All posts by Briantist
Below are all of Briantist's postings, with the most recent are at the bottom of the page.
Mark A.: And NICAM of course... 3 days of analogue to go - goodbye to NICAM 728 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice .
| link to this comment |
Richard Davis: Yes, indeed, NICAM was used by the BBC to put digital audio down "analogue vision circuits".
I can confirm to you that NICAM was removed from internal over a decade ago. It was replaced by more efficient codecs.
| link to this comment |
Richard Davis: The stereo system used on video cassettes isn't NICAM, it is an analogue system. It was very rare to find VCRs that decoded NICAM and recorded this as "analogue stereo" in domestic equipment.
See VHS - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia .
Of course, most VCRs output the mono recording on both the left and right outputs (SCART and/or RCA), so it would have not been obvious you were listening to the mono.
| link to this comment |
Insider: It's not. FM is no longer distributed that way, it was superseded the best part of 15 years ago.
It's just not needed as both vision and sound are carried on the SDH - see http://en.wikipedia.org/w…rchy .
| link to this comment |
trevorjharris: as well as 4Tel on channel 4 and telesoftware on Ceefax.
All those hidden pages with hexadecimal digits A to F in them...
| link to this comment |
It's also interesting to note that there are 360 bits per line in the teletext broadcast.
Which is, of course, half of the 720 samples per line in the "main profile at main level" in MPEG-2 for "625-line television", or 576i.
This (sort of) equates to a "forward error correction" of 1/2.
Only 576 lines of the 625 lines are used for the picture, which is why other 49 could be used for teletext services.
Note also that teletext is in "in band" service, carried as part of the picture, and not an "out band" service like NICAM which is carried on a different carrier.
| link to this comment |
Another interesting feature of the "fast text" service that uses the coloured buttons in teletext is the use of Hamming Coding - Hamming(7,4) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia .
| link to this comment |
More at .. BBC's Ceefax: the last pixel show | Media Monkey | Media | guardian.co.uk ..
| link to this comment |
frank watkins: Hmmm... Ofcom says ArqA is C52 and ArqB is C56 ( http://stakeholders.ofcom….pdf top of page 4) but Digital UK says the other way around ... Postcode Checker - Detailed View ...
| link to this comment |
Mark A.: Actually, you're not quite right about BBC Mode 7.
In teletext mode, each character is a character not a pixel. The pixels were generated from the ROM, so each of the 40x24 lines used a byte.
In teletext mode, the colour was changed using a character, and there were codes such as "switch to graphics colour", where each of the following characters represented a six bit graphic (2 horizontal, 3 vertical) with some characters remaining normal.
The top bit wasn't used in normal teletext systems (as it was used for "parity").
As the colour and other codes were bytes, they occupied a space on the screen (unlike the way VT-100 works, for example).
One difference between Mode 7 and normal teletext was that you had to repeat the characters of double height text.
The ZX Spectrum had a mono-bitmap screen, by comparison, but with foreground and background colours set for every 8x8 pixels.
The BBC other modes were bitmapped and palette mapped.
| link to this comment |
... you tended to use the CHR$ values above 128 to set the teletext colours in mode 7 because the OS would interpret the values 0-31 as "ascii" such as 13 being CR and 10 being LF.
In other modes, the 128-255 characters were "user defined characters" which were set using VDU ..
| link to this comment |
Did I mention I wrote a BBC ROM to do teletext better than the one that came with the hardware?
I love 6502!
| link to this comment |
.michael: Yes, it wasn't that long since the invention of the transistor - Moore's Law was in it's infancy.
Out of interest, I also wrote a networked Ceefax system when I was at BT Broadcast Services back in 1994
Here's an index page from 4th July:
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Whitehead transmitter will be off
air from midnight until 11am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Brougher Mountain transmitter will be off air from midnight until 6am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Divis transmitter will be off air from midnight until 6am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Limavady transmitter will be off air from midnight until 6am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Armagh transmitter will be off air from midnight until 9am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Ballintoy transmitter will be off air from midnight until 3pm on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Ballycastle transmitter will be off air from midnight until 9am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Banbridge transmitter will be off air from midnight until noon on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Bangor transmitter will be off air from midnight until noon on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Belcoo transmitter will be off air from midnight until noon on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Bellair transmitter will be off air from midnight until 9am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Benagh transmitter will be off air from midnight until 3pm on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Black Mountain transmitter will be off air from midnight until 6am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Buckna transmitter will be off air from midnight until noon on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Bushmills transmitter will be off air from midnight until noon on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Camlough transmitter will be off air from midnight until 9am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Carnmoney Hill transmitter will be off air from midnight until 9am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Castlederg transmitter will be off air from midnight until 9am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Claudy transmitter will be off air from midnight until 3pm on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Conlig transmitter will be off air from midnight until 6am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Cushendall transmitter will be off air from midnight until noon on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Cushendun transmitter will be off air from midnight until 9am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Derrygonnelly transmitter will be off air from midnight until 3pm on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Draperstown transmitter will be off air from midnight until 9am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Dromore transmitter will be off air from midnight until 3pm on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Ederny transmitter will be off air from midnight until noon on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Glenariff transmitter will be off air from midnight until 3pm on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Glenelly Valley transmitter will be off air from midnight until 2pm on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Glynn transmitter will be off air from midnight until 2pm on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Gortnageeragh transmitter will be off air from midnight until 6am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Gortnalee transmitter will be off air from midnight until 3pm on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Kilkeel transmitter will be off air from midnight until noon on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Killowen Mountain transmitter will be off air from midnight until 9am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Larne transmitter will be off air from midnight until 7:30am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Leitrim transmitter will be off air from midnight until 3pm on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Lisbellaw transmitter will be off air from midnight until 9am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Londonderry transmitter will be off air from midnight until 6am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Moneymore transmitter will be off air from midnight until 3pm on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Muldonagh transmitter will be off air from midnight until noon on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Newcastle transmitter will be off air from midnight until noon on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Newry North transmitter will be off air from midnight until noon on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Newry South transmitter will be off air from midnight until 3pm on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Newtownards transmitter will be off air from midnight until 9am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Plumbridge transmitter will be off air from midnight until 11am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Rostrevor transmitter will be off air from midnight until 9am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Strabane transmitter will be off air from midnight until 7:30am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details.
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Brougher Mountain transmitter will be off air from midnight until 6am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details...
