Pace Technology has unveiled a new low-cost digital receiver that will allow viewers to receive free-to-air channels without subscribing to digital platforms such as Sky or ITV Digital.
Pace have launched the no-frills set top box, which can also be upgraded to receive pay-TV, interactive and internet services, in an attempt to increase the take-up of digital TV in the UK. The company claims that the device will: “Lower the cost of switching to digital TV enabling a larger group of people to join the digital revolution.”
Jon Pickering, director of Pace’s digital terrestrial division, said: “Our new home gateway clearly meets the specific needs of broadcasters who are looking for flexible technology solutions that will extend their service offering both pay-TV and free-to air viewers.”.
Pace has been at the forefront of industry initiatives to speed up the digital switchover. In November the company’s chief executive, Malcolm Miller, called on the government to do more to promote digital TV, saying: “If we are going to achieve the digital switch by 2006-2010 we must prove that digital TV is both an affordable and compelling proposition.”
The latest wave of DART research showed that 25% of non-digital viewers would not get digital TV because they feel it is too expensive. Presenting the research at the MRG one day conference recently, associate director at Ipsos RSL, Julie Pôrksen, said the introduction of cheaper set-top-boxes would considerably help the Government fulfil its digital vision.
Sky recently withdrew its offer of a free set-top-box and mini-dish, which enabled viewers to upgrade to digital TV without subscribing to BSkyB. The £100 boxes had been on offer since the launch of Sky Digital in order to satisfy regulatory requirements.
