Digital terrestrial television in the United Kingdom (DVB-T/DVB-T2), DTT in UK Опции

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SHEFFIELD & CHESTERFIELD WAKE TO A DIGITAL DAWN

Switchover complete, Freeview viewers must retune

digitaluk press release, 24 august 2011

All analogue TV channels in Sheffield and Chesterfield were switched off for good today, signalling the dawn of an all-digital era for more than 153,000 households.

Analogue BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5 were turned off permanently last night at the Sheffield and Chesterfield transmitter groups, enabling extra Freeview channels to be broadcast from local relay transmitters serving thousands of homes.

The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who will find some of their channels missing this morning. The services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes.

Viewers in some areas may also find their digital TVs or boxes load more than one regional service. Advice on prioritising the preferred regional service is available from Digital UK.

Homes watching the main Sheffield transmitter will need to retune again on 27 September to continue receiving all available channels.

Digital UK, which has co-ordinated the switch, and the Switchover Help Scheme are today running advice points and a roadshow to provide support for viewers who need it. The Help Scheme is still open to applications from older and disabled viewers who may qualify for help including a choice of equipment, installation and aftercare.

John Askew, Digital UK’s Regional Manager in Yorkshire, said: “This is an historic day for TV in Sheffield and Chesterfield as we say goodbye to the old analogue system forever. Viewers have responded extremely well and many are enjoying the benefits of digital TV for the first time.

“As with any change on this scale, some people may need a bit of extra help so we and the Help Scheme are on hand to give advice and assistance to those who may need it.”

Digital UK is providing support through local advice points, its website (digitaluk.co.uk) and an advice line (08456 50 50 50). A switchover roadshow is also running today and tomorrow in Barkers Pool, Sheffield and Chesterfield Market.

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New HD slot confirmed for digital terrestrial TV

ofcom, September 5, 2011

Viewers may be able to watch more High Definition (HD) TV through a standard roof-top aerial, thanks to Ofcom’s decision today to invite applications for an extra HD slot on Digital Terrestrial TV (DTT).

This decision will mean that a new HD channel may be joining the existing four HD channels: BBC HD, BBC One HD, ITV1 HD and 4HD.

Ofcom has today invited applications from commercial Public Service Broadcasters* for this fifth HD slot on DTT (Freeview).

HD launched on Freeview in May 2010. Since then, sales of Freeview HD devices have topped 1.8 million. HD services are currently available to 50% of UK homes. Coverage will rise as digital switchover continues to completion in 2012.

The closing date for applications is 17 October 2011. Applications will be judged against a number of key criteria. This will include an assessment of how the new capacity will contribute to enhancing the range and diversity of high quality television services available on DTT.

It is expected that the new channel will be ready to launch by 1 April 2012.

Fitting HD onto DTT

Spectrum is a high demand finite natural resource. HD is spectrum hungry, demanding roughly four times as much as standard definition. This meant there was originally not enough bandwidth available to broadcast HD on DTT.

It has been possible to create the extra capacity needed for HD on DTT by reorganising existing TV services and introducing two new technologies – MPEG-4 and DVB-T2.

Who can get HD on Freeview

Freeview HD is being rolled out in line with the existing digital switchover schedule and will eventually be available to 98.5% of UK households by the end of 2012.

Today, over 50% or the UK can receive HD broadcasts including Manchester, London, Newcastle, Leeds, Birmingham, Liverpool, and the majority of Wales. Visit the Freeview website to find out if HD broadcasts are in your area: www.freeview.co.uk/freeview/HD.

*Commercial Public Service Broadcasters include Channel 3 licences, Channel 5, Channel 4, and the Welsh Authority.