Details of Go Digital trial announced

Go Digital, the digital neighbourhood trial, have announced details of how, from the end of January onwards, households in the Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth and Lichfield areas can be amongst the first homes in the UK to be fully converted to digital television.
The trial will offer households the opportunity to play an essential part in the Government's plan of ensuring that all homes in the UK have access to digital television services.
Gary Tonge, the Chair of the Go Digital team: "The residents of Tamworth, Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield, who will participate in this exciting and innovative experience, will play an important role in informing Government of the potential barriers to digital take-up. From observing their use of digital equipment, we can learn practical lessons for the nation as a whole, thereby facilitating a smoother transition towards digital switchover."
The first phase of the project will involve 30 homes which will have access to digital services for a four month period from January onwards. A further 270 homes will be selected for the second trial which will commence in the Spring.
The research gathered will provide information and insights about the experiences of the householders in using the all-digital television receiving equipment in their homes.
Each of the homes selected will have access to one of the main digital platforms; cable, satellite and digital terrestrial and will receive all the available free-to-view services. All television sets and video recorders in the home will be capable of receiving digital broadcasts.
The independent market research company Ipsos UK, who specialise in media Research, have been appointed to carry out the survey and to ensure that a representative range of households are included.
In return, householders participating in the project will be interviewed, complete questionnaires and keep a log detailing their experiences of using the equipment. A Go Digital support office has been set up to provide ongoing assistance to the households during the four month trial periods.
(GB)