Grade wants Freeview HD - Techwatch Support Forums: Digital & Satellite TV, FTA, Cable, Computers, Mobile Phones, Apple and General Tech Forums

BGonaSTICK · 23-04-07, 12:02 PM

Michael Grade, head of ITV, has called on the UK Government to ensure that viewers receive high-definition television from Freeview when Britain completes the switch to digital broadcasting.

He gave warning of a consumer backlash if viewers who invested in the latest "HD-ready" sets found that they were unable to receive the superior-quality pictures they paid for. Ofcom will not guarantee to make spectrum available for high-definition channels on Freeview after the analogue signal is switched off by the end of 2012.

Grade said: "We’ve seen off the digital divide, only to see a high-definition divide open. HD will only be open to those willing to pay. What an own goal. Closing the door on HD undermines the principle behind switchover, which is that everyone should have access to the same quality of broadcasting and channels."

BGonaSTICK · 23-04-07, 12:10 PM

Hear hear.

Whilst not everyone will want Freeview HD, be willing to pay for the HD equipment, or even subsidise its introduction under the current UK licensing fee structure, surely the nation has a right to have free domestic High Definition television made available to all who choose to receive it?

Maybe it's time to fund any 'HD shortfall' by imposing an additional 'HD tax' on new Hi Def-capable equipment?

If it's that or nothing at all, then maybe we should consider it. At least only those that want it have to pay for it.

What do you think?

Jimdefruit · 23-04-07, 03:02 PM

Ofcom should not be given any choice. They should be forced to allocate spectrum for HD channels.

remlap · 23-04-07, 05:41 PM

Lots of views in this months Wot Sat Magazine.

I had to laugh at one message, about a person buying a new HD TV with built in DTT tuner, asking for HD and how the message is put over is he thinks it be capable of decoding HD signals.

There is alot of miss information around, even if their hearts and minds are in the right direction.

23-04-07, 12:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
BGonaSTICK Dodgy Geezer Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Brighton Posts: 9,718 Thanks: 3 Thanked 166 Times in 60 Posts	Grade wants Freeview HD Michael Grade, head of ITV, has called on the UK Government to ensure that viewers receive high-definition television from Freeview when Britain completes the switch to digital broadcasting. He gave warning of a consumer backlash if viewers who invested in the latest "HD-ready" sets found that they were unable to receive the superior-quality pictures they paid for. Ofcom will not guarantee to make spectrum available for high-definition channels on Freeview after the analogue signal is switched off by the end of 2012. Grade said: "We’ve seen off the digital divide, only to see a high-definition divide open. HD will only be open to those willing to pay. What an own goal. Closing the door on HD undermines the principle behind switchover, which is that everyone should have access to the same quality of broadcasting and channels." __________________ Dreambox 7000, Skystar2 PCI, Skystar USB, Fibo 90cm on Moteck SG2100, Triax TD110 multi-LNB. Sky + ART cards. 45.0°E - 58.0°W

23-04-07, 12:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
BGonaSTICK Dodgy Geezer Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Brighton Posts: 9,718 Thanks: 3 Thanked 166 Times in 60 Posts	Re: Grade wants Freeview HD Hear hear. Whilst not everyone will want Freeview HD, be willing to pay for the HD equipment, or even subsidise its introduction under the current UK licensing fee structure, surely the nation has a right to have free domestic High Definition television made available to all who choose to receive it? Maybe it's time to fund any 'HD shortfall' by imposing an additional 'HD tax' on new Hi Def-capable equipment? If it's that or nothing at all, then maybe we should consider it. At least only those that want it have to pay for it. What do you think? __________________ Dreambox 7000, Skystar2 PCI, Skystar USB, Fibo 90cm on Moteck SG2100, Triax TD110 multi-LNB. Sky + ART cards. 45.0°E - 58.0°W

23-04-07, 03:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
Jimdefruit Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,858 Thanks: 20 Thanked 221 Times in 187 Posts	Re: Grade wants Freeview HD Ofcom should not be given any choice. They should be forced to allocate spectrum for HD channels. __________________ Dreambox 800 HD; Dreambox 7000s + VBox + Channel Master 1.2 with 36v actuator CM120 feedhorn and Invacom .3 LNB Skystar 2 PCI card with links to my Dreamboxes If you like what you see here, tell your friends.

23-04-07, 05:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
remlap Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: South Wales Posts: 831 Thanks: 0 Thanked 15 Times in 12 Posts	Re: Grade wants Freeview HD Lots of views in this months Wot Sat Magazine. I had to laugh at one message, about a person buying a new HD TV with built in DTT tuner, asking for HD and how the message is put over is he thinks it be capable of decoding HD signals. There is alot of miss information around, even if their hearts and minds are in the right direction.