BBC HD on Freeview - the hardware options and timing issues - Techwatch Support Forums: Digital & Satellite TV, FTA, Cable, Computers, Mobile Phones, Apple and General Tech Forums

BGonaSTICK · 27-09-07, 12:20 PM

The BBC Trust has given a provisional go-ahead to BBC HD; however, the channel may not join Freeview until after Ofcom's plans to reorganise the digital terrestrial platform are finalised.

The Trust said that "an HD channel should be provided on Freeview as soon as possible", but noted that any changes to the way in which the digital terrestrial platform operates "could mean licence fee payers having to make two equipment upgrades in a short space of time", because they would have to buy an MPEG-4 compatible decoder to receive the four hour service and then a DVB-T2 compatible set top box if a complete platform reorganisation takes place.

Currently, the BBC executive plans to offer BBC HD as a four hour per day service on Freeview from 02:00 to 06:00 each night, taking down BBC Parliament, BBC Four and the three BBCi interactive streams during that time period to free up capacity. The four hour service would be an interim measure until sufficient spectrum is freed up to offer the full nine hour service that will be carried on satellite and c@ble. The Trust noted that where the Commons sits all night, BBC Parliament would have supremacy over BBC HD on Freeview - and noted that this would be specified in the channel's service licence.

The Trust's detailed conclusion statement said: "It would be possible for the BBC to launch this service almost immediately. However, the possibility of a major reorganisation of the DTT platform introduces the prospect that future HD services may be provided using the DVB-T2 transmission protocol on a dedicated HD multiplex. This would require consumers to have DVB-T2-capable set-top boxes and so calls into question the proposal to provide a four-hour overnight service on Freeview from next year using the existing DVB-T protocol. On this timescale, users would have to upgrade their set-top boxes in the short-term in order to gain MPEG-4 capability to receive the four-hour interim service. Then they would face a second upgrade to gain DVB-T2 capability in order to receive the full nine-hour service (as well as HD propositions from the other PSBs)."

The Trust's conclusion is, however, provisional and it said it is "particularly interested in the public's view... would people prefer the BBC to launch the service as soon as possible, even if that meant people having to buy two set-top boxes in order to receive the service within a very short period of time." It is accepting comments online.

"We are particularly interested in the public's view about the options for an HD channel on Freeview," explained BBC Trustee Diane Coyle. "Would licence fee payers prefer the BBC to launch a four-hour service immediately, before a nine-hour service is possible because of spectrum capacity, even if that means having to buy two set-top boxes within a very short period of time?"

The Trust expects to publish its final decision on all aspects of BBC HD by November 21.

Jimdefruit · 27-09-07, 12:54 PM

As far as a lot of people are concerned it is a total waste of time even considering HD on DTT at this time. I, like a lot of others, cant even get dtt. I am in a location midway between three transmitters and cannot get a reliable digital service. Nearer to 2012 may see that change.

Obviously, some of the smaller population areas (guinea pigs) are getting full dtt well before 2012, some already, and their views may be different.

BGonaSTICK · 27-09-07, 01:11 PM

I get some Mux's fine, others are very marginal and some unobtainable. Reception for me would therefore depend on where they shove it, but I'm guessing it won't be on one that I can receive.

The question is whether you think the BBC should try and synchronise with Ofcom over the proposed DVB-T2 upgrade. They have already committed to getting BBC HD out there 'ASAP'.

madrat · 27-09-07, 01:24 PM

I refuse to spend another penny on Freeview

RocketMBA · 01-10-07, 05:58 PM

A "Freeview HD" line of receivers sure would be good for profits...

Unknown user #1 · 01-10-07, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RocketMBA

A "Freeview HD" line of receivers sure would be good for profits...

Yup! Especially if they would do this in two stages - MPEG2 HD first, then declare it obsolete and everyone and their dog will be upgrading to MPEG4.

hybug · 01-10-07, 07:43 PM

OK, I have an HDTV with integrated DTT freeview tuner. Now I'm wondering will it or wont it? I already know the answer.............
But having sneaked the Pace HD stb in while SWMBO wasn't looking I will keep quiet, lol.

RocketMBA · 01-10-07, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRookie

Yup! Especially if they would do this in two stages - MPEG2 HD first, then declare it obsolete and everyone and their dog will be upgrading to MPEG4.

MPEG4 could be "Freeview True-HD"! It could offer 1080p, but at bitrates of 3mbps! FANTASTIC VALUE!!!

Unknown user #1 · 01-10-07, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RocketMBA

MPEG4 could be "Freeview True-HD"! It could offer 1080p, but at bitrates of 3mbps! FANTASTIC VALUE!!!

You can do 1080p in MPEG-whatever, even in MPEG1 if you wish. But imagine what kind of money those guys will get - they'll sell the same thig twice! And not just that - many people who got tellies with DVB-T (Freeview) tuner built-in will be rushing to upgrade their sets... Capitalism at work (not that Communism is any better though).

RocketMBA · 01-10-07, 09:46 PM

Me and you have to go into business, mate. We'll be rich - no, no - we'll be richer!

As for the original question, though, I went with the first one. I'm still using red laser discs for HD content, so expecting me to adopt things like DVB-S2 and DVB-T2 is out of the question.

