In the BBC's response to Ofcom's consultation on the spectrum being freed up from analogue TV switch off in 2012, they claim that between £4.1bn and £15.6bn could be lost in private and social value if hhigh definition services are not developed on the digital terrestrial TV service (aka Freeview).
This figure is based on the loss from reduced audiences caused by people migrating from the platform, and a loss of social value in universal provision, if HD becomes a standard format.
“High Definition is already a consumer reality, and it’s one that really adds value for audiences,” said BBC director-general Mark Thompson. “It’s a technological advance that we think can and should be available as far as possible to all viewers of digital television – whether they watch through cable, satellite or an aerial, and whether they choose pay or free-to-air services.”
Freeview DTT must be able to compete with other platforms by offering a critical mass of HD channels, the BBC said.
Related stories:
Further calls for high definition on Freeview
MPs back high definition Freeview campaign
UK HDforAll campaign aims to secure high definition over Freeview
Free to air HD
HD via an aerial
From: Sony to double BRAVIA LCD TV production for growing European demand