Is Channel 6 coming to DTT?

mullingar

Does anybody know if channel 6 is coming to DTT? Or will it be reserved for Boxer's pay-tv?

L1011

No announced plans either way at all. I would doubt they'd be on RTE's mux, anyway.

STB

DTT is an abbreviation of Digital Terrestrial Television, obviously.

DTT will be broken down into various multiplexes. RTE will operate the public service multiplex. The PSB multiplex will be FTA.

Boxer won the commercial multiplex award. This will featrure commercial operations such as Channel 6, I would imagine, which will be encrypted most likely through viaccess.

Mossy Monk

Could Channel 6 end up on a mux with TV3 now that they own them.

STB

I wouldnt imagine so. Tv3 at present are a terrestrial broadcaster in Ireland. Channel 6 are a commercial operator on the UPC and Sky platforms.

Why would Channel 6 be put on a PSB multiplex!

bk

I expect that TV3 will push to have C6 on the public mux along with RTE and TV3.

It is in C6's interest to have as large a potential audience as possible.

mullingar

I hope it does not go on the existing mux as the quality of just 4 channels on this 1 mux is outstanding, even on a 50" display. The more channels that go onto the mux will reduce the bandwidth and hence the quality.

Was there talk of a second PSB mux? say for RTE-HD & channel 6 could go on?

STB

Channel 6 will never be on the PSB multiplex. It does not broadcast free to air within Ireland (even on satelite)

I would imagine that the rest of that Multiplex will be filled with Oireachtas TV, Film Channel and a plus 1.

Mossy Monk

It would be an absolute shame if a channel couldn't get on a FTA multiplex because of a +1 channel.

watty

The use of MPEG4 rather than MPEG2 is so that more channels (x2) are possible. You can easily have 10+ channels on one Mux.

Just because something is not FTA on satellite and is also on cable is no reason for it not to be on the PSB Mux. Ch6 is essentially TV3-2 now and is not any more or less commercial than TV3. TV3 can't be FTA on Satellite and is only less than 80% Terrestrial on Analogue.

So it's not impossible. But It's hardly compelling viewing.

scath

I agree with BK and disagree with stb. Don't be so sure STB. None of us know either way lol!

My own view is that Channel 6 will be on the RTÉ public service mux. Commercial logic would point to it. Up to now Channel 6 was a cable and satellite channel because its previous owners financially geared their programming in that direction as a nieche channel, ie lower Irish content requirements for a BCI cable license. But TV3 have a much higher financial position and ability to fund programming.

I expect now that TV3 have stated their intention in the press and on their website to broaden out Channel 6's programming with increased Irish programming for example the introduction of sport and news to the channel that TV3 will apply within the next year and in time for DTT for a terrestrial license for Channel 6 once it has built up more Irish programming. Staying encypted would limit its success as with cable. Look at Channel 4's reasons for going in the clear in the last 2 years and sky.


In that case, RTÉ's FTA Mux 1 is designed for FTA channels. Remember TV3 Expose was part of the Onevision bid for Irish DTT so will it not proceed with this plan under the Channel 6.

Its concievable that in time TV3 could build up enough Irish programming to go on Freesat UK and Freesat from Sky UK but that will take time. Going encrypted would limit the ad revenue as Channel 6 determined when they went in the clear off Sky subscription with the Film4 channel.

Regarding RTÉ Mux2, that will be post 2012 when switch of analogue terrestrial transmission free up radiowave spectrum. Have you noticed mention of the switchover on http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1038581.stm. I sent the digitaltelevision.ie and department's section on it to them :-), its nice to see mention of it. I'm looking forward to the razz-ma-tazz of DTT in the Spring! I just hope that they come up with some exciting storyboard for the promotion campaign. In my own view the best way to switchover is a 6 month/1 year phase on a transmitter by transmitter basis to help drive early switchover and free spectrum early for DVB-H and wi-fi etc. No reason why analogue cable switchover should not be considered also by ComReg. Early switchover will be cheaper for Irish broadcasters, and will help fine tune lessons and ease call volume to digital switchover helpline.

Regarding a switchover mascot, why not go for a female version of digital Al with a green bomber jacket, a shamrock, does a jig, voiced by Deirdre O'Kane and joins up with the UK version around 2009

The Cush

STB wrote: »

I wouldnt imagine so. Tv3 at present are a terrestrial broadcaster in Ireland. Channel 6 are a commercial operator on the UPC and Sky platforms.

Why would Channel 6 be put on a PSB multiplex!

Both TV3 and Channel 6 are commmercial broadcasters, terrestrial or otherwise. Both have licences issued by the BCI.
Channel 6 is only available from UPC and Sky because there is no available analogue terrestrial frequency.

The legislation mandates the PSB multiplex to carry RTE 1 & 2, TV 3, TG 4, Oireachtas Channel and Irish Film Channel. The rest of the multiplex is available for whatever tv, radio or data RTE choose to place there. Naturally Channel 6 would not be carried for free.