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Divis transmitter will be off air from midnight until 6am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details...
| link to this comment |
At switchover the Limavady transmitter will be off air from midnight until 6am on 24th October 2012 - see UK Digital switchover ends - Northern Ireland completes on 24th October 2012 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for full details...
| link to this comment |
Derek: You connect the SCART on the DVD recorder to the "VCR" SCART on the Sky+ box. The you put the Sky+ box into stand-by mode to access the DVD recorder.
| link to this comment |
David: it MUST have Freeview HD. "full HD" o my refers to the screen resolution.
| link to this comment |
paul allen: you are getting the special Northern Ireland Mini Multiplex. See Northern Ireland RTE1, RTE2, TG4 special mini-multiplex from 24 October | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice please.
| link to this comment |
MARTIN WEIR: you need to buy a Freeview HD box. See Northern Ireland RTE1, RTE2, TG4 special mini-multiplex from 24 October | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
Colin: I presume you get 101 BBC One NI 102 BBC HD 103 UTV HD and 104 Channel 4 HD ?
| link to this comment |
seamus o'doherty: The "Full Freeview" transmitters usually serve populations in the millions:
Crystal Palace serves about 10673000 people
Winter Hill serves about 6394000 people
Sutton Coldfield serves about 4445000 people
Emley Moor serves about 3684000 people
Black Hill serves about 2234000 people
Sandy Heath serves about 2187000 people
Waltham serves about 1830000 people
Mendip serves about 1711000 people
Belmont serves about 1688000 people
Pontop Pike serves about 1664000 people
Rowridge serves about 1474000 people
Bilsdale serves about 1355000 people
Hannington serves about 1117000 people
Divis serves about 1046000 people
Sudbury serves about 1046000 people
Craigkelly serves about 1022000 people
Then less than a million people...
Oxford serves about 975000 people
Wenvoe serves about 856000 people
Tacolneston serves about 784000 people
The Wrekin serves about 666000 people
Ridge Hill serves about 642000 people
Bluebell Hill serves about 475000 people
Dover serves about 452000 people
Caradon Hill serves about 428000 people
Durris serves about 428000 people
Heathfield serves about 404000 people
Darvel serves about 357000 people
Angus serves about 309000 people
Fenton serves about 309000 people
Stockland Hill serves about 285000 people
Caldbeck serves about 285000 people
Sheffield serves about 285000 people
Kilvey Hill serves about 285000 people
Redruth serves about 231000 people
Whitehawk Hill serves about 228000 people
Moel-Y-Parc serves about 226000 people
Midhurst serves about 223000 people
Beacon Hill serves about 200000 people
Brierley Hill serves about 197000 people
Hemel Hempstead serves about 176000 people
Nottingham serves about 176000 people
Carmel serves about 171000 people
Reigate serves about 166000 people
Rosemarkie serves about 150000 people
Malvern serves about 138000 people
Preseli serves about 135000 people
Tunbridge Wells serves about 126000 people
Lancaster serves about 124000 people
Guildford serves about 114000 people
Limavady serves about 107000 people
Pendle Forest serves about 107000 people
Storeton serves about 107000 people
Llanddona serves about 105000 people
And a very few serve less than 100,000 people...
Rosneath serves about 97000 people
Lark Stoke serves about 90000 people
Huntshaw Cross serves about 88000 people
Brougher Mountain serves about 86000 people
Plympton serves about 83000 people
Keighley serves about 81000 people
Fenham serves about 81000 people
--- 80,000 is here ---
Knockmore serves about 74000 people
Salisbury serves about 74000 people
Bromsgrove serves about 71000 people
Olivers Mount serves about 71000 people
Chatton serves about 69000 people
Chesterfield serves about 59000 people
Bristol Ilchester Crescent serves about 59000 people
Selkirk serves about 57000 people
Rumster Forest serves about 50000 people
Idle serves about 50000 people
Pontypool serves about 45000 people
Bristol Kings Weston serves about 43000 people
Hastings serves about 43000 people
Aberdare serves about 43000 people
BlaenPlwyf serves about 40000 people
Saddleworth serves about 26000 people
Eitshal serves about 24000 people
Keelylang Hill serves about 22000 people
Bressay serves about 13000 people
Torosay serves about 7000 people
| link to this comment |
It's also worth noting that a commercial operator will also look at the potential revenue from advertising that can be made, which is not a function of the population, but the wealth of the people who will be watching the adverts:
.svg.png)
| link to this comment |
Rob James: Thank you very much. It always very encouraging to hear that the site is appreciated.
| link to this comment |
Chris.SE: I have:
A made the updates to the database to men dip Nd
B some code so I don't miss posts with my Name in them
| link to this comment |
Michael: Here you go. These are "homes" (rather than "population" as above):
Londonderry ... 37,000
Kidderminster ... 33,000
Mynydd Machen ... 31,000
Fremont Point ... 30,000
Wrexham Rhos ... 29,000
Luton ... 29,000
Tay Bridge ... 27,000
Poole ... 27,000
Perth ... 26,000
Bath ... 24,000
Hertford ... 23,000
Carnmoney Hill ... 21,000
Beecroft Hill ... 21,000
Whitehaven ... 20,000
Weymouth ... 20,000
Millburn Muir ... 20,000
Exeter St Thomas ... 19,000
Bristol Barton House ... 19,000
Thornhill ... 18,000
Seagry Court ... 18,000
| link to this comment |
Mark: But the transmitters have been there for a long time ... they can't be moved without a lot of expensive construction work.
| link to this comment |
... see Are you really watching free TV in high definition? | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice please.
| link to this comment |
Rita Mc laughlin: it isn't there is a box where it specifically says it has no Freeview channel number!
| link to this comment |
Declan McGrath: Here is the timetable:
6am
Moel y Parc, Storeton Wales, Llanddona
Midday
Llandderfel, Llandecwyn
Late afternoon
Glyn Ceiriog, Glyndyfrdwy, Llangollen, Llanuwchllyn, Bethesda, Coed Derw, Llanengan, Maentwrog
| link to this comment |
Ian: That's quite harsh! One thing that the majority of disinterested people say about Ofcom is that is a rather successful regulator.
| link to this comment |
mrdtv: There is a whole year of 61/62 clearance, and then the launch of more HD services from 20 masts, then clearing of the 700MHz band for mobile broadband...
| link to this comment |
David: If you get your Freeview direct from one of the above transmitters, you will get ten extra 10 channels soon. If you don't, you may get them in 2018.
