Whitehaven in Cumbria turned off the analogue signal in October

The watchdog's consumer panel found many viewers were confused about the equipment needed and were not confident about installing digital TV themselves.

It called for greater help for older and disabled viewers and those who were not proficient in technical matters.

Analogue TV will be switched off in the UK by the end of 2012.

"We wanted to understand the experience of vulnerable consumers as they 'go digital'," said panel chairman Colette Bowe.

"They told us clearly that they don't want money - they want easily accessible assistance and advice to help them through the process."

Awareness

The panel's research found that much of the information and assistance people wanted, such as a helpline, already existed, but people were just not aware of it.

It recommended a rolling information channel on Freeview providing switchover information and better promotion of the Digital UK helpline.

The panel has also called for "power questions" to be available at retailers to inform people of their choices at the point of purchase.

Whitehaven in Cumbria was the first town to switch off its analogue signal in October.