RTE admits digital TV launch delay

s_gr

Seems to be gone off in Dublin....complete Joke RTE, spend all the money on tx sites...then turn the whole system off. Well they can sing for the licence fee........

byte

Yeah, must be down nationwide. Of course, we know that they're still "tests" but do tests really need testcards?

snaps

Yeah they could have left the channels on for us with mpeg 4 equipment. Its all a joke. Rte should just fold and perhaps let an Irish BBC takeover (Dare i say it), we may even get 4 regional variations then!!!

Mossy Monk

snaps wrote: »

we may even get 4 regional variations then!!!

The only that could be worse than RTÉ from Dublin is RTÉ from Cork.

Ghost Train

So anyone know what the story is with the test channels or are things on perminent hold?

Anyway pity to see things going backwards

Mossy Monk

Nothing is going backwards. These were always tests and nothing more.

JHMEG

I don't understand the need for engineering tests when every other national broadcaster in the EU has been down this road before RTE. The Germans pretty much have DTT licked, with 90% market penetration. Can't RTE just ask them for a copy of their notes? Of if they don't understand German they could ask Brits?

watty

There are no trials. The trial that there was on east coast last year was Political, not technical.

The current transmissions are ordinary Engineering tests. Not at all trials.

Once all their tests are done the network could have regular channels, test cards or be shut down till the Public Launch.


RTENL have made it clear on the website from the beginning that these transmissions are not a Public Service.

We have said on boards that buying equipment before the Public launch was at your own risk.

Charles Slane

What is a trial? What is a test? (Genuine question)

watty

Actually there are Trail Licences, Test Licences and Service Trials and Engineering Tests.



A trial is usually involves a group of people using the service. You can get various kinds of Trail licences from ComReg for Broadcasting or Wireless Broadband. There can be technical and/or non-technical reasons for a trial. In Ireland you can't charge people involved in a Trial. It can be used to evaluate Technology or kind of service. It need not use actual frequencies or even equipment that would eventually be deployed. A Trail does not mean there will be a service or even a licence.


An Engineering test need not involve the public at all. It's used to make sure the final equipment for a Public Service is all working and installed properly, aerials are pointing correctly, no co-channel interference, signal/power levels are correct etc. It can be using a Comreg Trail Licence, Test Licence or Service Licence. There is no requirement for anyone to be actually using the service and in fact it would reduce test flexibility it there was any users.

A ComReg "test" licence is used to evaluate equipment or a service (broadcast or Wireless Broadband) without any public involvement. It does not mean any commitment by ComReg or the Provider to ever launch a service.

Charles Slane

Thanks for that clarification Watty.