Ten useful facts about the DigiTV Starter Kit, digital TV in general to whet your apetite...

> DigiTV Starter Kit is a centrally hosted, unique technology with a web-based CMS allowing immediate publishing to the three 'interactive' TV platforms (Sky, ntl & Telewest), some Freeview boxes, kiosk and mobile (more info)

> The cost of getting involved is just £10,000 per year, per organisation; there are no hidden costs (training, maintenance, technical improvements, account management and more is all included in this price) (more info) 

> A generic application interface (API) allows integration with local databases using XML, to provide end-to-end, real time services (e.g.: South Yorkshire has just launched the ability to schedule doctors appointments direct from the armchair through the DiTV medium) (more info)

> No DiTV/technical knowledge or hardware is required locally to use the DigiTV Starter Kit 

> Full training is provided by DigiTV in two parts; content preparation training then a session on using the Starter Kit, by the end of the training most organisations have half of their service already built (more info) 

> All content is locally managed (forms, polls, email, general info) through a simple CMS. You know your audience, you are in control of your service, you decide what to offer and how to put it together (more info)

> The UK leads the world in digital TV ownership and use. DiTV penetration has now topped 80% and is higher than the Internet. The analogue switch-off begins in 2008, and by 2012 all homes will have digital TV 

> DigiTV offers a bureau service for Local Authorities who are strapped for resource. We offer a service by which we build a simple site for you (working with you on content and features), and getting you going quicker than otherwise might be possible (more info)

> DigiTV continually finds partners offering locally relevant national databases to enhance your sites, e.g.: Job Centre Plus and Transport Direct (more info) 

> All development undertaken by partners is shared for the benefit of all. E.g.: South Yorkshire built a plug-in to the eMIS doctors appointment system, now any region with eMIS surgeries can offer this service to their citizens