Digital Switchover in the UK Guaranteeing Accessibility 25 May 2007

Digital Switchover in the UK 2008 – 2012, region by region 98.5% digital coverage of the UK Help Scheme in place to assist the most vulnerable ‘Most vulnerable’ as defined by UK Government Impact Report based on research by Scientific Generics

Qualification for the Help Scheme Households eligible for the Help Scheme are those which have at least one person who: Is over 75 years old Has a serious disability Is registered blind or partially-sighted The key thing is to ensure these vulnerable groups are not ‘left behind’ by switchover, and that their accessibility needs are met It is estimated that c.7.1m households will be eligible and estimated that c4.7m will use the scheme

The Assistance Provided Necessary equipment to convert one TV set Relevant help to install and use the equipment Provision of set-top aerials or aerial upgrades (where appropriate, and including aerial installation by Registered Digital Installers if necessary) Digital TV or Digital TV recorder (extra cost) Help with access to other platforms if preferred Free telephone support service

Core Receiver Requirements Produced by UK Government, working with the Consumer Expert Group, with advice from the BBC Equipment to best meet the needs of older and disabled people Laid out in a series of ‘Usability Requirements’ ‘shall’ and ‘should’

User Interface On-screen display User navigation Feedback Favourites / User preferences Invisible behaviour

Remote Control Keys Labelling Feedback Physical

Subtitles & Audio Description Maintained across channel changes Full EPG content Audio description Mandatory decoding and support Full EPG content in AD form Controls take into account the visually impaired

Hardware Audio output Power switch Connections

Delivering the Help Scheme The BBC to oversee the Scheme Currently procuring a contractor for the Whitehaven switchover in October 2007 All potential contractors for the Help Scheme can produce a set-top box to meet the Core Receiver Requirements The Help Scheme will then be rolled out to the rest of the country as switchover takes place Aware of the need for flexibility Formation of the Emerging Technologies Group Helping to improve technology of accessibility