Press
Press contacts
Ricability: Caroline Jacobs and Mark Harnett
020 7427 2460
Press releases
March 2010 - retuning and upgrading aerials are biggest consumer concerns
September 2009 - 'Granada region set for switchover'
30 June 2008 -
'Easy to install' digital TV
11 June 2008 - Helping you choose digital TVs,
recorders and set top boxes
23 January 2008 - Test reports on digital TV
recorders with 'Freeview Playback'
4 December 2007 - Want to go green and digital?
Factsheet for journalists - your questions answered
Who are we?
Ricability – the Research Institute for Consumer Affairs – is a national research charity founded by Which? more than 40 years ago.
What do we do?
We provide strictly independent consumer research and information. This is usually for disabled and older people, but because the digital switchover touches everyone, we’re assessing digital products for all consumers.
Who are we working with?
We were commissioned by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). We also work closely with Digital UK, the independent organisation coordinating the switchover. And we carry out product testing with Intertek, one of Europe’s leading testing centres.
What is the digital switchover?
TV transmission in the UK has always been via an analogue signal. Between now and 2012 we’ll all be switched to a digital signal. This region-by-region process is called ‘switchover’.
When it happens, TV sets that haven’t been converted to digital won’t be able to receive programmes. This is why it’s so important people get the information they need to make switchover as painless as possible.
What benefits will it bring?
In a nutshell, choice. Digital supports many more channels, which means a vastly increased range of programmes and new features like on-screen programme guides and interactivity.
How are we helping?
By testing and providing impartial reports on the full range of digital TV equipment, including digital TVs, set top boxes, digital TV recorders (hard disc recorders & DVD) and indoor aerials.
Who are we helping?
In short, everyone – from people who haven’t yet switched and want to know where to start to older and disabled people who may need specific features.
How do we test?
Each product undergoes rigorous, tightly controlled tests to determine how easy it is to use, what features it has, how well it works with other equipment, and that its sound and picture quality are satisfactory. These tests range from technical laboratory procedures to panel reviews by electronics and usability/ergonomists experts.
We started testing in April 2006 and have assessed over 300 products so far. We test continuously and aim to cover over 100 products per year. We’re completely independent, and won’t shy away from being critical if it helps protect people.
How can people get the information?
All our reports can be downloaded at http:www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk.
As well as viewing our recommended products, people can search for those that meet their specific needs – by price, simplicity and energy use. For visually impaired people, we have audio tapes and CD reports.
The website also includes links to other key switchover information sources: Digital UK, Ofcom, the BBC and more than 100 voluntary organisations, TV broadcasters and manufacturers.
What else are we doing to improve products?
We’re working with Intertek, BIS and Digital UK to make manufacturers and retailers more aware of the need for well designed, easy to use equipment, via open days and written guidance for the industry.
Like us to comment or provide copy?
Get in touch with Caroline Jacobs or Mark Harnett on
020 7427 2460 or press@ricability.org.uk
RETUNING AND UPGRADING ARE GREATEST CONCERNS FOR TV VIEWERS AS MENDIP SWITCHOVER LOOMS
Retuning the television or digital box and upgrading aerials are the biggest consumer issues ahead of the imminent digital switchover in the South West according to recent research.The Mendip transmitter will start converting from analogue on March 24 and complete the switchover on April 7.
The switchover will offer television viewers across the area a wider range of channels, and a wider range of features to enhance their viewing experience. Consumers, retailers, installers and manufacturers who have any concerns about what to buy to ensure the switchover is hassle-free should visit the Ricability website, www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk.
Independent research charity, Ricability, has been commissioned by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to test the latest models of digital TV equipment in order to help viewers choose the kit which is right for them. More than 1.2m people have tuned into the site so far.
Ricability Development Manager, Caroline Jacobs, said: “The switchover to a digital only signal is the single biggest development in the history of television since the advent of colour and we’re committed to ensuring that the process goes as smoothly as possible for viewers in the Mendip reception area.
“Ricability has been commissioned by the Government to provide simple, impartial advice on the latest models of digital TV equipment available, so people are not fazed by all the digital products out there.”
There are a lot of benefits to digital television including access to many more channels, on-screen programme guides, interactive elements and on some digital TV recorders, the opportunity to freeze live television and record one channel while watching another.
