Ofcom 'must reserve spectrum for HD on DTT'

[BGonaSTICK]

DTG director general Richard Lindsay-Davies has called on Ofcom to reserve spectrum for public service broadcasters to broadcast high-definition channels on Freeview "until industry experts are confident that the efficiency gains required from technological advances are realised and contractual issues and regulatory barriers are addressed".

Responding to Ofcom's view that four HD channels could be offered within existing spectrum, Lindsay-Davies told a Voice of the Listener and Viewer (VLV) policy seminar that the regulator's recognition of the importance of HDTV on all platforms was welcomed.

But Lindsay-Davies said it would be "dangerous to place the future of Freeview in the hands of what is currently a high risk and unproven plan".

"Ofcom must reserve spectrum until success is guaranteed to deliver," said Lindsay-Davies.

Earlier this week, Ofcom CEO Ed Richards reiterated the regulator's view that four HD channels could be carried on Freeview using existing spectrum and advanced compression technology.

Ofcom is about to conduct new market research on its digital dividend review (DDR) after receiving 750 responses to its earlier DDR consultation. An alliance of public service broadcasters, consumer electronics manufacturers and retailers is lobbying Ofcom and the Government to reserve some spectrum for HD channels on Freeview.

Earlier this month, a Westminster Media Forum seminar on HD heard from Freeview general manager Ilse Howling that three quarters of consumers with HD-ready TVs expected HD on Freeview, and said they valued HD more than they would value additional television channels.

Source: dtg