The Welsh Liberal Democrat Heritage spokesperson, Peter Black, has spoken out against the news that Dixons, Curries and PC World will no longer be selling television sets without inbuilt digital tuners.
"While I welcome any move to help ensure everyone is ready in time for the switchover in 2009, I do think there are other issues to be considered here." said Mr Black. "TVs with built in tuners are all flat screen LCD or Plasma screens which cost a significant amount more than the old cathode ray tube type of television. However many old style televisions are still capable of adaptation by simply adding a digital box at a small cost."
"If a pensioner or someone on a low income wants a TV, they may not want to pay such a large amount, particularly if they already have the equipment that they require. It may be the case that it is far more suitable for them to purchase a cheaper set and use their existing Freeview box, Sky box or Virgin box. A pensioner with sight problems may also require a larger set, a 20 inch flatscreen from Dixons is £349.99, while only £79.97 for a 21 inch regular television."
"Consumers must not be tricked into thinking that they need more expensive technology to receive digital. Many of their existing products will still work with a box available as cheap as £25. While 90% of customers are opting for the more expensive technology, 10% are not. Flatscreen TVs have helped reduce the price of other sets. Companies must not now use digital as an excuse to remove the cheapest products from the market."
