The BBC is adding page numbers to its digital text services using the same page numbers as CEEFAX in a move to improve the speed and usability of the service.
When it was first launched, the digital text service abandoned the three digital number scheme familiar to users of its teletext service and adopted a hierarchical menu system. This typically required multiple presses of the cursor keys on the remote control and did not provide a numeric shortcut.
However, the BBC’s consumer research suggests that page numbers provide an easy, memorable and an effective means of navigation.
Rahul Chakkara, who is responsible for the service, acknowledged “Research with our users has shown that page numbers are the most effective and simple way to enable people to navigate through our content.”
Page numbers will initially be added on the satellite platform, followed by terrestrial and cable television in the coming months.