Terrestrial channels to launch free DTT via satellite
Monday, April 30th, 2007Plans for free HD on the BBC
The BBC and ITV are preparing to launch a free to air digital TV platform that will broadcast content – including HD programmes – via a satellite network. This hopefully puts the kibosh on negative rumours about high-definition content not being made available on a non-subscription platform such as Freeview. The service is to be dubbed Freesat, or most likely BBC and ITV Freesat, probably to avoid any confusion with the existing Freesat from Sky package.
The Beeb has made its basic channels available for satellite broadcast via Sky’s satellite platform since the early days of satellite broadcasting in the UK, and so making the technological leap to a converged DTT/satellite platform is not exactly a new challenge. The free satellite service would see broadcasters using the same Astra-2 satellites used by BSkyB.
As more content is able to be broadcast and received using a satellite system, viewers would be able to access a winder range of channels – including HD – than that which is currently available on Freeview, via a set-top box or compatible IDTV set, and having a dish installed to the exterior of the house. Like Freeview, once the initial equipment purchases have been made, there are no subsequent subscription charges or bills.
Another potential bonus of a free-to-air satellite service is that a satellite footprint would be able to send transmissions to those who live in areas that cannot receive the Freeview signal, thus making the HDforAll campaign a reality.
However, if this is to happen, then the terrestrial broadcasters need to get their act together. Talks about a have been on the cards since 2005, and the project was initially slated to have been launched last year - ‘Spring 2008′ is the tentative date for when the service is to be launched – that same time that the Border region is set to switch off its analogue signal, meaning that until then, free HD might arrive a little to late for those in the region who want it.
Even so, by then it may be possible for DTT viewers to receive HD content anyway – the BBC have announced that HD over Freeview is possible by doubling the bandwidth – the only snag here is that in order to receive free HD is by purchasing a new aerial and receiver. Either way, the good news is that high-definition content should be available on a non-pay-TV platform in the near future.
April 18th, 2007 at 9:41 am
i think sky should get a grip this is black mail!
May 2nd, 2007 at 8:15 am
Sky have enjoyed their position of top dog in the pay TV market for years now, and have invested a lot in securing this position by introducing fresh content and new technology, such as Sky+ and HD.
Virgin present the first real challenge Sky has faced, and they certainly wont take kindly to the new kid on the block upsetting the status quo.
Sky’s main problem at the moment is that is has managed to piss off everyone at once - in the wake of the current Virgin/Sky court proceedings and the Ofcom report, prompted by a joint response from practically everyone else in the pay-TV industry, it will be surprising if Sky manage to get through the year without having to make some sort of concession in the form of a fine, or a deal involving the return of some of its channels to Virgin.