View Poll Results: Should the MPEG-4-powered BBC HD wait for DVB-T2?
Yes - a double-upgrade would be daft	3	25.00%
No - let's have it ASAP and then people can choose	1	8.33%
I don't know what's best	0	0%
I don't understand the implications	0	0%
I don't care - I won't be watching it	7	58.33%
I don't think it should be launched at all	1	8.33%
Voters: 12. You may not vote on this poll

27-09-07, 12:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
BGonaSTICK Dodgy Geezer Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Brighton Posts: 9,718 Thanks: 3 Thanked 163 Times in 57 Posts	BBC HD on Freeview - the hardware options and timing issues The BBC Trust has given a provisional go-ahead to BBC HD; however, the channel may not join Freeview until after Ofcom's plans to reorganise the digital terrestrial platform are finalised. The Trust said that "an HD channel should be provided on Freeview as soon as possible", but noted that any changes to the way in which the digital terrestrial platform operates "could mean licence fee payers having to make two equipment upgrades in a short space of time", because they would have to buy an MPEG-4 compatible decoder to receive the four hour service and then a DVB-T2 compatible set top box if a complete platform reorganisation takes place. Currently, the BBC executive plans to offer BBC HD as a four hour per day service on Freeview from 02:00 to 06:00 each night, taking down BBC Parliament, BBC Four and the three BBCi interactive streams during that time period to free up capacity. The four hour service would be an interim measure until sufficient spectrum is freed up to offer the full nine hour service that will be carried on satellite and c@ble. The Trust noted that where the Commons sits all night, BBC Parliament would have supremacy over BBC HD on Freeview - and noted that this would be specified in the channel's service licence. The Trust's detailed conclusion statement said: "It would be possible for the BBC to launch this service almost immediately. However, the possibility of a major reorganisation of the DTT platform introduces the prospect that future HD services may be provided using the DVB-T2 transmission protocol on a dedicated HD multiplex. This would require consumers to have DVB-T2-capable set-top boxes and so calls into question the proposal to provide a four-hour overnight service on Freeview from next year using the existing DVB-T protocol. On this timescale, users would have to upgrade their set-top boxes in the short-term in order to gain MPEG-4 capability to receive the four-hour interim service. Then they would face a second upgrade to gain DVB-T2 capability in order to receive the full nine-hour service (as well as HD propositions from the other PSBs)." The Trust's conclusion is, however, provisional and it said it is "particularly interested in the public's view... would people prefer the BBC to launch the service as soon as possible, even if that meant people having to buy two set-top boxes in order to receive the service within a very short period of time." It is accepting comments online. "We are particularly interested in the public's view about the options for an HD channel on Freeview," explained BBC Trustee Diane Coyle. "Would licence fee payers prefer the BBC to launch a four-hour service immediately, before a nine-hour service is possible because of spectrum capacity, even if that means having to buy two set-top boxes within a very short period of time?" The Trust expects to publish its final decision on all aspects of BBC HD by November 21. __________________ Dreambox 7000, Skystar2 PCI, Skystar USB, Fibo 90cm on Moteck SG2100, Triax TD110 multi-LNB. Sky + ART cards. 45.0°E - 58.0°W

27-09-07, 12:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jimdefruit Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,858 Thanks: 20 Thanked 221 Times in 187 Posts	Re: BBC HD on Freeview - the hardware options and timing issues As far as a lot of people are concerned it is a total waste of time even considering HD on DTT at this time. I, like a lot of others, cant even get dtt. I am in a location midway between three transmitters and cannot get a reliable digital service. Nearer to 2012 may see that change. Obviously, some of the smaller population areas (guinea pigs) are getting full dtt well before 2012, some already, and their views may be different. __________________ 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.

27-09-07, 01:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
BGonaSTICK Dodgy Geezer Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Brighton Posts: 9,718 Thanks: 3 Thanked 163 Times in 57 Posts	Re: BBC HD on Freeview - the hardware options and timing issues I get some Mux's fine, others are very marginal and some unobtainable. Reception for me would therefore depend on where they shove it, but I'm guessing it won't be on one that I can receive. The question is whether you think the BBC should try and synchronise with Ofcom over the proposed DVB-T2 upgrade. They have already committed to getting BBC HD out there 'ASAP'. __________________ Dreambox 7000, Skystar2 PCI, Skystar USB, Fibo 90cm on Moteck SG2100, Triax TD110 multi-LNB. Sky + ART cards. 45.0°E - 58.0°W

27-09-07, 01:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
madrat Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Leicestershire Posts: 2,209 Thanks: 11 Thanked 71 Times in 61 Posts	Re: BBC HD on Freeview - the hardware options and timing issues I refuse to spend another penny on Freeview __________________ *VIRGIN, STOP SENDING ME JUNK MAIL.*

01-10-07, 05:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
RocketMBA As fun as having the flu Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: A cardboard box Posts: 626 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: BBC HD on Freeview - the hardware options and timing issues A "Freeview HD" line of receivers sure would be good for profits...

01-10-07, 07:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
hybug Junior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 20 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: BBC HD on Freeview - the hardware options and timing issues OK, I have an HDTV with integrated DTT freeview tuner. Now I'm wondering will it or wont it? I already know the answer............. But having sneaked the Pace HD stb in while SWMBO wasn't looking I will keep quiet, lol.

01-10-07, 09:46 PM	#10 (permalink)
RocketMBA As fun as having the flu Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: A cardboard box Posts: 626 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: BBC HD on Freeview - the hardware options and timing issues Me and you have to go into business, mate. We'll be rich - no, no - we'll be richer! As for the original question, though, I went with the first one. I'm still using red laser discs for HD content, so expecting me to adopt things like DVB-S2 and DVB-T2 is out of the question.