1. Digital Switchover in the UK
Guaranteeing Accessibility
25 May 2007

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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’

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

7. Remote Control
Keys
Labelling
Feedback
Physical

8. 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

9. Hardware
Audio output
Power switch
Connections

10. 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