13,000 people in the UK still watch black and white TV

[wraggster]

Over in Las Vegas, attendees of his year's CES show are being treated to the world's first 4k ultra-HD TVs, whilst back in blighty, it would appear some of us didn't get the memo.
Figured released by the UK's TV Licensing body have revealed that 13,000 households are still using black and white televisions.
It isn't through necessity either, as those still using them are reportedly more than happy, without splashing out any of the latest tech on offer at this year's CES show.
The regulator even compiled a list of hot spots for the dated devices, with London leading the way with 2,715 monochrome televisions.
Second city Birmingham followed closely with 574 sets, whilst Manchester sits in third with 413.
As happy as black and white users say they are, it is highly likely that the decision has more to do with the higher costs related to colour TV licenses, with colour TVs carrying a £150 fee rather than the measly £50 required for a black and white set.
Speaking to tech site The Inquirer, TV and radio historian, John Trenouth, said: "Although 13,202 monochrome licences may sound a lot, it's now a tiny percentage of the 25 million licensed viewers in the UK."
"The numbers of black and white TV sets in regular use has fallen dramatically over the last few years, hastened by the fact that it's now almost impossible to replace them and by the need to buy a suitable set top box to continue to use them after digital switchover."
Across the pond, firms have been chomping at the bit to showcase their latest high-tech TVs, with the likes of Samsung and Sharp unveiling their latest 4K ultra HD screens.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...hite-tv/029980

[WhizzBang]

I doubt it is really down to cost, more likely just down to some peoples odd preferences.

Also (as Viz once pointed out in a Posh Spice vs Penelope Keith article), tv is looked down upon by the upper classes and it is considered classier to have a b&w tv than a big modern flat screen. To be ultra posh you should keep your b&w tv in your conservatory for the plants to watch.