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Digital Switchover will also affect old recording technology, the TechGuys advise

20 September, 2007
Immediate release

PREPARATIONS FOR DIGITAL SWITCHOVER PROCESS ARE ON TRACK, BUT THE CHANGE WILL ALSO AFFECT OLD RECORDING TECHNOLOGY, THE TECHGUYS ADVISE

The TechGuys trial new service centres in Currys stores to provide advice on digital TV and recording technologies

Hundreds of thousands of UK homes are being advised today that their video and DVD recorders may not work effectively within a year as the digital switchover process begins. The TechGuys advise that whilst excellent progress is being made on equipping the country’s homes with technology to receive digital programmes, many homes risk falling short if they don’t upgrade their recording technology.

Video recorders will only be able to record programmes being viewed at the time and televisions will need to remain on for VCRs to record programmes, rendering time delayed recording impractical. DVD recorders that do not have integrated digital tuners will also be affected.

The TechGuys advise that Britons risk missing their favourite programmes if they don’t upgrade their home recording technology before their region switches to digital broadcasting.
Fewer than one in ten homes own either a DVD recorder with an integrated digital tuner or a digital set top box with hard drive recorder, the two technologies that will enable households to record their favourite programmes in the conventional way once digital switchover takes place. In contrast, approaching 100% of UK homes own a video recorder, which was in its time one of the most successful consumer technology products of all time.

TechGuys advisors are opening new support centres in Currys stores to provide advice and technical support to buyers of digital televisions, set-top boxes and digital recording equipment. Initial openings are in Currys stores in Whitehaven, St Helen’s and Aintree.

“The video recorder will still play old tapes, so it won’t be entirely redundant,” said David Bugg, commercial director of the TechGuys, “but it really is yesterday’s technology. Owners will still be able to watch their collections of Postman Pat videos, but after a while, the experience, as well as the tape, will start to wear a bit thin. The main benefit of video – its capacity to record TV while we’re away – will effectively disappear when digital switchover takes place.”

Danny Churchill, deputy chairman of the Digital Television Group, said: “Britain is making good progress in converting home technology to take account of digital switchover, but there is more to do and now is the time for homes to start thinking more widely about the ramifications of the change for processes like recording favourite programmes. We are pleased to be working with organisations like the TechGuys to advise homes about what they need to do to ensure that they are fully prepared for this change.”

Digital switchover begins in the UK in October, when Whitehaven in Cumbria becomes the first town to move to digital-only reception. The Borders Region, with 300,000 homes, becomes the next region, beginning in Autumn 2008.

To assist with the transition to digital, the TechGuys are offering comprehensive advice and guidance on the readiness of UK homes. The TechGuys can be reached through their in-store service centres in 160 PC World stores, by phone on 08456 024024, via the TechGuys website, www.thetechguys.com, or via the TechGuys’ network of stand alone service centres. The TechGuys’ network of field engineers can also visit customers’ homes.

In a parallel initiative, Currys are retailing “Switchkits”, digital switchover packages, which include a set-top box, installation, detailed demonstration and an aerial test for £79.99.

― Ends―

More information:

Rob Forbes, The TechGuys, 07872 671829
rob.forbes@dsgiplc.com

Hamish Thompson, Twelve Thirty Eight Ltd, 07702 684290
hamish.thompson@1238kmh.com

Notes to Editors
The TechGuys was launched on 4th September 2006 and is the first and only truly national, fully certified technical support service. The company operates a ‘no fix no fee’ policy for when gadgets go wrong, but also aims to help people get the most from their technology by explaining and demonstrating full functionality. The service is open to everyone, regardless of where the technology was purchased. The TechGuys offer support on a wide range of technology, from the latest televisions to laptops.

There are currently 3,000 fully qualified TechGuys across the country, with a further 2,000 being trained over the next three years. The company estimates that over 80% of computer queries can be solved over the phone. There is also an online service at www. TheTechGuys.com and the capacity to visit 15,000 homes every week. The business is fully owned by DSG international, parent company of PC World, Currys and Dixons.

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