Since April 2006, Ricability has tested more than 300 products and aims to test a further 25 by the end of this year.
Information and guides on digital TVs, set top boxes, digital TV recorders and indoor aerials, along with relevant guides to the switchover can be downloaded free at www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk
As well as viewing recommended products, you can also search for those that meet your specific needs – by price, ease of use and energy use. If you’re visually impaired, Ricability has free audio tapes and CD reports which can be ordered by phone on 020 7427 2460.
The website also includes links to other key switchover information sources: Digital UK – the independent organisation co-ordinating the switchover – Ofcom, the BBC and more than 100 voluntary organisations, manufacturers and TV broadcasters.
The digital switchover ends in 2012, when television services in the UK will be completely digital. The switchover will take place TV region by TV region.
Households warned to prepare now for digital as Granada region set for switchover
September 2009: Households throughout the North West have been warned to take steps now to adopt a digital platform before the Winter Hill analogue television signal begins switching off in the next few weeks.
Independent research charity, Ricability, has been commissioned by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to test all digital TV equipment in order to help viewers choose the kit which is right for them.
Ricability Principal Researcher, Lindsey Etchell, said:
The Winter Hill transmitter, which covers Liverpool, Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire and North Staffordshire, will begin switching from analogue to digital on November 4, 2009, with the process being completed on December 2, 2009.“Failure to prepare for the analogue signal being turned off will cause great inconvenience for consumers. It is vital that every household in the Granada TV region makes the switchover to digital TV now to prevent this from happening.
“Many people already have cable, satellite or Freeview digital boxes but there are thousands who have not made arrangements for the switchover and the wealth of information and options can be confusing and daunting.
“Ricability has been commissioned by the Government to provide simple, impartial advice on the full range of digital TV equipment available, so people are not fazed by all the digital products out there.”
There are a lot of benefits to digital television including access to many more channels, programme guides, interactive elements and on some formats, the opportunity to freeze live television or even record two channels at once.
Since April 2006, Ricability has tested more than 200 products and aims to test a further 50 by the end of this year.
Information and guides on digital TVs, set top boxes, digital TV recorders and indoor aerials, along with relevant guides to the switchover can be downloaded free at www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk
As well as viewing recommended products, you can also search for those that meet your specific needs – by price, ease of use and energy use. If you’re visually impaired, Ricability has free audio tapes and CD reports which can be ordered by phone on 020 7427 2460.
The website also includes links to other key switchover information sources: Digital UK – the independent organisation co-ordinating the switchover – Ofcom, the BBC and more than 100 voluntary organisations, manufacturers and TV broadcasters. The digital switchover started in 2007 and ends in 2012, when television services in the UK will go completely digital. The switchover will take place TV region by TV region.
‘Easy to install’ digital TV
Ten new products were awarded the ‘Easy to install’ badge
today by Ricability, the independent research and testing organisation
and Digital UK.
This joint test programme and campaign has been designed by Digital UK to identify digital TV products that are easy for consumers to self install and re-tune. It was launched in April with badges awarded to 6 digital TV recorders.
The latest badges are awarded to the following:
Digital TVs
Hitachi L26H01U, £404.94
Panasonic TX-26LMD70, £549
Panasonic TX-32LXD700, £773
Toshiba 32CV505DB, £649
Set top boxes
Alba STB8, £19.99
Digihome DV940B, £17.99
Goodmans GDB9, £34.94
Onn OSTB01, £22.97
Technika AESTBS7, £22.97
TVonics MFR-300, £69.99
David Scott, Chief Executive of Digital UK, said:
"We welcome Ricability's independent evaluation of products, which helps highlight those that will appeal to consumers concerned about how to install the product themselves."
To see full ease of use test results on these products and find out more about the ‘Easy to install’ campaign, see www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk.
Further Information
Lindsey Etchell, Ricability’s Principal Researcher, is available
for interview on 020 7427 2460 during office hours.
Notes for editors
• Ricability is the Research Institute for Consumer Affairs, founded more than 40 years ago and dedicated to providing strictly independent consumer research and information. Ricability is a non-profit organisation.
• All the ‘Easy to install’ and usability testing for www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk is carried out by Intertek RPT, one of the world's foremost, independent consumer product testing laboratories.
