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November 12, 2009

45% of Brits don't use Red Button

Interactive TV still baffles couch potatoes

Carrie-Ann Skinner

Nearly half of Brits (45 percent) have never used the Red Button interactive digital TV service, says Moneysupermarket.com.

According to research by the comparison website, 13 percent of UK TV viewers claimed they had no idea what the Red Button service offered, while 19 percent said they didn't use the service because they thought they would be charged for it.

James Parker, manager of mobiles and broadband at moneysupermarket.com, said: "Most people still associate the red button on their remote with the traditional teletext. But since the boom in digital TV take-up, the red button has opened up a whole new world for viewers.

"It is a shame that almost a third of users don't understand what going interactive is, and as a result they are missing out on some great services. Providers should do more to educate their customers on what extra services and additional programmes are available if they hit the red button."

Moneysupermarket.com said that of those currently using the service, 28 percent claimed it was one of the best TV innovations ever.

"The red button has revolutionised the way TV works in the UK. I would urge customers who haven't embraced the button to check with their provider what's available, or if you already have a digital TV subscription to check the types of services on offer," added Parker.

Home entertainment advice

See also: How to watch live digital TV on your PC

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Comments received


Luddite said on Thursday, 12 November 2009

I understand interactive TV and the red button - I'm just not interested. I suspect that quite a few of the 55% are like me, i.e. couldn't care less.

Miss Andrist said on Thursday, 12 November 2009

And 99% of the 45% will be men!

Cyteck said on Thursday, 12 November 2009

Red Button Red shmutton!! who cares, frankly its just VERY annoying and I have to press the green button to get rid of the darn annoying screen prompt.

If people don't use it who's fault is that NOT mine. How many viewers were asked if they wanted it in the first place. Like any good service, its only as good as the need or desire for it. If little or few people are using it then my guess is that there is little desire or need for it. Why, don't broadcasters think first before foisting such things on the public.

mark said on Friday, 13 November 2009

It may be a good innovation in-of-itself....but its not very attractive and still slow. Most of what you can see is advertising led anyway...Do we really wanna see MORE advertising than we already endure! booorrringggg!!! Many websites are also getting annoying with the bloody irritating pop-up ads ...just as you start to read something! I dont know of anyone that is not irritated by them. One reads of these new innovative advertising trends like they were 'really exciting' but actually they are hated by the punters. Some 'review' websites now advertising their so-called 'top-ten' (with all the software being sold on site ofcourse) then you notice genuinely top software (thats not sold on site) 'strangely' missing from their 'top-ten' list ???

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