[opendtv] Switchover 'key driver of digital equipment purchases'

From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Fri, 14 Dec 2007 17:25:52 -0500
"Research carried out for Digital UK reveals that fifty-three per cent
of recorders purchased in October were digital, up from twenty-nine
percent in October 2006. The percentage of integrated digital large
screen televisions sold in October was up to ninety-six per cent,
according to the polling carried out by GfK."

I think that Craig should pay special attention to the above quote, as
it shows that in fact the digital transition here and across the pond is
happening in very similar ways.

I don't know how many of the integrated TVs in the UK include HDTV
receiver. Whatever the answer, those who bought those sets would be just
as put off as any US integrated TV owner, should anything change in the
broadcast standard that the set isn't compatible with or can;t be
upgraded to support.

Bert


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http://www.dtg.org.uk/news/news.php?class=countries&subclass=0&id=2871

Switchover 'key driver of digital equipment purchases'

Research carried out by Digital UK and Ofcom has revealed that for the
first time more than half of people buying digital television equipment
were influenced by the forthcoming digital switchover. Digital UK also
revealed that for the first time, a majority of television recorders now
sold are digital.

The research shows that fifty-two per cent of those questioned said that
that switchover was important in influencing their decision to go
digital. The figure was even higher among the over 55 age group, with
two thirds saying switchover was important in making a purchase.

These studies coincided with the success of the UK's first regional
switchover in Whitehaven, Cumbria in November, where sales staff in
local electrical retailers were given special training to enable them to
give advice on the digital switchover to consumers.

Local retailers reported a huge increase in sales of digital television
equipment, with sales at Currys.digital in Whitehaven up almost
threefold year on year in the period leading up to switchover, with the
actual date of the switch becoming their busiest day of the year for
Switchover-related sales.

Ford Ennals, Chief Executive of Digital UK said: "The move to digital
only television in Whitehaven went very smoothly and retailers played a
crucial part in the success of the switchover. Their ability to provide
clear advice to consumers was very important in ensuring local residents
were able to switch as easily as possible."

Craig Carruthers, Manager of Currys.digital in Whitehaven, which was
fully rebranded for the switchover, said: "We were extremely busy in the
lead-up to switchover. The additional training and support we received
was really useful. It meant we were able to better explain the
technology and choices to customers and reassure them that changing to
digital would be easy."

Research carried out for Digital UK reveals that fifty-three per cent of
recorders purchased in October were digital, up from twenty-nine percent
in October 2006. The percentage of integrated digital large screen
televisions sold in October was up to ninety-six per cent, according to
the polling carried out by GfK. Overall sales of television equipment
were up nearly thirty per cent year on year, of which seventy-five
percent were digital equipment.

DTG Staff 14.12.2007
 
 
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[opendtv] Switchover 'key driver of digital equipment purchases'

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