So what will happen on July 31st

slegs

I've read through most of the threads on DTT, the trial and BCI etc.

I still am not sure what will happen when the trial ends on July 31st.

I am currently receiving the Mt Leinster test DTT feed and I am more than happy with it. Is it likely that this will be still there after the official trial ends?

Will this RTE test feed become MPEG4 or will that happen down the road or will it switch off totally?

Apologies to those who feel this is old ground but Ive become attached to the DTT service now...

e17

The PSB mux will probably remain on but change to MPEG4 until the rollout of all 4 muxes

scath

What you've been reading about concerns other transmitters ie 3 Rock. The changes relate to that. What standard is Mt.Leinster using? MPEG2 or 4? Ther may be no change if they've been using MPEG4 from start. If on August 1st your channels go down, wait patiently til August 4th to rescan. They may well follow the 3 Rock model.

If its a MPEG2 box ya got ya may permanently lose reception sometime by January 2009. Bring it back or return it for an MPEG4 box else you'll have blank screen indefinitely. See post attachment: https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/125531/59659.pdf. Basically confirms what I'm saying. Ya probably overlooked it. Click yes to the PDF. As you're not a trialist, just look for the Installation then the restore default setting or simple rescan on 4th.

The no channels 1st-3rd is to reconfigure the multiplexes from the trial setting to the RTÉ/Boxer Mux configurations at 3 Rock. Regarding Mt.Leinster I assume that this one is broadcasting in MPEG4 already if its only gone online recently so no change in that case. The change only applied to the 3 Rock and Clarmont Carn transmitters. So Mt. Leinster, don't know. RTÉ may advise you directly on their plans for Mt. Leinster.

slegs wrote: »

I've read through most of the threads on DTT, the trial and BCI etc.

I still am not sure what will happen when the trial ends on July 31st.

I am currently receiving the Mt Leinster test DTT feed and I am more than happy with it. Is it likely that this will be still there after the official trial ends?

Will this RTE test feed become MPEG4 or will that happen down the road or will it switch off totally?

Apologies to those who feel this is old ground but Ive become attached to the DTT service now...

watty

MPEG4 vs MPEG2 makes no difference to the modulators/multiplex/transmitters or feeds. Only affects the "head end" the part where the Transport Stream is made.

What Mt' Lienster does July 2008 to start of service is not significant.

The real services are supposed to be MPEG4, tests can be anything.

slegs

scath wrote: »

What you've been reading about concerns other transmitters ie 3 Rock. The changes relate to that. What standard is Mt.Leinster using? MPEG2 or 4? Ther may be no change if they've been using MPEG4 from start. If on August 1st your channels go down, wait patiently til August 4th to rescan. They may well follow the 3 Rock model.

If its a MPEG2 box ya got ya may permanently lose reception sometime by January 2009. Bring it back or return it for an MPEG4 box else you'll have blank screen indefinitely. See post attachment: https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/125531/59659.pdf. Basically confirms what I'm saying. Ya probably overlooked it. Click yes to the PDF. As you're not a trialist, just look for the Installation then the restore default setting or simple rescan on 4th.

The no channels 1st-3rd is to reconfigure the multiplexes from the trial setting to the RTÉ/Boxer Mux configurations at 3 Rock. Regarding Mt.Leinster I assume that this one is broadcasting in MPEG4 already if its only gone online recently so no change in that case. The change only applied to the 3 Rock and Clarmont Carn transmitters. So Mt. Leinster, don't know. RTÉ may advise you directly on their plans for Mt. Leinster.

Thanks, I believe Mt Leinster is broadcasting MPEG2 but my TV is capable of receiving MPEG4. I assume the only change will be when they make this change to MPEG4.

scath

A, then yer in business slegs. Just a rescan then when ya get no signal. I'd say they'll switch to MPEG4 sometime soon then. This is where Boxer need to get on the game from day 1. Will it be October before they do? I hope they call that guy they have, Pat. I suppose Bob is okay too. But Pat is more familiar and Irish! I see they're still using this bleddy Terrestrial term. I doubt the public will warm to it. Can't they use the term 'aerial TV' instead. Everyone understands it. How many understand 'terrestrial'.Bleddy ET! Oh, my TV isn't working, I wonder is it the 'terrestrial' that's broken or the box-haha...I hear the oldies ask in my imagination lol.

slegs wrote: »

Thanks, I believe Mt Leinster is broadcasting MPEG2 but my TV is capable of receiving MPEG4. I assume the only change will be when they make this change to MPEG4.

Rabbit's Ears

slegs wrote: »

I've read through most of the threads on DTT, the trial and BCI etc.

I still am not sure what will happen when the trial ends on July 31st.

I am currently receiving the Mt Leinster test DTT feed and I am more than happy with it. Is it likely that this will be still there after the official trial ends?

Will this RTE test feed become MPEG4 or will that happen down the road or will it switch off totally?

Apologies to those who feel this is old ground but Ive become attached to the DTT service now...

Keeps your eyes peeled. You might see some changes before early next week.

ronan.michael@g

watty wrote: »

MPEG4 vs MPEG2 makes no difference to the modulators/multiplex/transmitters or feeds. Only affects the "head end" the part where the Transport Stream is made.