Not withstanding the aerial groups issue - COM7, COM8 and COM9 part II - which transmitters are "in group" | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice .
| link to this comment |
Josh: BBC TWO HD will be broadcasting the BBC News channel all afternoon soon...
| link to this comment |
Dave Lindsay: That's nearly true about the BBC services/ Those people who were on non-Freeview relay transmitters could only watch BBC One and BBC TWO until switchover. And satellite viewers had more Red Button screens until a few months ago. It might be possible for Channel 5 HD to go on the new multiplexes, as the cost of carrying the services from 20 transmitters will be much less than for ALL of them.
| link to this comment |
David: DVB-T2 is used in Northern Ireland for the NIMM and Freeview HD.
The RoI used DVB-T, but with MPEG-4.
| link to this comment |
Declan McGrath: Llanddona is the number 53 terms of the homes covered. The proposal is for the top 20 transmitters only.
| link to this comment |
Aerialman: It's a question of where people live today that determines which transmitters are regarded as necessary for low-cost coverage.
Fremont Point, Torosay and Eitshal might have been "important" when distribution was done "the old way", but if services are delivered to masts via fibre-optic, as they now are, then the network can be configured in different ways.
The 20 sites may be added to, but the two DVB-T2 multiplexes have to be done with BBC budget cuts.
| link to this comment |
Josh: probably best to point out that the list has not been made official in any way!
| link to this comment |
*** Sky News, PICK TV and Challenge TV on Freesat from Monday 3rd December | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice ***
| link to this comment |
+++ Sky News, PICK TV and Challenge TV on Freesat from Monday 3rd December | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice +++
| link to this comment |
--- Sky News, PICK TV and Challenge TV on Freesat from Monday 3rd December | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice ---
| link to this comment |
dennis: Look on channel 900. The service has been there for several years... but you need the right sort of box.
| link to this comment |
Lynda: I would have a look at Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
David Pinfold: Ofcom has the plan here - http://stakeholders.ofcom….pdf :
Oxford
Farthinghoe
Boars Hill
Woodcote
Duckington Farm
Over Norton
Ascottunder Wychwood
Chain Hill
Bampton Castle S
Bretch Hill
| link to this comment |
Ian: Interestingly, Freesat seems to have kept 202 "free" for Sky News since the launch...
| link to this comment |
Josh: It's not a question of "allowing", it is one of handing over a very small payment.
The "rules" are here - http://webcms.freesat.co.…482/
Not sure what the actual fees are at the moment.
| link to this comment |
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 1 of 12
Freesat EPG Listing Policy
Revised 1st August 2010
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 This document states the policy of Freesat (UK) Limited (FREESAT) for the allocation of Electronic
Programme Guide (EPG) numbers on the FREESAT platform. After any such allocations have been
made by FREESAT, the EPG number continues to belong to FREESAT and to be subject to its
discretion and applicable policy.
1.2 FREESAT allocates EPG numbers to a wide range of different services on the FREESAT platform,
e.g. television channels, radio stations and interactive applications. For the sake of convenience, all
services are referred to within this Policy as channels and those who provide such services are
referred to as channel providers.
2 EPG LISTING POLICY OBJECTIVE
2.2 FREESATs objective is to apply the Policy in such a way as it considers to be for the long-term
benefit of the FREESAT platform, to fulfil viewer expectations and in the interests of viewer
convenience (in each case as determined by FREESAT in accordance with this Policy).
3 LAUNCH ON TO THE FREESAT PLATFORM
3.1 Any channel provider that intends a channel to be launched on the FREESAT platform should submit
an approved application form to FREESAT and supply it with the information set out in section 3.2
(Launch Application Form) between 4 and 6 months before the intended launch of the channel onto
the FREESAT platform.
3.2 In order to be added to the launch grid of the FREESAT platform, a channel provider must submit a
Launch Application Form to FREESAT including the following information:
(i) a copy of the broadcasting licence (or equivalent authorisation) permitting the broadcast of the
channel on the FREESAT platform in the UK;
(ii) details of which satellite capacity provider the channel will use;
(iii) details of which entity will provide EPG scheduling data to FREESAT (whether this is the
channel provider itself or a third party acting on its behalf);
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 2 of 12
(iv) an indication of which genre it considers most appropriate for the new channel and sample
schedules (see section 4 below);
(v) details as to whether it considers that the channel is a public service channel (see section 6
below);
(vi) details as to whether it considers that the channel qualifies as an Associated channel (see
section 7 below);
(vii) the transmission hours of the channel; and
(viii) the proposed launch date for the channel
3.3 Notwithstanding section 3.1, a channel provider may submit a Launch Application Form to FREESAT
earlier than 6 months before the intended launch of the channel on the FREESAT platform.
3.4 The channel provider must provide (at its cost) all such information as FREESAT is likely to require, or
specifically requests, in order for FREESAT to properly consider an allocation of an EPG number in
accordance with the Policy (including without limitation sample schedules). The channel provider
should take steps to ensure that all information provided by it or on its behalf is accurate, complete
and up-to-date.
3.5 Requests by a channel provider to launch a channel on to the FREESAT platform on a speculative
basis (i.e. channels without confirmed genre and intended launch date) will not be considered, but
FREESAT will have due regard to confidentiality requirements and will permit the use of working
channel names.
3.6 The rate at which FREESAT can launch new channels onto the FREESAT platform is influenced by
operational and technical factors which will vary from time to time. Due to the above, FREESAT does
not guarantee that all channel providers will be able to launch a channel on FREESAT on the
proposed launch date specified in the Launch Application Form.
3.7 After receiving the Launch Application Form, FREESAT will contact the channel provider between 4 to
6 weeks prior to the proposed launch date and advise the actual channel launch date.
4 GENRES
4.1 Genres are the basis for the grouping of channels on the FREESAT platform. The genres available
for allocation of EPG numbers within the FREESAT platform are, at the time of adoption of this Policy,
the following:
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 3 of 12
Entertainment
News & Sport
Movies
Lifestyle
Music
Children
Special Interest
Radio
Shopping
Gaming & Dating
Adult
Regional
On Demand (formerly Interactive)
4.2 FREESAT will list a channel in a particular genre after considering the number of programming hours
a channel broadcasts pertaining to each genre and determining which genre has the most significant
number of programming hours dedicated to it. The following descriptions will be applied by FREESAT
in determining the genre categories:
4.2.1 Entertainment:
Programming of an entertainment nature that targets a wide viewing audience. For a channel to be
allocated an EPG number in the Entertainment genre it must contain a variety of entertainment
programming and the channel must not be more appropriately listed in another existing genre. (For
example, a music channel may carry programming that is of an entertainment nature and appeals to a
wide audience; nevertheless, such a channel is more appropriately listed in the Music genre).
