Broadcast regulator says No to hi-def Freeview

[The News Bot]

In a move which will shock some and surprise many, broadcast regulator Ofcom has rejected pleas to free up additional spectrum space for free-to-air high definition broadcasts when the analogue TV system is switched off in 2012.Both UK broadcasters and the electronics industry had petitioned for two more multiplexes to be made available, for either [...]
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[Endeavour]

And there was me thinking OFCOM was supposed to protect the interests of the consumer. I must have missed the part where it got made part of the Treasury.

Hopefully, the lingering pains in the hands of the Telecoms giants from when they got their fingers burned by Brown on the 3G licenses will make them forget their chequebooks.

[Rasczak]

Originally Posted by R Thomson

Ofcom has rejected pleas to free up additional spectrum space for free-to-air high definition broadcasts when the analogue TV system is switched off in 2012.

Outrageous decision - probably made by Civil Servants who aren't actually aware what HDTV is.

[Greg]

Would this have something to do with the decision to sell off some of the analogue bandwidth to the mobile phone operators?

[Rob100]

That's not good news... I refuse to pay Sky's outrageous costs, so looks like the only HD stuff for me will come on disc or downloaded off the net.

[mike7]

I'm afraid this does not come as a surprise. Mobile phone services will always be seen as an income generator. Perhaps the amount of mux space taken up by radio services might be the place to go. Although I admit it is convenient I suspect radio by Freeview is not something a lot of people use on a regular basis. We still have FM and, for all its sins, DAB digital radio. By dropping the radio service from Freeview I wonder if the system could support 3-4 HD channels.

[David Mackenzie]

Unsurprising, but fairly pathetic nonetheless...

[Jakeh1969]

Originally Posted by mike7

I'm afraid this does not come as a surprise. Mobile phone services will always be seen as an income generator. Perhaps the amount of mux space taken up by radio services might be the place to go. Although I admit it is convenient I suspect radio by Freeview is not something a lot of people use on a regular basis. We still have FM and, for all its sins, DAB digital radio. By dropping the radio service from Freeview I wonder if the system could support 3-4 HD channels.

Or drop off some of the minor freeview channels like QVC and ITV Play....

[rogerh]

. The regulator will invite consultation on its plans being finalizing them in the Summer of 2007.

Well lets hope they mean to take notice of those who contibute to the consultation!
I wonder if this is yet another example of the "Special Relationship" enjoyed between our Mr Blair and Mr Murdock??? It's handy that Freeview will be effecively held back so that more subscriptions can be sold

[David Mackenzie]

This reaction taken from NTSC-UK forum:

Now heres the interesting thing.

Whats going to happen with the tv license, when they shut off the signal my tv is an old sd one which means it wont be able to pick up any tv signals.

Now this isnt a problem for me as my tv has never had any programs as its a gaming only tv & has no arial going into it. So how are the bbc going to get round enforcing that POS license this time.

Does anyone know the answer?

[Knyght_byte]

Originally Posted by Lyris

This reaction taken from NTSC-UK forum:


Does anyone know the answer?

presumably once analogue transmissions cease in your area you will be given a voucher to redeem in a shop for a very very basic freeview receiver to enable you to receive TV and still pay for your licence...

[LV426]

In fact, if a TV is not used at all for reception of broadcast TV (not just BBC - any), and there aren't any Sky Boxes, Freeview Boxes, VCRs etc etc in use either, then a licence is not needed.

[Mr Pumpkinhead]

The Executive summary of Ofcom’s review can be found here:

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/ddr/summary/

I can see some sense in their view of free market vs. regulation but question some of there research findings, namely:

“1.39 High definition television, by contrast, was not identified in our research as a major source of broader value to society. A bigger choice of channels was rated more highly, for both citizen and consumer interests, and HD was seen mainly as a premium consumer product, similar to mobile television.”

I’m not sure who they asked and when, but I guess that wouldn’t be the response from these forums.

“1.79 This consultation, published on 19 December 2006, lasts for 13 weeks. The closing date for responses is 20 March 2007.”

Anyone fancy setting up an online petition?

[paul-av-tech]

Originally Posted by LV426

In fact, if a TV is not used at all for reception of broadcast TV (not just BBC - any), and there aren't any Sky Boxes, Freeview Boxes, VCRs etc etc in use either, then a licence is not needed.

Wireless Telegraphy Act states:



363 Licence required for use of TV receiver

(1) A television receiver must not be installed or used unless the installation and use of the receiver is authorised by a licence under this Part.



If a TV has a tuner unit capable of reception - even though it is not being used for this purpose - it 'could' lead to prosecution. It would be advisable to use a dedicated monitor without reception capability.

I seem to remember many years ago a case where a tv and vcr were being used for playback of pre-recorded material. As the appliances were capable of reception the owner was successfully prosecuted.

[Jonstone]

Originally Posted by Mr Pumpkinhead

The Executive summary of Ofcom’s review can be found here:

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/ddr/summary/

I can see some sense in their view of free market vs. regulation but question some of there research findings, namely:

“1.39 High definition television, by contrast, was not identified in our research as a major source of broader value to society. A bigger choice of channels was rated more highly, for both citizen and consumer interests, and HD was seen mainly as a premium consumer product, similar to mobile television.”

I’m not sure who they asked and when, but I guess that wouldn’t be the response from these forums.

“1.79 This consultation, published on 19 December 2006, lasts for 13 weeks. The closing date for responses is 20 March 2007.”

Anyone fancy setting up an online petition?

That wouldn't be the response from these forums but then these forums are hardly representative of the general public to whom hd is currently not important.

The important word there though is 'currently'. By 2012 the price of hd ready large screen televisions will have dropped to a point that vastly increases their ownership so hd broadcasting will be important in the future so to rule it out on freeview now would be very short sighted