What Mt' Lienster does July 2008 to start of service is not significant.

The real services are supposed to be MPEG4, tests can be anything.

Hi Watty, In passing -- and for my sins - and stupidity - got meself 4 (yes 4) mpeg2 recievers - Humax - a year ago. (Was'nt paying attention to Boards sufficiently at the time!) Are they for dumping? What a waste - and they were'nt cheap. Thanks Michael r.

watty

Pretty much. Sell them to UK quick. They will be using MPEG2 for Freeview for a long while yet. Only Sky pay "Picnic" and HD slated to be MPEG4 DVB-t and MPEG4 DVB-t2 respectively.

Mayo Exile

Also on page 169 aertel. Includes message that RTENL commencing test transmissions week beginning 4th August.

http://www.rte.ie/aertel/169-14.html

Alot of activity too about "project work" at various masts.

scath

Yip I noticed it today also. Just on RTÉ1 & 2 mind. Not on the other channels. I assume it is assumed viewers will view these two at some time. Maybe they should be added progressively to the other channels.

I'm gonna miss BBC News Channel. Such a pity we're gonna be charged for on DTT for it. You'd think BBC wouldn't charge for it as it plays the role of informing other audiences about the UK. So, Boxer starts in January, but Freeview Ireland not until September 2009. I suppose it'll be unofficial until then. I think some programme on DTT should be aired in December prior to DTT launch in January on RTÉ & TV3, charting DTT in Europe, talking to consumers in those states, places who are also launching, and competitors, finally finishing with Ireland, in part 2 and in part 3, digital radio should be discussed. Call it 'Digital Evolution'. Open with the metaphor of Physical Newspaper to Online Newspaper., typewriter to computer, B&W, Colour, Telext, Digital, Convergence of IP&TV.

Mayo Exile wrote: »

Also on page 169 aertel. Includes message that RTENL commencing test transmissions week beginning 4th August.

http://www.rte.ie/aertel/169-14.html

Alot of activity too about "project work" at various masts.

Mossy Monk

scath wrote: »

You'd think BBC wouldn't charge for it

They don't on satellite. Also BBC World is for non UK viewers, also free on satellite.

watty

Evolution and convergence are Media Hype words hated by Insiders in the Industry.

Some people even talk about the C word

It's Development, not Evolution anyway.

Some people have all IP networks already and can carry Voice, Data, TV. But you get a real phone socket and real phone number and a real Broadcast TV stream for any number of set boxes, not Stupid IPTV over DSL that mostly can't do HDTV ever and rarely can do two set-boxes reliably.

ronan.michael@g

watty wrote: »

Pretty much. Sell them to UK quick. They will be using MPEG2 for Freeview for a long while yet. Only Sky pay "Picnic" and HD slated to be MPEG4 DVB-t and MPEG4 DVB-t2 respectively.

Thanks Watty. The brother tells me that he saw them going for about £25 in Leeds - hardly pay the postage to UK! (Should I wait for a conversion kit?!) Can't see RTE , either. continuing with mpeg2 on some other band (for the four Irish stations) for mugs like me! Looks like the brother is getting 4 mpegs gift when next he visits. Regards, Michael r.

watty

No sensible conversion kit.

The MPEG4 to MPEG2 module is expensive. Really for TVs. Also degrades the quality.

There will be no MPEG2 in Ireland once the system is publicly launched.

ronan.michael@g

watty wrote: »

No sensible conversion kit.

The MPEG4 to MPEG2 module is expensive. Really for TVs. Also degrades the quality.

There will be no MPEG2 in Ireland once the system is publicly launched.[/QUOTE
Going - going - GONE!! Thanks Watty, Michael r.

Mayo Exile

The last day of the trial has come. In 24 hours all those MPEG2 Freeview boxes unfortunately will be propping up tables with uneven legs. Will retailers be "advising" people about this I wonder? I saw a Sagem Freeview PVR for sale in Currys Dundalk about 2 weeks ago.

Rick_

Who says that the trial will last until midnight?

Something tells me it will go off during the day... Shame.

Mossy Monk

Mayo Exile wrote: »

I saw a Sagem Freeview PVR for sale in Currys Dundalk about 2 weeks ago.

Is Freeview reception available in Dundalk? Close enough to the border I would have thought.

Mayo Exile

Patchy reception Mossy. Depends where you are. Cooley Hills can interfere with the reception from Divis. The further West you are it gets better. In my location Mux's on Chs 23 and 34 come in, but are prone to breakup.

I loaned an STB to a mate who lives out southwest (5 miles or so) of the town and he gets v good reception. But he is at a slightly elevated location with good line of sight to the northeast.

watty

I got the freeview minus one mux near the Heinz factory on the bypass. Slightly elevated site and channelised aerials with helical filters. 2 x 18 element stacked worked better than one Giant aerial of Katrien or Triax types.

Mayo Exile

Should also say that the aerial on the chimney (in a rented house) seems to be v poor quality so actual reception of Freeview (Dundalk town centre) could in theory be better with a properly set up aerial.