Digital Switchover - UTV Region (DigitalUK)

Mr. Rabbit

Paddy C wrote: »

October? Exactly one year from now? How disappointing that it couldn't have been before the Olympics at least...

Exactly Paddy.

Yet another major sporting event passas by and still no Freeview HD.

As for UTV HD, that's a joke.

Rick_

Digital signals are already on in NI, it's just that NI can't get the HD MUX until after DSO, and DSO is happening in NI after the Olympics has happened so you will need satellite if you want to enjoy the Olympics in HD or3D which is a shame.

sesswhat

Fingleberries wrote: »

Would October be the ASO (Analaogue Switch-Off) date, if so does that preclude that the Digital Signal would be switched on in the region before then for a brief period of simulcast (as with Saorview at the moment)?

Apart from the continuing simulcast at the three main transmitters, there may only be short late night tests at any transmitters where Freeview is not currently live. The schedule for these tests may be published beforehand on the DigitalSpy site.

Souriau

UTV are upgrading their studio to HD
so all will be done with HD quality and then downgrade to SD for analouge and SD transmission

sesswhat

JPR appointed to support digital switchover in Northern Ireland.

The campaign will kick off in Northern Ireland this month when the exact date of the switchover in Northern Ireland will be announced.

The Cush

ASO date(s) for the Republic of ireland will be announced tomorrrow, Friday.

Joint announcement with DigitalUK for NI dates??

This will be 1 week after DigitalUK, in error, published the NI switchover leaflet on their website, I think they got their date wrong last week.

The Cush

Analogue TV will close on October 24 2012

14 October 2011 Last updated at 05:45 GMT

Date set for Northern Ireland digital switchover

Analogue television will close on 24 October 2012 in Northern Ireland

Analogue television will close on 24 October 2012 and be replaced by a stronger Freeview signal.

This should reach virtually all Northern Ireland households, including half-a-million viewers who cannot receive it now.

Viewers still watching analogue TV, about 100,000 households in Northern Ireland, need to switch to Freeview, cable or satellite in the coming year.

Freeview coverage in Northern Ireland is to be boosted from 66% to 98% of households, Digital UK has said.

On 10 October 2012, two weeks before switchover completes, analogue BBC Two will be turned off as a final reminder to viewers who have yet to switch.

Denis Wolinski, Digital UK's national manager in Northern Ireland, said: "Today is an exciting day for television in Northern Ireland.

"This announcement paves the way for the end of analogue TV and the dawn of a fully digital age in which everyone can enjoy more channels, more choice and better pictures.

"Digital UK will ensure people know what to do, and that advice and practical support are available to those who need it."

Analogue signals will also be turned off in the Republic of Ireland on 24 October 2012.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15295372

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15293469

DigitalUK switchover leaflet back up on the switchover page - http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/when_do_i_switch/northernireland and DigitalUK press release - http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/69685/10-14-11_ni_date_announcement.pdf

mrdtv2010

Finally in the public domain...

A coordinated switchover makes sense since this means that all the HRP restrictions in place on various transmitters in NI and the Republic can be lifted simultaneously. It will probably mean the Clermont Carn signal will replicate the existing analogue NI coverage nicely and be entirely usable in areas where PAL-I was ruined by multipath.

The next technical step will undoubtedly be full power tests on the post DSO frequencies from the NI transmitters. DUK don't normally announce these tests but the game is given away when the analogue services are shut down overnight so that their frequencies can be used for the full power tests (21, 24, 27 for the Divis post-DSO PSB channels.) That will be very revealing for viewers in the Republic.

sesswhat

Still a few gremlins on the DigitalUK site:

Mr. Rabbit

Nothing on the ROI announcement and the mini RTE mux ?

Mr. Rabbit

Still only 3 HD channels listed post DSO for all transmitters in the Ulster TV region.

Presumably this is the balls up over UTV HD :mad::mad::mad:

Glenelly My Home

Any set dates yet, for the switch on of the digital signal to the sites not yet transmitting?

Mr. Rabbit

Glenelly My Home wrote: »

Any set dates yet, for the switch on of the digital signal to the sites not yet transmitting?

10th and 24th October 2112.

See above.

Unless Harold Camping's latest end of the world prediction comes true

sesswhat

Glenelly My Home wrote: »

Any set dates yet, for the switch on of the digital signal to the sites not yet transmitting?

