BBC plans terrestrial HD broadcasts by end of 2009, Pace demos DVB-T2 transmission
The BBC is planning to broadcast its first regular high definition programmes over the DVB-T2 platform by November next year, according to Catherine Smadja, head of strategy at the BBC.
One multiplex will be upgraded to DVD-T2 and MPEG-4, carrying the BBC HD service and two or three others. Eventually, as the analogue signal is switched off across the country, the service should be available to 98.5% of the UK population.
Smadja said that DVB-T2 was "an absolute necessity".
Meanwhile, set-top box manufacturer Pace has successfully demonstrated the first hardware capable of receiving and displaying DVB-T2 HD content.
Pace was involved in the creation of the DVB-T2 draft standard.
Darren Fawcett, Chief Technologist for Wireless Systems at Pace plc commented: "The take up of high definition services within mature TV markets is picking up speed, and is expected to grow substantially over the next five years. But this HD content is currently in the cable and satellite domains. To enable terrestrial services to compete effectively with the other platforms, DVB-T2 is an essential move. As we saw with the shift to the DVB-S2 standard for satellite services, the extra efficiencies in the use of the spectrum will make the option of delivering HD via DTT viable."
(Via Broadband News)
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