4.2.2 News & Sport:
Programming related to news (featuring live news bulletins), current affairs (consumer, political, social
and economical) and/or sports (featuring regular broadcasts of sporting events).
News-related content channels are listed from channel number 200
Sports-related content channels are listed from channel number 250
4.2.3 Movies:
Programming consisting of feature-length films (made for television or cinema release) and/or preview
/ promotional material relating to films.
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 4 of 12
4.2.4 Lifestyle:
Programming related to the arts, culture, travel, design, fashion, the home, gardens, property, health,
food, family and family occasions and activities, hobbies and leisure pursuits, or magazine-style
programming.
Lifestyle-related content channels are listed from channel number 400
Magazine-style content channels are listed from channel number 450
4.2.5 Music:
Programming consisting of music and music related programming (in the form of live music, music
documentaries and/or music videos and the like). Video programming must be present on any channel
in this genre throughout the hours during which the channel broadcasts. If a channel comprises of
audio-only programming or audio-only programming with on-screen stills, it will not be assigned to this
genre.
4.2.6 Children:
Programming aimed at children aged 15 or under. There should be no material unsuitable for children
aged 15 or under on any channel assigned to this genre.
4.2.7 Special Interest:
Programming aimed at a focussed or niche group of viewers. This may include programming with
more than 10% of its programming hours in a foreign language and/or diaspora programme content.
Foreign language programming is defined as any programming that is not in English or Welsh (or
another language which is indigenous to the UK), whether subtitled or not.
If a channels programming is not appropriate to any other genre, FREESAT will allocate an EPG
number to the channel in the Special Interest genre.
Channels that do not meet the criteria for all other genres are listed from channel number 650
Foreign language content channels are listed from channel number 660
Faith-based/worship-related content channels are listed from channel number 690
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 5 of 12
4.2.8 Radio:
Audio-only programming that is licensed as a radio station rather than as a television channel. If a
channel comprises video programming or on-screen stills (other than via any interactive application
which may be launched from the channel) the channel will not be assigned to the Radio genre.
General Entertainment radio services will be listed from channel number 700
Diaspora radio servies will be listed from channel number 750
Other specialist radio services will be listed from channel number 777
Faith-based/worship-related radio services will be listed from channel number 790
4.2.9 Shopping:
Programming relating to shopping. Channels allocated an EPG number in this genre will be licensed
to supply a teleshopping service (a particular form of advertising involving the broadcast of direct
offers to viewers with a view to the supply of goods or services in return for payment) and may not
contain any conventional programme elements such as news, sport, films, documentaries or drama
etc..
4.2.10 Gaming & Dating:
Programming that falls into one or both of the following categories:
(i) programming aimed at the participation by adults in competitions, quizzes and gambling
(including betting, gaming or lotteries) whether on a for real or for fun basis; or
(ii) programming which offers viewers the opportunity to arrange a date or otherwise communicate
with each other (e.g. via on-screen text messages).
Gaming-related content channels are listed from channel number 850.
Dating-related content channels are provisionally listed from channel number 860.
If FREESAT considers a dating channel contains programming of a sexual or sexually suggestive
nature (as defined in 4.2.11 below), it shall, at its discretion, assign an EPG number in the Adult genre.
4.2.11 Adult:
A channel will be allocated an EPG number in the Adult genre if, in FREESATs reasonable opinion, it
is most appropriately located in this genre. FREESAT considers channels of an adult nature (Adult
Channels) to mean channels which contain content which is of an adult nature, such that it features
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 6 of 12
the depiction or behaviour of a sexual or sexually suggestive nature, especially if this is of a lascivious
nature. This includes the exhibition or depiction of sexual organs or activity of any kind.
When considering if a channel should be listed in the Adult genre, FREESAT will consider the amount
and nature of programming which is of an adult nature that is broadcast on to that channel. If
FREESAT determines that an existing channel listed in another genre of the EPG is most
appropriately located in the Adult genre, but there are no available channel numbers for additional
channels in the Adult genre, FREESAT shall be entitled to suspend the EPG listing for the channel
until either such a number becomes available, or until the content on the channel changes such that it
is no longer most appropriately located in the Adult genre. In such a case, FREESAT will first consult
with the channel provider.
4.2.12 On Demand:
FREESAT will assign an EPG number to a channel in the On Demand genre (formerly known as the
Interactive genre) if there is a substantial element of programming on the channel that falls into any of
the following categories:
(i) it features on-screen text services which are predominantly used by viewers to seek out
specific information; or
(ii) it can be accessed by the viewer as and when they demand;
(iii) it enables the viewer to interact with the content or service in some way by utilising a button
function on their TV remote control; or
(iv) it is delivered via internet protocol (i.e., the service is either wholly or partially delivered via a
broadband connection).
FREESAT may, at its discretion, additionally or alternatively list an Interactive channel within another
genre where it considers that the programming or content also is more appropriate for that genre.
4.2.13 Regional:
Programming aimed at a specific region and/or tailored for a specific region.
4.3 FREESAT may from time to time, in the context of a review of its Policy or otherwise, add, subtract,
amend or merge genres (including creating new types of genre). In order to do so, FREESAT may at
its discretion, following consultation with a channel provider, move channels where necessary. For the
avoidance of doubt, when FREESAT moves a channel to:
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 7 of 12
(i) a different existing genre then section 5.2 will apply; or
(ii) a new genre then section 5.3 will apply.
4.4 If at any time a channel is, in FREESATs reasonable opinion, not listed in the appropriate genre
(whether because of changes to the content of the channel or otherwise) then FREESAT may at its
discretion, following consultation with a channel provider, move channels where necessary. For the
avoidance of doubt, when FREESAT moves a channel to a different existing genre then section 5.2
will apply.
4.5 If FREESAT does not agree with the channel providers view of which genre is most appropriate for
the channel, FREESAT will place the channel in the genre which it considers to be most appropriate
for the channel (including placing the channel in a newly created or amended genre). Factors which
FREESAT will take into account when deciding where to place a channel may include, but are not
limited to:
(i) scheduling, event and synopsis information supplied in accordance with the Launch Application
Form;
(ii) the specific nature of the channel, e.g. text and radio channels differ from full video and audio
television channels and are likely to merit their own distinct genres rather than be listed
according to the predominant genre of their content; and
(iii) any other information which FREESAT considers relevant.
