free HDTV by 2012 unveiled

sco0ter

Just in case anybody was interested



TV viewers are to get free high definition channels by 2012 under new proposals.

HDTV would be available to every household via Freeview.
The timing would allow viewers to watch the London Olympics in the new format, which offers sharper images and richer colour.
The proposed upgrade was announced by media watchdog Ofcom.
It would begin in the Granada region as early as 2009 and then be rolled out across the UK by 2012.

Nearly 13 million homes already have Freeview, a digital terrestrial TV service available through an aerial and without subscription.
Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards said: "Our proposals to upgrade digital terrestrial television represent a major opportunity to build on its success with wider, richer and more varied television services, including the potential for HDTV to be made available to millions of people free to air."

The media regulator will now invite the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five and S4C to submit proposals explaining how these new channels would be used.
The Government would have final approval on the plans.
Viewers who wanted to access the new services would need to buy a new HDTV-compatible set-top box or an integrated television.

Aiadi

Yep that is when all the new LCDs/Plasmas which are boasting to have an integrated DTT tuner will be useless. well.. unless you buy a seperate new freeview box.

Willow147

I'd better start saving for a new set-top box (an in fact an HD ready TV) then to handle the new technology.

superscaper

Willow147 wrote: »

I'd better start saving for a new set-top box (an in fact an HD ready TV) then to handle the new technology.

You don't need it though. This isn't the same as the digital switchover. Standard Definition broadcasting won't be interfered with so you can still view freeview as normal when they do start broadcasting HD beyond Crystal Palace.

penrhyn

Just what we need, reduce the bandwidth available to the current freeview channels to fit the HD channels in, and then have to buy a new freeview box to receive it, perhaps there will be a special offer where you'll be able to trade in your old DAB radio as well 'cos that will probably be obsolete by then as well.
Still it will all be worth it so we can watch the Olympics in glorious HD, be even nicer if any of our athletes make it further than the opening ceremony.

Back to the darkened room!

superscaper

penrhyn wrote: »

Just what we need, reduce the bandwidth available to the current freeview channels to fit the HD channels in,

But we're not losing any channels though. Bandwidth is going to be freed up with the analogue switch off, and another 30% will be gained with a changeover to a new broadcasting standard that's due apparently.

donnajunkie

one thing to consider that is never told to the public is you need a top of the range £2000 plus hd tv to notice any difference because they are the only hd tvs that have a high enough resolution for the difference to be really seen.

superscaper

Well I disagree from a personal POV, it seems very noticeable to me.

donnajunkie

yes but is yours one of the tvs with high resolution? anytime i have seen hd tv in action i havent been able to tell the difference and they have been the basic hd tvs that cost around 5 or 6 hundred quid.