[opendtv] Freesat: 'Final piece in the digital jigsaw'
- From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 11:32:17 -0400
I have no idea how this works in the UK. A free DBS service with 80 channels at
the beginning, and quickly growing to 200 channels, would (should?) put a quick
end to any Freeview DTT or cable TV distribution, I would expect. Why agonize
over how to fit HDTV into the OTA spectrum in the UK, when you get this new DBS
system with HD built in from the start?
In Italy, you do get a few free channels from Sky, but not enough to give DTT
serious competition. So I just don't understand what the deal is in the UK.
Maybe Ofcom is trying to recover all the OTA TV spectrum?
Bert
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http://www.dtg.org.uk/news/news.php?class=countries&subclass=0&id=2989
Freesat: 'Final piece in the digital jigsaw'
Freesat, the new, free, digital satellite television has launched today
(Tuesday 6 May 2008). A joint venture between the BBC and ITV, Freesat reaches
almost all of the UK (98% of households). At launch the platform offers over 80
free digital channels-television, radio, interactive-plus high definition (HD)
services from the BBC and ITV.
Freesat has no subscription and no contract; all that is required to receive it
is a one-off payment for equipment. Freesat's channel line-up will grow each
month, with up to 200 channels on air by the end of the year.
Emma Scott, Managing Director, Freesat, said: "Today is a landmark day for
digital TV in the UK-the launch of a new digital satellite service which brings
free HD programmes to everyone.
"With more than 9.6 million HD-ready televisions already sold in the UK, but
only a tiny fraction of those who own them currently able to receive HD
programmes, there's a big opportunity for Freesat to lead the way in
introducing the UK to high definition viewing."
Freesat's initial channel line-up includes some of the most popular digital TV
channels: BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three and BBC Four; ITV1, ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4;
Channel 4, E4, More4 and Film4; news channels BBC News and Al-Jazeera English;
children's channels CBBC, CBeebies and CiTV; music channels Chartshow TV and
The Vault; interactivity from BBCi and digital radio.
Freesat will carry the BBC HD channel from day one, with ITV HD launching
exclusively on Freesat soon afterwards.
Michael Grade, Executive Chairman, ITV plc, said: "The launch of Freesat is the
final piece in the digital jigsaw and will ensure that all viewers in the UK
have access to free-to-air digital and high definition television.
"We will launch our HD service with an unrivalled line-up of premium football
including the FA Cup, England internationals and UEFA Champions League from
next season.
"Now everyone in the UK can experience the benefits of digital television: more
choice of channels, interactivity and the extraordinary picture quality of HD."
Mark Thompson, Director-General, BBC, said: "With the launch of Freesat, all
the BBC's digital channels, including BBC HD, will now be available to all
licence fee payers wherever they live and however they choose to access them.
"This means they will have yet another way to watch a fantastic range of BBC
output, from landmark dramas and world-class documentaries to national events
and live sport."
Freesat will have three different types of receiver: a standard definition box,
an HD box and an HD integrated digital TV with Freesat built-in (IDTV). Boxes
are made by Goodmans, Bush, Grundig (the Alba Group) and Humax. The IDTV is
made by Panasonic and will be available in June.
Box prices will start from £49, with a high definition box available from £120,
plus installation costs from around £80. (Installation includes the satellite
dish). Later this summer Alba and Humax digital television recorders will also
be available so viewers can record, pause, rewind and fast forward their
favourite TV programmes.
Freesat has its own seven-day on-screen electronic programme guide (EPG) and a
channel guide so that viewers can easily find the programmes they want.
Freesat is available in shops and online from major high street outlets Argos,
Comet, Currys and John Lewis, plus some independent retailers. Retailers sell
equipment and can also arrange installation by approved installers.
DTG Staff 30.04.2008
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