Yes. 10 October 2012.

That's the way it works. From now until 10 October 2012 nothing really changes.

Glenelly My Home

I was hoping that there would more sites with a simulcast signal before then.

Any reason why it's only the 3 main ones?
Am I right in that over 50 sites in south broadcast Saorview and Analogue
while only 3 broadcast Freeview and Analogue in the north (currently and for the next year)?

Ahh well, another year to wait before I can get digital and then two weeks too get everything working.

lawhec

Glenelly My Home wrote: »

I was hoping that there would more sites with a simulcast signal before then.

Any reason why it's only the 3 main ones?
Am I right in that over 50 sites in south broadcast Saorview and Analogue
while only 3 broadcast Freeview and Analogue in the north (currently and for the next year)?

Ahh well, another year to wait before I can get digital and then two weeks too get everything working.

No spare frequencies for any "simulcast" signals north of the border much. Saorview currently has the advantage of having more UHF frequency allocations available agreed from GE06 near immediately, while NI allocations have apart from some small power increases at Divis remained the same now for over 10 years.

At many of the relay sites, what will happen is what the American's call a flash-cut, whereby an analogue signal is turned off and a digital signal is switched on the same frequency very soon after. In a few cases some relays will be using different frequencies to current analogue broadcasts, but they should still fall into the same aerial group.

lawhec

Mr. Rabbit wrote: »

Still only 3 HD channels listed post DSO for all transmitters in the Ulster TV region.

Presumably this is the balls up over UTV HD :mad::mad::mad:

Settle down! There's still over a year to go. If this time next year there is still no confirmation of UTV HD being broadcast at DSO completion, then there might be some gripes!

The Cush

Glenelly My Home wrote: »

Am I right in that over 50 sites in south broadcast Saorview and Analogue
while only 3 broadcast Freeview and Analogue in the north (currently and for the next year)?

51 sites transmit Saorview but not all of them are analogue sites. Some are new sites, Arklow and Waterford City for example.

The Cush

UTV report on the switchover, link includes interview with Denis Wolinski


Denis Wolinski with Digit Al

Date set for NI digital switchover

The date for digital TV switchover in Northern Ireland has been announced, meaning the way you watch television in the region is about to change.

Friday, 14 October 2011

Analogue television will close on 24 October 2012 and be replaced by a stronger Freeview signal that will reach an extra 500,000 viewers in the region.

Northern Ireland's analogue channels - BBC One, BBC Two, UTV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 - are already available on Freeview and via broadband, cable and satellite.

The region will be one of the biggest winners from the switchover process, with free-to-air digital TV and radio coverage boosted from 66% to 98% of households.

On 10 October 2012, two weeks before switchover completes, analogue BBC Two will be turned off as a final reminder to viewers who have yet to switch.

Analogue signals will also be turned off in the Republic of Ireland on 24 October 2012, in order to make the transition to digital as straightforward as possible for TV viewers and the broadcasters.

"This announcement paves the way for the end of analogue TV and the dawn of a fully digital age in which everyone can enjoy more channels, more choice and better pictures." (Denis Wolinski, National Manager of Digital UK in Northern Ireland)

Viewers who are still watching analogue TV - an estimated 100,000 households in Northern Ireland - need to switch to Freeview, cable or satellite in the coming year, or face a blank screen at switchover.

Digital UK and the Switchover Help Scheme will launch a public information campaign next year to ensure viewers are ready for the change.

The campaign, due to kick off in the spring, will include roadshows, advertising and an information leaflet sent to every home.

Denis Wolinski, Digital UK's National Manager in Northern Ireland, said: "Today is an exciting day for television in Northern Ireland.

"Digital UK will ensure people know what to do, and that advice and practical support are available to those who need it."

The Help Scheme will write to eligible older and disabled people offering support in making the switch, including equipment, installation if needed and aftercare.

Digital UK is the independent, not-for-profit organisation established to lead the implementation of digital switchover. It is jointly owned and funded by the public-service broadcasters and the digital multiplex operators.

Visit www.digitaluk.co.uk or contact their helpline 08456 50 50 50 for more information.