Sulmac

Well, looking at the Broadcasting Bill 2008, it could happen.

Page 128, #130 is about the RTÉ Multiplex, and it says that it must carry RTÉ1, RTÉ2, TG4, Oireachtas TV and the Film Channel, then it says:

"such other television services, having the character of a public service, as may be designated by the Minister by order"

Presumably this is TV3, but could also be extended to other channels such as Channel 6?

icdg

I don't see what basis Channel 6 could claim to go on a PSB mux. Their only regular Irish programming is continuity around music videos.

TV3 at least has an argument in that they do have PSB obligations, such as their news service (as hacked to bits as it will be from next month), Ireland AM, and their sports coverage. Channel 6 has none of this - just bought-in American shows and music videos.

TheDriver

STB wrote: »

Channel 6 will never be on the PSB multiplex. It does not broadcast free to air within Ireland (even on satelite)

I would imagine that the rest of that Multiplex will be filled with Oireachtas TV, Film Channel and a plus 1.

Neither does RTE etc.

L1011

TheDriver wrote: »

Neither does RTE etc.

"does not broadcast free to air within Ireland"

Never knew I needed a decoder box for VHF/UHF RTE...

Fat_Fingers

MYOB wrote: »

"does not broadcast free to air within Ireland"

Never knew I needed a decoder box for VHF/UHF RTE...

TheDriver was referring to RTE channels on Sky satellite platform, not analogue one you get on your antenna.

Mossy Monk

Fat_Fingers wrote: »

TheDriver was referring to RTE channels on Sky satellite platform, not analogue one you get on your antenna.

I saw no mention of a specific platform.

TheDriver wrote: »

Neither does RTE etc.

RTÉ is available FTA in Ireland. Put up an aerial.

STB

The Cush wrote: »

Channel 6 is only available from UPC and Sky because there is no available analogue terrestrial frequency.

Correct me if I am wrong.

Didnt Channel 6 only plan to get a licence from Ofcom in the UK for going on the Sky platform. I seem to remember they had a problem with getting positioning on Sky's platform, particularly 106 which was apparently due to the fact that they did not carry any public service remit. Didnt they return the Ofcom licence and apply for one from the BCI to broadcast on the NTL and Chorus cable platform. I think so.

The Cush wrote: »

Both TV3 and Channel 6 are commmercial broadcasters, terrestrial or otherwise. Both have licences issued by the BCI.

Yes both are commercial. Thats were the comparison ends.

Channel 6 have a Cable/MMD Content Contract.

Tv3 is a terrestrial broadcaster and the terms of their contract I think also makes it a must carry on Cable/MMDS.

Think there may be obligations or something like that involved as well.

L1011

Fat_Fingers wrote: »

TheDriver was referring to RTE channels on Sky satellite platform, not analogue one you get on your antenna.

The post he was quoting wasn't.

Elmo

Didnt Channel 6 only plan to get a licence from Ofcom in the UK for going on the Sky platform. I seem to remember they had a problem with getting positioning on Sky's platform, particularly 106 which was apparently due to the fact that they did not carry any public service remit. Didnt they return the Ofcom licence and apply for one from the BCI to broadcast on the NTL and Chorus cable platform. I think so.

They had plans to get the license from ofcom and IMO used it as a ploy to get the license from the BCI.

Channel 6 are license by the BCI. Channel 6 are unhappy with their position on Sky, now at 120 AFAIK.

Yes both are commercial. Thats were the comparison ends.

Channel 6 have a Cable/MMD Content Contract.

Tv3 is a terrestrial broadcaster and the terms of their contract I think also makes it a must carry on Cable/MMDS.

Think there may be obligations or something like that involved as well.

Channel 6 is specifically an Entertainment channel for cable it is not a national broadcaster. TV3 hold a special position as being a National Terrestrial Broadcaster with a Public service remit. What does this mean: - Channel 6 does have to produce News, Channel 6 has a different amount of Irish programming currently TV3 must produce 30% Irish programming.

Channel 6 was suggested by One Vision as part of their channel line up. Boxer did not mention them in their proposial AFAIK.

Unless TV3 plan to fork out more money to RTE NL and also change Channel 6's License to suit a national terrestrial broadcaster it is unlikely that C6 will be FTA on DTT. It will be up to TV3 and boxer weather or not C6 is available on that platform.

Basically TV3 is an Independent PSB, channel 6 is not.

Boxer have probably never heard of Channel 6, they don't seem to know much.

L1011

They'd likely love 120. They're at 182!

Elmo

RTE is FTA on ATT but not on any other platform.

If channel 6 can change their programming and their licence with the BCI there is no reason why they could not be on the FTA DTT Mux. TV3 may not think it makes economic scence when they will not have to pay to be on the other platforms.

TheDriver

was merely referring to the fact TV3 was not fta "even on satellite" when RTE isn't either, particularly as thats our only digital system at moment bar tests.