Has SKY finally met its match?

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Topic started by 'trinity'

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A topic from News & Current Affairs: Technology

trinityThu 03/04/08 13:45

I was having a flick through the Standard on my way back to the office earlier...and saw probably the best news I've seen in ages.

You'd be forgiven for thinking why this hasn't happened sooner...but High-definition TV will be available free from the end of next year!

In a challenge to Sky.....four HD channels are to be launched through the Freeview service, which is already in 15 million homes in the UK. The BBC will keep one. The other three will be auctioned off to commercial broadcasters such as ITV and Channel 4.

Currently the only way to watch programmes in ultra-clear high definition is by taking out a Sky subscription, but today's move will make Freeview a much stronger competitor, particularly for viewers not interested in Sky's sports coverage.

It goes without saying that viewers with older TVs will have to replace them with HD-compatible equipment if they want to receive the new channels.

Ed Richards, chief executive of broadcasting regulator Ofcom, said:

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to upgrade digital terrestrial television.

It offers benefits for viewers — who will have access to new channels and services on free-to-air — and broadcasters — who will be able to launch new services without using any new spectrum."

The new channel slots are expected to be allocated before the first regional switchover to digital next year...way before London's digital switchover in 2012.

Ofcom said applications by broadcasters for HD channels would be judged by "..efficient use of the spectrum; contribution to public service broadcasting; and contribution to the range and diversity of television services in the UK."

Sir Michael Lyons, Chairman of the BBC Trust, said:

"We know from previous consultations that there is much support among the public for high-definition services.

The trust's approval of the new BBC HD channel last November made clear that all licence fee payers should have access to it as soon as possible.

The BBC Trust welcomes the proposition announced by Ofcom today. The Trust has agreed to work with Ofcom to allow HD on Freeview, reflecting our respective responsibilities for the services and licences which facilitate the digital terrestrial television platform.

The BBC can now move forward with its HD service on Freeview."

Could this see Sky losing the battle?

informer_ukThu 03/04/08 13:46

I wondered how long it'd be before all these freeview set-top boxes would be out-of-date.

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