4.6 When considering which genre in which to place a channel, FREESAT will give greater weight to the
programming of the channel that is scheduled for broadcast at launch rather than to any
representations as to future content.
5 ALLOCATION OF EPG NUMBERS WITHIN GENRES
5.1 Prior to allocation of an EPG number, the channel provider must have entered into an EPG Agreement
with FREESAT and provided FREESAT with sufficient funds to clear any debts owed by the channel
provider or an associated company of the channel provider to FREESAT.
5.2 Unless sections 6 or 7 apply, FREESAT will generally allocate the next available number at the end of
the genre in which it has decided to place the channel. Where a genre becomes full, it may be
necessary to create an overspill section for that genre elsewhere on the EPG until FREESAT decides
to review the Policy and/or the channel listings made in accordance with the Policy.
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 8 of 12
5.3 Where FREESAT is considering the allocation of an EPG number to more than one channel at the
same time it will take into account the following:
(i) the applicability of sections 6 and 7 below to one or more of the channels;
(ii) the date on which the Launch Application Form was received by FREESAT;
(iii) the date that the channel provider has entered into an EPG Agreement with FREESAT;
(iv) the intended launch date of the channel; and
(v) viewer convenience and expectations.
5.4 If a channel provider does not launch a channel:
(i) within 14 days of the channel launch date which was notified by FREESAT, FREESAT reserves
the right at its discretion to withdraw any EPG number which FREESAT has allocated to the
channel; or
(ii) within 2 months of the channel launch date which was notified by FREESAT, any EPG number
which was allocated to the channel shall be automatically withdrawn, other than where
paragraph 5.5 applies.
5.5 If a channel provider, having been allocated an EPG number and a channel launch date, decides not
to launch the channel within the timescale set out above, FREESAT may, rather than withdraw the
allocated number, reserve such EPG number for the channel provider for up to 2 successive periods
of 6 months upon payment by the channel provider of 50% of the Annual Fee set out in the EPG
Services Agreement (the LCN Reservation Payment) per 6 month period provided that if the channel
is launched during such a 6 month period, the Annual Fee for the first year shall be reduced by the
pro-rated amount of the LCN Reservation Payment attributable to the period following launch.
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 9 of 12
6 LISTING OF PUBLC SERVICE CHANNELS
6.1. Public service channels are those channels identified as such in accordance with Section 310 of the
Communications Act 2003. When allocating EPG numbers to public service channels, FREESAT will
seek to give appropriate prominence to these channels in the appropriate genre and will have regard
to viewer convenience and expectations.
6.2. Public service channels vary in terms of launch date, content and target audience, and this may merit
FREESAT taking different approaches to determining what constitutes appropriate prominence in
some cases. FREESAT anticipates taking the following into account, inter alia, when allocating EPG
numbers to public service channels:
(i) the nature and content of the channel; and
(ii) the launch date of the channel onto the FREESAT platform.
6.3. FREESAT envisages that public service channels will be placed at, or near, the head of the relevant
genres listed in section 4 above, subject to the application of factors 6.2 (i) - (ii) above.
7 ASSOCIATED CHANNELS AND RESERVED EPG NUMBERS
7.1 FREESAT considers that viewer convenience and expectations will be best served if channels which
are Associated with another channel or other channels on the FREESAT platform are more closely
grouped together on the FREESAT platform. It is FREESATs intention that the Policy will operate
over time to achieve this.
7.2 In some genres FREESAT may (at its absolute discretion) reserve EPG numbers (Reserved EPG
number) for the future launch of channels that are Associated (as defined in section 7.3) with
channels already on the FREESAT platform. FREESAT has the right to withdraw Reserved EPG
numbers at any time.
7.3 A channel is Associated with another channel or other channels if it is manifestly linked to, and falls
within the same genre (as listed in section 4.1) as, the other channel(s). FREESAT anticipates taking
the following non exhaustive list of criteria into account when deciding whether a channel is manifestly
linked to an existing channel:
(i) if the channel is a time-shifted version of another channel
(ii) the way in which the channels are branded
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 10 of 12
(iii) whether the channels are under common control; and/or
(iv) the degree of existing or intended cross-promotion between the channels
8 VACATED EPG NUMBERS
8.1 When the EPG number for a channel is withdrawn by FREESAT for any reason, FREESAT will
consider re-allocating the EPG number to another channel, in accordance with 8.4 below, or may
alternatively and at its absolute discretion leave the vacated EPG number unallocated.
8.2 A channel provider may cease to make a channel available on an EPG number for a limited period of
time without that channel being considered to have been withdrawn provided that FREESAT
considers that the channel provider does intend to make that channel available again within a
reasonable period of time.
8.3 A channel provider must generally schedule and broadcast a channel for at least 21 hours of
properly scheduled, non-repeating programming in each 7 day period for a minimum of 3 hours a
day (unless otherwise agreed with FREESAT).
8.4 Subject to FREESATs obligations to afford appropriate prominence to public service channels in
accordance with section 6, where there is a vacated EPG number and subject to section 8.1 above,
FREESAT will apply the following order of priority in determining to which channel (including both
those which are already on the FREESAT platform and those which have submitted a Launch
Application Form in accordance with section 3) it will allocate the vacated EPG number to:
(i) a channel which is Associated with the channel which is immediately above the vacated EPG
number;
(ii) a channel which is Associated with the channel which is immediately below the vacated EPG
number;
(iii) a channel which is Associated with the channel which is immediately above the channel above
the vacated EPG number;
(iv) a channel which is Associated with the channel which is immediately below the channel below
the vacated EPG number;
(v) the channel nearest to the vacated EPG which is Associated with another channel or other
channels above the vacated EPG number; then
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 11 of 12
(vi) a different channel (Associated or otherwise) where FREESAT considers that it would best
serve viewer convenience and expectations.
