the switch to digital TV and 90% said that digital TV was better or as good as analogue. One-in-three said they wished they had made the switch sooner. Fifty-three per cent said the main benefit of digital TV is having additional channels. 

Digital UK said TV switchover which has now reached around five million homes. By the time the project is completed in 2012, a further 20 million households will have been through switchover.