The Switchover Help Scheme is run by the BBC under an agreement with the Government to help older and disabled people make the change to digital TV.


http://www.u.tv/News/Date-set-for-NI-digital-switchover/9820b2e2-d90b-4c9e-9e86-fa88cbfabb8f

http://www.u.tv/News/In-video-Digital-Switchover-Guide/d24cebed-3ec1-4cba-9e23-6e8be4a562d0

http://www.u.tv/utvplayer/video/139974/114557/9820b2e2-d90b-4c9e-9e86-fa88cbfabb8f
http://www.u.tv/utvplayer/video/139964/114554/d24cebed-3ec1-4cba-9e23-6e8be4a562d0

Mr. Rabbit

The region will be one of the biggest winners from the switchover process, with free-to-air digital TV and radio coverage boosted from 66% to 98% of households.

That statement alone actually demonstrates how bad Freeview reception is in NI compared to the rest of the UK. Pretty appalling really, considering the low power of the existing transmitters

Personally, if I was being served by a Freeview Lite transmitter in the province post DSO I'd go for Freesat which makes even more sense than ever now, especially with 5* and 5 USA coming onto the platform before Christmas. Think there are only 3 stations now missing on Freesat that are on Freeview (Dave, Yesterday, and Pick TV), if I remember correctly (Sky News should be available in non Freesat mode since it's fre to air).

Thought there might have been something on the local news this evening but the announcement seems to have been very much played down in the press.

Did RTE news mention anything about anolgue switch off in the ROI ?

The Cush

Mr. Rabbit wrote: »

Did RTE news mention anything about anolgue switch off in the ROI ?

Reports on the RTÉ One, Six-One and Nine news programmes - http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1014/dtt.html#video
TV3 5.30 News report - http://www.tv3.ie/news.php?request=&...w=&video=41169

Was covered on the radio news bulletins during the day.

The Cush

Although the RTÉ/TG4 mini-mux and related MoU were the subject of this thread (http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056121222) I've decided to post the following information here as it's all related to DSO in NI in any case. No point at this stage in splitting the discussion over 2 threads.

The new Dept of Communications ASO website http://www.goingdigital.ie/ includes the following information on the MoU

Memorandum of Understanding - Coordination of digital switchover with Northern Ireland

On 1st February 2010 the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. This MOU provides for North-South co-operation on the transition to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and analogue switch off. It also provides for the carriage of TG4 on northern Irelands DTT platform. In addition, it provides for space to be made available for RTÉ and the BBC on the DTT networks in Northern Ireland and Ireland respectively, should they wish to avail of this opportunity. RTÉ has a legislative requirement to provide services to the Island of Ireland and so is pursuing the offer of space on the DTT multiplexes in Northern Ireland. To date, the BBC has not pursued the opportunity. The MOU is available by following this link.

http://www.goingdigital.ie/Policy+and+Change/Policy+and+Regulation/

Yesterday the UK Government's Dept of Culture, Media and Sport published the following scanned letter - Letter to Pat Rabbitte TD from Ed Vaizey MP, 11 October 2011 - regarding the MoU and the 7th multiplex (mini-mux) in NI. An interesting read.

Main points
- RTÉ/TG4 not-for-profit joint venture company will establish and run the mux
- RTÉ Radio services may be carried after the mux is established
- Ofcom will award the joint venture company the broadcasting licence following consultation
- The UK Government will pay TG4's costs (approx one-third of the JV's overall cost)
- EU approval granted regarding the UK's funding of the mux
- RTÉ to begin the procurement process by the end of the month even before the JV company is established

Mr. Rabbit

As an aside, hopefully, the freeing up of band III with analogue TV switch off in the ROI will mean space for extra DAB services in NI, particular Dicital One. We still can't get Absolute Radio on DAB here.

The Cush

Dáil Question from last week on access to Irish channels in NI and GB.

Detailed planning and procurement work is now underway according to the reply.

Written Answers - Broadcasting Services
Tuesday, 25 October 2011

342. Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there is any facility for Irish citizens in Northern Ireland or the UK to access Irish television stations through the new Saorview service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31432/11]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Pat Rabbitte): As the Deputy may be aware, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the British and Irish Governments on 1 February 2010. The Memorandum deals with broadcast services and related radio spectrum issues in the context of the provision of digital terrestrial services on the island of Ireland and provides for cooperation between the authorities in both jurisdictions on this issue. One of the main aims of the Memorandum is to ensure the continued provision of TG4 in Northern Ireland after the switch-off of the analogue broadcast signals on 24 October 2012. Under the Memorandum, the UK Government has also agreed to facilitate the widespread availability of RTÉ 1 and RTÉ 2 on the Northern Ireland digital terrestrial television network.