8.5 Where an Associated channel is allocated an EPG number in accordance with the Policy, at the
request of the relevant channel provider, FREESAT will consider reallocating:
(i) to the Associated channel, the EPG number allocated to the other channel with which it is
Associated; and
(ii) to the other channel with which it is Associated, the EPG number allocated to the Associated
channel,
provided that the channels are no further than four EPG positions away from each other and that
doing so will result in EPG numbers being listed in an order which is more likely in FREESATs
opinion to best serve viewer convenience and expectations. This is likely to be limited to situations
involving time-shifted channels (e.g. ITV2 and ITV2+1) or channels within the name of which there is
an implied listings order (e.g. ITV2 and ITV3).
8.6 A channel provider may elect not to move an Associated channel into a vacated EPG number unless
FREESAT requires the channel to be moved in order to properly implement the Policy. In the event
that the channel provider makes such an election and the channel is not moved, the next eligible
Associated channel will be allocated the vacated EPG number following the order of priority set out
in section 8.4 above.
9 EVOLUTION OF CHANNELS
9.1 FREESAT accepts that any channel may evolve over time (including by way of change of name and
change of content) and that, in such circumstances, the channel provider may wish to retain the
existing EPG number for that channel. However, in order for a channel to retain its existing EPG
number it must fit within the relevant genre listed in section 4.1 and FREESAT may move the
channel to another genre in accordance with section 4.4.
10 CHARGES
10.1 FREESAT reserves the right to levy charges in respect of the submission of the Launch Application
Form, any configuration charges incurred by Freesat on behalf of the channel, the extension fee set
out in section 5.5 and the provision of any EPG services including the allocation and use of any EPG
number. In addition, FREESAT may suspend or withdraw the allocation or use of EPG number(s) if
Freesat EPG Listing Policy Page 12 of 12
any such charges are not properly paid in accordance with FREESATs payment terms as set out in
the EPG Agreement
.
11 INFORMATION PROVISION AND MONITORING
11.1 FREESAT is not obliged to monitor the content of the channels that are on the FREESAT platform in
order to ensure that they continue to comply with any representations made to FREESAT by the
channel provider about the channel or to investigate allegations brought by channel providers about
such ongoing compliance. However, FREESAT reserves the right at its discretion to monitor the
content of channels and to investigate allegations brought by other channel providers.
11.2 Channel providers shall at their cost provide all such information as FREESAT requests in order to
enable it:
(i) to conduct any monitoring or investigations which FREESAT at its discretion wishes to conduct;
and/or
(ii) to provide viewers with scheduling information.
11.3 Channel providers must take steps to ensure that all information provided by it or on its behalf is
accurate, complete and up-to-date.
12 REVIEWS
12.1 FREESAT will carry out periodic reviews of the Policy which are likely to be every two years, or
earlier at the discretion of FREESAT.
12.2 Following a review of the Policy, FREESAT will provide reasonable notice (where possible not less
than 2 months) to channel providers who will be affected by any change.
Freesat (UK) Ltd
Updated 1st August 2010
| link to this comment |
David: BBC HD will become BBC TWO HD in the new year. Neither BBC three or BBC FOUR were ever up for closure.
| link to this comment |
Dave Lindsay: Indeed. The new 4G signals will effect television reception as much as the 2G signals they replaced. Ofcom | Notice of proposed variation of Everything Everywheres 1800 MHz spectrum licences to allow use of LTE and WiMAX technologies has the details.
| link to this comment |
... and 'Sitefinder' Mobile Phone Base Station Database shows that there is only one very transmitter on the CP site using 1800MHz and it's at a weedy 26 dBW!
| link to this comment |
David: That's spin from the Telegraph. It was never the actual case if you stick to the facts.
| link to this comment |
... more at Do I need a filter to protect my Freeview from Everything Everywhere 4G masts? | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice .
| link to this comment |
Symon: As the goverment has not auctioned them off, there are not yet any 4G services in the "800MHz band".
The EE 4G services, which have not started in your area yet are in the 1800MHz band.
| link to this comment |
Calgacas: The changes at Waltham are going to happen in May 2013 ( see 2012/13 Freeview changes to clear C61 and C62 for 4G mobile | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice ).
Looking at the listed engineering work, the BBC signal has been weak for SIXTEEN minutes in the last few days
"Freeview BBC Digital TV Weak Signal from 11:33 yesterday to 11:49"
It seems quite likley your signal problems are local to you, and perhaps stop extrapolating to others.
See Single frequency interference | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice .
| link to this comment |
Nelson Bowker: Please can you have a look at the Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice page?
If you could provide a postcode, it will help understand your reception issues.
| link to this comment |
Nick Anderson: The local TV services are carried on multiplexes which are to be broadcast on "interleaved frequencies".
These are gaps in the frequency plan that cannot be used for full services, but can be used for very reduced power, reduced coverage ones.
The areas can't be extended because they would cause interference in other parts of the digital TV network.
| link to this comment |
... have a look at the C30 (546.0MHz) before switchover | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice oage and you can see the C30 is used for Freeview HD on the Crystal Palace transmitter, so a service from Rowridge can't emit in that direction.
| link to this comment |
David: my Freeview receiver has Adult Playboy on 178. Mail travel TV has an mpeg 5 stream still... With a message saying it has closed.
| link to this comment |
martyn: That's a strange mix of questions.
The free-to-air transmissions used by Freesat (and Freesat-from-Sky) already use the UK beams that require a 2m dish in Portugal. And they have for many years (they were on Astra 2D before). See Satellite footprint maps | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for details of those.
There are no plans for the Sky subscription services to move satellites.
| link to this comment |
Calgacas: Generally speaking the "Possible weak signal" description in engineering information means that there will be people working on the mast at some point.
It is necessary to turn the power levels down because of "air work". However, this is a very strange time of year for such work to be done.
Such work can only be undertaken during daylight and favourable weather conditions. For this reason the power levels are reduced only for the time it takes such work to be done.
At all other times the signal levels are at their contractual level.
It is very likely that your difficulties have a different source and unconnected to the engineering work. Given that the changes to the transmitter are generally speaking programmable it not likely that works that would reduce the signal for you on a long-term basis are being done.
| link to this comment |
David: Generally speaking I match the data here to that provided by DMOL and confirmed (where I can) by my Freeview receiver.
| link to this comment |
wenski: You are not predicted to have easy reception of the ArqB (or "COM6") multiplex at your location.
Do you have a rooftop aerial pointing at the Sudbury transmitter?
| link to this comment |
Jim Ballantyne: you need to see http://stakeholders.ofcom….pdf for the planned upgrade.
| link to this comment |
Jim Ballantyne: Just to add: the proposed upgrade to the local radio DAB multiplex for Kent has a transmitters Dunkirk to cover the Faversham area.
| link to this comment |
ian from notts: This one I would have thought --- Stanton Moor (Derbyshire, England) analogue radio transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
trevorjharris: The reason that the public service channels can't use the "HD replace" service on Sky is that they all have regional variations.
