THE Government plans to switch off traditional television transmission in Worcestershire in 2010 - meaning viewers will have to buy a digital receiver.

The transition to digital is being hailed as the biggest revolution in television since the change to colour in the 1960s but there are fears many people will not be ready.

The benefits of digital television - more channels, clearer pictures, and the opportunity for "interactivity" - are well-publicised, but many people remain sceptical.

However, the Government is keen to point out that people will not need to buy a new television set.

Television retailers say there needs to be a better explanation of what is going to happen.

"People are still very confused," said Alan Shone, the owner of Tylers television shop in Great House Road, St John's, Worcester.

"We are finding that a lot of people aren't buying new televisions because they think they'll wait until digital comes in.

"But in fact, viewers will be able to use a normal television set as long as they buy a digital receiver by 2010."

The advantages of digital are greater in rural areas where traditional analogue pictures are patchy.

Richard Brown, aged 63, of Ramsons Close, Malvern, is one viewer who suffers such problems, but, like many, he still remains sceptical about the new technology.

The Malvern television mast, which serves much of the county, towers above his home, but he is exactly the sort of person the Government will have to convince.

When he sits down to watch his favourite television programmes he is often frustrated by a poor picture and, like most people in Worcestershire, he cannot receive Channel Five at all.

"At the moment we do get ghosting on terrestrial television but it remains to be seen whether people will rush to take up digital," added Mr Brown.

"People are right to be sceptical about it but, like everything else, we'll get no choice, I suppose."

Television regulator Ofcom said the switch-off of the "analogue signal" will take place in Worcestershire, two years after it is due to take effect in some parts of the UK, but says it would listen to the concerns of the public.