TV still comes in black and white for some...

YOU can forget HD, Freeview and flat screens — for new research shows that 60 Oldhamers still own a black and white TV.

The local traditionalists are among 28,000 in the UK who still hold a black and white licence despite huge advances in technology.

TV Licensing has published the figures to celebrate the 40th anniversary of colour broadcasts on BBC1 and ITV.

While the figures show there may yet be life in the oldest equipment, new statistics from the BBC highlight the way emerging technologies are changing the way many of us watch TV.

In September, the iPlayer attracted over one million unique users a day who watched 60.8 million TV programmes on the Internet using computers, smart-phones and games consoles and on TV using Virgin Media set-top boxes.

Yet despite the increasingly divergent ways to watch leaning back on the sofa in front of the TV set is still the most popular — with sales of flatscreen TVs almost trebling in the last three years.

According to the latest industry statistics, over 9.6 million flatscreen TVs were sold or hired between October, 2008, and September, 2009, compared with fewer than 3.5 million between October, 2005, and September, 2006.

Phil Reed, TV Licensing spokesperson, said: “These figures show TV has never been more popular across the spectrum, and with so many ways to watch TV now available, it’s important people are aware of their legal responsibilities.

“Whether you watch in black and white on a 40-year-old TV set or in colour on a brand new 37” LCD flatscreen, you need to be covered by a TV Licence if watching or recording programmes as they are broadcast.

“The same is true if you access programmes via the Internet as they are being shown on TV — if you’re using a laptop, mobile phone, games console or any other device.”

For more information on when you need a TV Licence and the various ways to pay, visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info