Channels 4 and 5 has them for adverts (five each) Spot Advertising Macro Map | Channel 5 and Macro Map | Interactive Map of Our Regions with Data .
ITV1 has the "contracts rights renewal" scheme, as well as local adverts and regional news.
BBC One has nations and regions and BBC TWO has nations - Which BBC regions are on satellite? | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice .
This prevents them from allowing the swapping out of these services for a incomplete HD service.
| link to this comment |
trevorjharris: The reason that other channels on Sky *CAN* swap out their SD service for the HD one on the same channel number is that they are UK-wide services.
Sky Sports 1, Sky Sports 2, Sky Sports 3, Sky Sports News, Sky News etc have no local or regional content, as you would expect from a satellite broadcaster.
Which is why it would make a LOT of sense to stick BBC THREE HD and BBC FOUR HD (and BBC News from next year when they move to Broadcasting House) on satellite, just to get the number of BBC HD viewers up!
| link to this comment |
trevorjharris: You also can't future-proof when there is a new technlology in beta, which this time is HEVC - High Efficiency Video Coding - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia .
Sky *have* some testing Sky tests 4K at The Emirates | News | Broadcast
"The broadcaster conducted its first significant 4K test using cameras from Sony and Canon at The Emirates during Arsenals Champions League tie with Olympiakos last week.
Sky director of operations Darren Long said: Were constantly working with manufacturers to test new products so that we have a good understanding of their capabilities once they become available.
Its too early for us to talk about whether or not 4K may form part of our future roadmap, but we are keen to learn more about its potential ahead of next-generation TV sets coming to market.
One implication for broadcasters would be the need to build and supply set-top boxes that are capable of receiving the compression scheme HEVC (Higher Efficiency Video Codec), which makes ultra-high-definition possible.
The Emirates tests paired two Sony F65 cameras in a picture stitching application alongside a Canon C500 4K camera.
Long said the pictures looked stunning but he wanted to see 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) images captured at higher frame rates.
The key to us is to ensure quality and when showing footballers running, it was clear that there was too much camera blur; we feel 120 frames a second is the right speed. Were liaising with standards bodies and working with manufacturers to understand the cameras capabilities and to improve the technology.
The entire infrastructure for live production would also have to be upgraded to support 4K, and outside broadcasters are already gearing up for this.
Brian Clark, commercial and technical projects director at NEP Visions, which facilitates Premier League productions for Sky Sports, said: 4K is very much on our radar.
Manufacturers are moving 4K forward and we speak to companies to see how the timescales could be accelerated.
In the next three years, I believe there will be live multi-camera acquisition.
Other broadcasters expressing interest in the format include Brazils TV Globo, France Tlvisions and Sky Deutschland.
Meanwhile, the BBC and NHK conducted tests of live 8K (Super Hi-Vision) transmissions during the London 2012 Olympics."
See also New MPEG format paves the way for UHDTV The Register
"If I had a personal guess it would be that with HEVC the 8K system with good transparency might come down to about 90Mbit/s and the 4K system to about 25 Mbit/s, but this is just an opinion. Also please don't forget that compression technology improves in cycles, and there may be a further cycle - the successor to HEVC - before the end of the decade that we can use for 8K UHDTV."
| link to this comment |
... also important is that concept of Scalable Video Coding - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia !
| link to this comment |
ian from notts: If it's DAB, then the transmitter is probably this one ... Quarndon (Derby, England) DAB transmitter | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice .
| link to this comment |
john richardson: If you want Sky Sports, you need a subscription service.
Freesat is free - meaning no subscriptions.
| link to this comment |
Peter Nothard: I expect you are asking about the subtitles?
The subtitles are done for the BBC channels by Red Bee media, and I know they are done by having two people speak what they hear into a computer dictation system.
The outputs are used combined to provide the on-screen subtitles.
Sky presumably use a similar system.
| link to this comment |
michael : There are no "official" HD receivers in the UK that are not DVB-T2.
Sets marked "HD Ready" or similar do not have HD tuners.
| link to this comment |
Denis Swingler: Also, have a look at Single frequency interference | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice .
| link to this comment |
nevillebreakspear: The http://stakeholders.ofcom….pdf document doesn't list power outputs.
You don't usually get "test" transmissions with DAB services, and if there are any they won't populate the multiplex with real data.
| link to this comment |
ron brown: I do find it odd that you say "the power sent in their direction is nowadays too poor" when you are in an exceptionally good reception area for one of the most powerful transmitters in the country (at Sutton Coldfield).
Can I suggest you have a look at Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice ?
| link to this comment |
M.Partington: Look here for the list of frequencies - Eutelsat 28A & Astra 1N/2A/2B at 28.2°E - LyngSat
You can't add from other satellites unless you have a dish that can be moved ("steerable").
| link to this comment |
Don Archer: Thanks for pointing that out. The page is now working again. BBC Transmitter Engineeering information | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
Roger: On the new multiplexes Ten more HD channels on two new Freeview HD multiplexes on air from 2014-18 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
John: Yes, from next year. This is about the "fifth" slot on the Freeview HD multiplex, the one that was supposed to be for Channel 5 HD, but they couldn't afford to use it.
| link to this comment |
... Channel 5 have applied Channel 5 HD will launch on Freeview | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice (1st November 2011) and then cancelled Channel 5 HD on Freeview cancelled ... again | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice (16th December 2011) their Freeview HD slot.
| link to this comment |
... and here's the March 2010 cancellation of FIVE HD No FIVE on Freeview HD, BBC to provide BBC HD 2 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
David: The laws that various governments have made, and the implementation of them by Ofcom are exactly as planned.
BSkyB has the legal power to offer "exclusive" deals to HD channels, and it does so.
This is policy, not a "bad job".
| link to this comment |
.. and here's where the fifth slot was advertised Freeview to get fifth HD channel, possibly by Christmas 2011 | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice (5th September 2011) and here's where FIVE HD was deemed "unsuitable" for Freeview HD.
| link to this comment |
trevorjharris: It *IS* worth noting that Ofcom set to precedent for SD channels using DVB-T2 with the Northern Ireland Minimux.
| link to this comment |
Looking at the link at the top of the page "click to recheck" - BBC - Reception problems - shows no problems known about.
| link to this comment |
charlo: I am pleased to hear that you got the stations back into your programme guide.
| link to this comment |
... I was under the impression that both the BBC and Goverment have accepted these changes - Ofcom | Annex B. Local DAB build-out plans - to the DAB network.