• Digital UK is the independent, non-profit organisation leading the process of digital TV switchover in the UK. Digital UK provides impartial information on what people need to do to prepare for the move to digital, and when they need to do it www.digitaluk.co.uk.
• Ricability and Intertek have been commissioned by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) to test and publish information for consumers about digital TV products in anticipation of the switchover to digital TV.
• For more information visit: www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk.
Notes for editors – about the story
• The Easy to install test programme and campaign has been designed by Digital UK to specifically evaluate important elements in self installing, such as
Packaging – e.g. labelling and instructions
Accessories supplied – e.g. leads and batteries
User interface - e.g. on screen menus and remote controls
First time installation & retuning – is it
automatic / simple?
Customer support – helplines and websites
• In April ‘Easy to install’ badges were awarded to six digital TV recorders
Digihome DTR160
Goodmans GHD1621F2
Humax Duovisio PVR-9200TB
Technika AEDTR160S7
Topfield TF5810PVRt
Wharfedale 160DTR
Helping you choose digital TVs, digital TV recorders
and set top boxes - latest independent test reports
See the latest 13 test reports on digital TVs, set top boxes and digital
TV recorders on the independent consumer website www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk.
There are now over 130 test reports on this free site to help consumers
find easy to use equipment for digital switchover.
The test programme and website are run by Ricability, an independent research organisation, and Intertek consumer product testing laboratories at Milton Keynes. The test programme is ongoing and the website is continually updated with new test reports.
Lindsey Etchell, Principal Researcher for Ricability says,
“Our digital TV research continues to show that there are big variations in how easy the kit is to use. Consumers need to choose carefully.
As well as recommending the products that have scored best in our tests, our free website has advice on features to look out for when choosing. You can now search to find products with particular features e.g. low energy ratings or audio description.
New products are tested all the time - www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk.”
Further Information
Lindsey Etchell, Principal Researcher is available for interview on
020 7427 2460 during office hours.
Notes for editors
• Ricability is the Research Institute for Consumer Affairs, founded more than 40 years ago and dedicated to providing strictly independent consumer research and information.
• Intertek at Milton Keynes, is one of the world's foremost, independent consumer product testing laboratories.
• Ricability and Intertek have been commissioned by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) to test and publish information for consumers about digital TV products in anticipation of the switchover to digital TV.
• Ricability works with government departments and manufacturers of digital TV products to ensure that consumers have access to the best possible information on products in anticipation of the switchover to digital TV.
• Digital UK is the independent, non-profit organisation leading the process of digital TV switchover in the UK. www.digitaluk.co.uk.
• Ricability is a non-profit organisation.
• For more information visit: www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk.
Notes for editors – about the story
• The following digital TV products are currently recommended
Set top boxes – for use with an aerial
Logik LDR V2, £49.99
Logik LDR V3, £59.99.
Humax F2-FOX T, £65.99
Set top boxes – for use with Sky satellite
Sky Amstrad DRX550.
Digital TV Recorders - for use with an aerial
‘Humax Duovisio PVR-9200TB, £164.69
Technika AEDTR160S7 , £119.97
Wharfedale 160DTR, £119.99
TVonics DVR-250, £189.99
Evesham PVR160, £149.99
Sharp TU-R160H, £169.99
Digihome DTR160, £94.99
Digital TV Recorders – for use with Sky satellite
Thomson Sky HD
Sky+ Thomson 160
iDTVs 32”
Panasonic TX-32LXD700, £773
Panasonic TX-32LXD7 £650
iDTVs 26”
Panasonic TX-26LMD70, £549
iDTVs 20”
Sony KDL-20B4050, £330
Toshiba 20W330DB, £338
JVC LT-DA7SK, £284
Indoor aerials
Telecam TCE2000 £9.99
Telecam TCE2001 £19.99
One For All SV 9210 £24.99
One for All SV 9340ROO £29.99
Philips 45dB SDV4240/05 £26.98
Test reports on digital TV recorders with Freeview Playback
Recording headaches could be a thing of the past!
The latest Ricability consumer test programme has focused on the new digital TV recorders with Freeview Playback. See the results at www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk.