My Department continues to engage with ComReg, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, RTÉ and the Authorities in the UK on these issues and much progress has been made to date. I can confirm that the UK authorities have made spectrum available in Northern Ireland to facilitate this aim and work in now continuing on the detailed planning and procurement required to make these services available in Northern Ireland by the end of 2012.

In addition, the Memorandum has facilitated the development of a coordinated approach on both sides of the border in respect of the roll-out of digital terrestrial television (DTT) and analogue switch-off. I recently announced Wednesday 24 October 2012 as the official date of completion of the digital TV switchover, when the analogue TV network in Ireland will be switched off. Digital UK also announced that the analogue TV network will also be turned off in Northern Ireland on 24 October 2012, in order to make the transition to digital as straightforward as possible for TV viewers and broadcasters.

In addition to the reception of signals from the Northern Ireland DTT network, certain parts of Northern Ireland will continue to receive the Irish channels from ‘overspill’, which is when broadcast signals are received outside of the intended coverage area. This currently happens to an extent with the existing analogue system and will continue to occur after analogue switch-off with the Saorview DTT system. There are currently no plans, however, for extending the coverage of the services available on Saorview to Britain.

http://debates.oireachtas.ie/dail/2011/10/25/00245.asp

Mr. Rabbit

I wonder where the RTE mini mux will appear on the Freeview EPG ? It surely wont be in the 800's, will it ?

Sam Russell

Mr. Rabbit wrote: »

I wonder where the RTE mini mux will appear on the Freeview EPG ? It surely wont be in the 800's, will it ?

It should be given UK LCNs so it will appear wherever those land. It is, after all, a UK mux, so will comply with FreeviewHD broadcast standards.

Where it is when it is received on a Saorview box in Dundalk is anyones guess.

reslfj

Sam Russell wrote: »

It should be given UK LCNs so it will appear wherever those land. It is, after all, a UK mux, so will comply with FreeviewHD broadcast standards.

Where it is when it is received on a Saorview box in Dundalk is anyones guess.

The mux itself is indeed a UK mux - but the channels are Irish and will be payed for by the Irish joint-venture.
As I understand it, the UK will pay TG4's share ~ 1/3 of the transmission costs.

A Saorview box will not be able to receive the mini-mux - unless it (also) has a DVB-T2 chip inside.

Lars

Digifriendly

reslfj wrote: »

The mux itself is indeed a UK mux - but the channels are Irish and will be payed for by the Irish joint-venture.
As I understand it, the UK will pay TG4's share ~ 1/3 of the transmission costs.

A Saorview box will not be able to receive the mini-mux - unless it (also) has a DVB-T2 chip inside.

Lars

When you think of it there wouldn't be much point having it in a Saorview box as these channels presumably can already be received by that box from another transmitter in the ROI.

reslfj

Sam Russell wrote: »

Where it is when it is received on a Saorview box in Dundalk is anyones guess.

Digifriendly wrote: »

When you think of it there wouldn't be much point having it in a Saorview box as these channels presumably can already be received by that box from another transmitter in the ROI.

I don't. I just commented on Sam's post and pointed out they were NOT in any Saorview box (unless it has DVB-T2).

In ROI - of course - you only need a FreeviewHD receiver, if you expect to have the UK HD-mux signal after October 24, 2012 and you want to watch the UK HD channels.

You should note that Divis will increase its power from 2.6kW to 100kW 16dB, Brougher Mountain from 500W to 20kW also 16dB and Limavady from 800W to 20kW 14dB - all very, very significant increases.

Lars

Sam Russell

Digifriendly wrote: »

When you think of it there wouldn't be much point having it in a Saorview box as these channels presumably can already be received by that box from another transmitter in the ROI.

Clearly to receive the mini-mux would require a T2 receiver (probably FreeviewHD certified). Now, if one had a Saorview/FreeviewHD iDTV receiving both the mini-mux and Saorview signals, what order would the channels be put?

I doubt if there are many places where both signals could be received.