This includes the closing of the four "regional multiplexes" - Four regional DAB multiplexes to close in 2013 to allow for better local DAB | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice .
| link to this comment |
Wilf Fletcher: In addition to the above comments, you can always find a transmitter from the broadcast frequencies here - Find a Freeview transmitter by frequency | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice .
| link to this comment |
Theflyingdodo: The DAB network is designed (note the complex 'radiation patterns' for each DAB transmitter) to have areas non-overlapping when different services use the same blocks.
From http://stakeholders.ofcom….pdf
If you happen to "try" to receive outside the "official" areas then you will get both bit-streams and end up with nothing. There is no intention for out-of-area coverage.
Elsewhere on the DAB network, signals on the same block from other transmitters will enhance reception.
| link to this comment |
Theflyingdodo: XFM has four DAB listings - Details of X F M DAB radio station | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice Details of X F M DAB radio station | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice +Manchester Details of XFM DAB radio station | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice +Manchester">Details of XFM Manchester DAB radio station | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice and more relevant here Details of XFM DAB radio station | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice .
| link to this comment |
Keith: I would expect you don't have a DVB-T2 receiver from the question you asked as the mode is 256QAM 32KE 2/3 40.2Mb/s DVB-T2 MPEG4. Please see the check list at Are you really watching free TV in high definition? | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice .
| link to this comment |
... Did you also know the HD channels have moved to 101-104 in the Freeview programme guide?
| link to this comment |
Steve: The answer to (1) is an Outdoor aerial.
And the answer to (2) is Yes. See My Freeview | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice . You will need to ensure the aerial is mounted up as high as you can get it to ensure excellent reception from the Angus mast.
| link to this comment |
Bob Hooke: Looking at the BBC system, no reports of faults are showing - BBC - Reception problems - can you see Freeview reception has changed? | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice ?
| link to this comment |
Peter: Back in 2008 (when the article is dated), there were still quite a few plasma displays that could get burn-in, and you still found the odd CRT.
Modern LCD displays do not suffer from this problem, on the whole.
Channel idents and overlays have brightness levels chosen to prevent burn-in.
| link to this comment |
Nedbod: "1956~85 VHF" denotes the frequency allocation for some point during 1956-1985.
There are more specific details on the page under "History of ITV1 in the Winter Hill transmitter area".
The UHF dates start in 1984, as this is when Channel 4 was added to the line-up. It would have taken up too much space to add in the services one by one.
| link to this comment |
Dorothy Newbery: Ofcom | Statement - Television channels required to provide television access services in 2013 says that 5USA is a "Level One (full requirements)" meaning all programmes should have subtitles.
| link to this comment |
David Jones: You can get most of what you want (except Dave) on Freesat... Compare TV FLight/F'sat | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice .
| link to this comment |
Charles Stuart: The "zoom" option provided by Google Maps API already provides what you ask for. Just zoom in using the slider on the left (or "pinch and zoom" if you are using a touchscreen).
| link to this comment |
Dave Lindsay: It is worth pointing out that the "digital dividend" expected from selling off the 800MHz band is going to be worth between £2.5 billion and £3.5 billion[1].
Ofcom is required by law to make the most efficient use of the radio frequencies - and so was legally forbidden to require them to be used for DTT.
It may still be that in 2018 other bands are taken away from DTT and the coverage of the COM multiplexes will drop to lower than now (and move to DVB-T2).
[1] The UK's 4G Auction Will Hobble The Networks To Reduce The National Deficit - Forbes
| link to this comment |
...so basically, there is no way Ofcom is going to be allowed to turn down BILLIONS of pounds of income from 4G users, in return for getting Dave and Channel 5+1 to 8% of the population in return for no additional income to HM Exchequer.
| link to this comment |
Briantist: The relevant stuff is here on the Ofcom site Ofcom | Television Multiplex Licence Renewals - Statement
"In November 2010, Ofcom received an application from Arqiva to renew the two [Broadcasting Act] Licences. Arqiva reconfirmed its application in March 2011. Under section 16 of the 1996 Act, when considering whether or not to renew a television multiplex licence, Ofcom has to decide whether to require additional obligations relating to ... the coverage of the service ... Following consultation we have decided not to require any such additional obligations."
| link to this comment |
As for Multiplex A, the decision was earlier, but the same (from http://stakeholders.ofcom….pdf ):
"Our decision is therefore as follows:
We do not intend to require the applicant to furnish a supplementary
technical plan under section 16 (a) (i) of the Act, in particular in relation to coverage obligations on Multiplex 2 and Multiplex A;
We do not intend to require further proposals from the licence holders of Multiplex 2 and Multiplex A under section 16 (a) (ii) of the Act with respect to promoting or assisting the acquisition of digital equipment; and
We intend to set a zero PMR rate for the duration of the licence, using AIP as the sole pricing mechanism starting from 2014.
...
AIP (Administered Incentive Payment) fees charged for access to spectrum to reflect its value. AIP applies in bands for which significant demand exists for that spectrum either in its current use, or for an alternative radio service, and acts as an incentive to users to use their spectrum as efficiently as possible."
| link to this comment |
Damian: Simple answer is "no". See Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice .
If you want more channels, then Freesat is usually the best option - see Compare TV FLight/F'sat | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice for the details.
| link to this comment |
steven: No. See the coverage maps for the satellites Satellite footprint maps | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
Charles Stuart: It zooms in on the center. You can double click on the map to zoom into a particular area.
| link to this comment |
Nick R: There is no engineering work going on. Even when there is, it is stopped for Xmas.
As you mentioned "100%" you should look at Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice .
| link to this comment |
Doug: I'm offended! They have been here always BBC Channel Islands | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
Frederick love: Well... one option is to take the cheap Windows 8 upgrade
Buy Windows - Microsoft Windows
(£24.99) and then
Add features - Microsoft Windows
(free) - I will cost you and a couple of hours.
| link to this comment |
Sunday 21 October 2012 10:45AM
Just to add, it will be Freeview 45 in Scotland too, as BBC Alba is on Freeview 8.