Lindsey Etchell, Principal Researcher for Ricability says,
‘We’ve just tested 5 digital TV recorders with the new Freeview Playback logo. This means they have improved recording features - and no monthly subscription contract. The results are very exciting, the Humax Duovisio PVR-9200TB £164.69 scored highest for ease of use amongst all the digital TV recorders we have ever tested. It also had lots of useful features and was very easy to install. That was closely followed by the Wharfedale 160DTR £119.19 and Technika AEDTR160S7 £119.97 and we would recommend consumers to consider any of these”.
Digital TV recorders - sometimes called hard disc recorders, or personal video recorders (PVRs) - enable you to receive digital TV AND record on to an internal hard disc. You can buy digital TV recorders to work with terrestrial, or with cable or satellite broadcasts. You can use them with an existing or new TV.
Freeview Playback digital TV recorders have no subscription or contract and enable you to receive and record over 40 digital TV channels on an existing TV. You can also pause and rewind live TV, record one channel when watching another and easily record an entire series. For further information see www.freeview.co.uk.
Ricability, an independent national research charity, has been testing a range of TV products as part of the digital switchover. Their website has free, independent information, explained in clear, simple language that cuts through the jargon. It tells you exactly what to look for and then you can easily search for products with the features you want www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk.
Further Information
Lindsey Etchell, Principal Researcher is available for interview on
020 7427 2460 during office hours.
Notes for editors
1. Ricability is the Research Institute for Consumer Affairs, founded
by Which? more than 40 years ago. Ricability is a national research
charity dedicated to providing strictly independent consumer research
and information.
2. The Ricability digital TV website www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk. and equipment testing are being funded by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform to help consumers choose the easiest to use products for the switch to digital television.
3. Digital TV research and performance testing is carried out in partnership with Intertek at Milton Keynes, one of the world's foremost, independent consumer product testing laboratories, with over 30 years experience in audiovisual product testing, www.intertek.com.
4. Digital UK is the independent, non-profit organisation leading the process of digital TV switchover in the UK. Digital UK provides impartial information on what people need to do to prepare for the move to digital, and when they need to do it www.digitaluk.co.uk.
5. For further information on Freeview and Freeview Playback www.freeview.co.uk
.
Want to go green and digital?
Fancy a new digital TV or digital box for Christmas and want to make sure it’s easy to use and energy efficient? Check out the latest digital TV reports at the independent consumer website at www.ricability-digitalTV.org.uk.
Ricability, an independent national research charity, has been testing
a range of TV products as part of the digital switchover. Their website
has free, independent information, explained in clear, simple language
that cuts through the jargon.
They have measured the power consumption of all the set top boxes, digital
TV recorders and iDTVs tested, both in standby mode and in use. You
can also search for products that have the Energy Saving Recommended
logo and look at the Energy Savings page with information about unplugging
equipment at night.
Lindsey Etchell, Principal Researcher for Ricability says,
‘We’ve just tested another 27 digital TVs and 9 set top boxes, to add to the 85 test reports already on our site.
Consumers need to be aware that standby power usage varies hugely on different models - from 0.2 watts per hour to 3.86 watts on the iDTVs tested and between 1.53 watts and 15.2 watts on the set top boxes.
For energy efficiency the best products tested are the 32” Sony KDL-32S2010 digital TV (0.2 watts in standby mode) and the Logic LDR V3 set top box (1.53 watts in standby mode)”.
Because digital TV products can be complicated, the website gives information about choosing equipment that is easiest to use. It can also save you money. In fact, the research has found that one of the best indoor TV aerials is also one of the cheapest (Telecam TCE 2000 at £9.99).
Further Information
Lindsey Etchell, Principal Researcher is available for interview on
020 7427 2460 during office hours.
Notes for editors
1. Ricability is the Research Institute for Consumer Affairs, founded
by Which? more than 40 years ago. Ricability is a national research
charity dedicated to providing strictly independent consumer research
and information.
2. Digital TV research and performance testing is carried out in partnership with Intertek at Milton Keynes, one of the world's foremost, independent consumer product testing laboratories, with over 30 years experience in audiovisual product testing, www.intertek.com.
3. Digital UK is the independent, non-profit organisation leading the process of digital TV switchover in the UK. Digital UK provides impartial information on what people need to do to prepare for the move to digital, and when they need to do it www.digitaluk.co.uk.
4. Energy Saving Recommended logo. This logo was developed by the Energy Saving Trust, to help consumers spot the most energy efficient products. These products cost less to run because they use less energy www.est.org.uk.