Digital TV is a turn off, claims watchdog
British Government plans to switch off the analogue television signal within five to 10 years has been criticised by the Consumers' Association.
The organisation says many people reject digital television for the same reason people choose it - more channels.
The Association's research has found that 32% of people currently without digital TV said they would never get it.
Almost half of those questioned - 48% - said they would only want to watch free-to-air channels after analogue switch-off and 66% of non-adopters have not even considered switching to digital.
The survey questioned 1,918 people between February 23 and March 1 this year and discovered that although 26% of the population have digital TV, the main reason most (73%) who have made the switch have done so is for the availability of extra channels, particularly sport and films.
It also revealed that confusion is rife among those who have and those who have not gone digital about the need to pay for five terrestrial channels after the analogue switch-off.
Adam Scorer, spokesman for the Consumers' Association, said: "The survey had found a resistance to digital TV that should compel the Government to rethink its plans for delivering 'digital UK'.
"We believe it's time to end the forced march to analogue switch-off. The government needs a digital switch-over policy that allows consumers to switch to digital easily, affordably and because they want to," he added.
