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Digital TV: Broadcast Heaven or Dumbed-Down Hell?

Within the next couple of years, the government will announce its target date for the adoption of digital TV in the UK. A date will be set for terminating the analogue signal that currently carries all non-digital TV reception. Take-up of digital TV has been fuelled by the services offered by BSkyB, the cable companies and Freeview, a consortium led by the BBC. A new world of interactive possibilities, higher quality sound and vision, and greater choice of programming is promised.

But despite the rapid progress made towards consumer take-up of digital TV, concerns persist over access to the services. Is the drive towards analogue switch-off merely a ploy by politicians to raise money? Meanwhile, detractors point to the 'dumbing-down' of TV output that they say inevitably will accompany the increase in TV channels available to viewers. Civil libertarians, on the other hand, fear the potential for information-gathering and monitoring of individuals that digital TV services offer.

In this 'Argument', we look at the points for and against the adoption of full digitisation and ask whether 'hitting the red button' should see the benefits of interactivity or the end of broadcasting as we know it.

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Tune-In

	Fancy another?
			No thanks, I've got to get back.
	Early start again tomorrow?
			No, just want to catch the new series on the box.
	What's that then: wildlife? sport?
			No, it's called 'When TV Celebs Go Feral'.
	Sounds wild.
			Yeah, well I've got to make the satellite subscription pay.
	Ever thought the TV's in control of you?
			It's the future, innit?
	Yep, along with a weight problem and no social life.
			What do you mean? TV's what we usually talk about.
	One of the things, maybe. We never had a shortage of topics in the past.
			Well, I've never gone digital in the past.

Has Britain got digital fever?

	So, are you sure you're really getting digital?
			Believe the direct debits, my man. Well, it's nice to find something that we're still good at.
	Yep, top of the world for set-top boxes - brill! What's so good about families camped round the telly for hours? Isn't there supposed to be a battle on against obesity?
			Well, I'd pay to watch that.
	That's my point!

What's driving the UK's take-up of digital TV?

	That would be all the quality programming that the Americans have to 'enjoy', I suppose?
			Exactly! They're so lucky to have so many channels to watch. All those 'Sex in the City', 'Friends' and 'Seinfeld's' - heaven!
	Hmm, think all those are old series. Fine if you like repeats and all the rest that goes with American TV. What do you reckon to this switch-off date? Think a lot of people are ready for digital?
			Doubt it. It won't affect me, though, will it.
	Not too sure. Sounds like you're OK.

What will happen in 2010?

	Well, nothing ever happens on time in the UK. Look at the new Wembley Stadium, or the Scottish Parliament.
			True enough! What are chances on this one?

Will the UK be ready in time for 2010?

	Sounds like they're going to fall short by about 5% of households, then.
			Yep, shame for them. Still never mind, "throw the switch now" I say.
	What about your old Mum and Dad, then. Bet they won't be up to speed. What are they going to do when they can't get to see 'Corrie'? Come over to yours to watch it, that's what!
			Ahead of you there, mate; I bought them a Freeview box in the sales.
	But why? What are they going to gain from it?
			Well, there's the better sound quality, that's good for the old fella's hearing. Then there's all the interactive stuff. They'll be into all that.
	What is all this interactive business? Just getting to see Thierry Henri's goals from another twenty angles, I reckon.

What are the interactive features of digital TV?

	Don't get me wrong, I'm very much in favour of interactive TV.
			Oh yeah?
	Yep, I press the little red button, and the thing switches itself off. Now that's what I call interactive.
			Get out of here, caveman!
	Anyway, it sounds like it's not entirely all it was cracked up to be, this digital revolution.
			Well it's coming, like it or not.

What does the future hold for TV broadcasting?

Is there no alternative to this interactive gobbledegook?

There, told you so!

Are there any dissenting voices, campaigning against more TV?

	At last! Now you can see the error of your ways.
			Look mate, I don't care who knows what about what I watch on telly. They can advertise what they want to me. As far as I'm concerned the sooner they are able to re-stock my fridge for me, without my having to go to the shops, the better!
	That's not going to happen next, is it?
			Just you wait and see.
	Well, I can tell you two things about that: One, I'm getting rid of the telly and joining that White Dot group. Two, you'll need to find someone else to talk about 'TVs Naughtiest Weather Forecasters' in future.
			Oh, do cheer up!

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