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'Death-knell' for analogue TVs

22/01/2008

One of Britain's leading electronics firms has announced that it will no longer be stocking analogue TVs as Britain moves closer to digital switchover.

DSG International, which owns Currys, PC World and Dixons.co.uk, will begin to phase out the old-style television sets "with immediate effect", the company said today.

The decision appears to signal a further step towards a complete digital switchover in the UK, after Whitehaven in Cumbria became the first place in the country to have its analogue signal switched off last year.

All DSG branches are to terminate all analogue TV purchases and will no longer order the traditional sets "once existing commitments are fulfilled".

Digital TVs can receive digital signals without the need for a set-top box or a cable or satellite connection.

DSG says its staff will be advising customers about the switchover, with vulnerable groups such as the elderly a particular focus for information.

"We believe that it is appropriate to ensure that our customers are able to select from a future-proof range of televisions," Peter Keenan, managing director of Currys, said.

"Integrated digital televisions are relatively simple to operate, offer superior technology and are an important window on the digital future. They are now available for less than £150 from our stores."

Mr Keenan added that digital TVs are better for the environment because using them "reduces waste by removing the requirement for soon-to-be-obsolete analogue tuners in our television range and the unnecessary purchase of extra digital set-top boxes".

Digital switchover coordinator Digital UK welcomed the announcement.

"This announcement is further evidence that analogue television's days are numbered," Ford Ennals, Digital UK's chief executive, said.

"Switchover has already started and by 2012 will make digital television the standard for all UK households. It’s hardly surprising therefore that many consumers question why analogue products are still being made and sold.

"DSG international are to be congratulated for taking a lead in this area and I hope others will quickly follow suit."

The government has planned for Britain to be completely digital by 2012.