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MMDS or DTT; discussion

  • 20-08-2013 9:44pm
    #1
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,851 ✭✭✭✭


    Taking note of icdg's comment in the other thread re off-topic discussion I'll post the reply in this new thread
    Elmo wrote: »
    Perhaps the regulator should have asked that UPC switch off MMDS and replace with DTT along with Analogue switch off.

    Suppose we are getting futher away from this topic:-

    Which is more suitable MMDS or DTT? How many MMDS masts does UPC have and can those masts be used for DTT?

    MMDS spectrum is to be auctioned off in 2014/15, most likely to the mobile companies. MMDS is to end in April 2016 although this doesn't prevent UPC bidding for it and using it for TV after that date but under new technical conditions requiring new broadcast equipment and replacing all customer STB's. The problem with MMDS is that it transmits at very high frequencies and requires line of sight for reception and maybe covers 70% of the country while DTT operates at lower frequencies and covers 98%+ of the country with 64 transmitters.

    MMDS uses 11 multiplexes, commercial DTT will have access to 4 multiplexes. MMDS uses the old MPEG-2 video compression standard with either the DVB-T or DVB-C transmission standard. Commercial DTT will probably use the much more spectrum efficient DVB-T2 with MPEG-4 video compression.

    UPC currently has approx. 40,000 MMDS subscribers, down from a high of 118,000 6-7 years ago. Between now and 2016 UPC will lose these subscribers to Sky or Saorview/Freesat because they will have no alternative to offer them unless they aquire some of the auctioned spectrum and relaunch MMDS or they become involved with pay-DTT.


Comments

  • #2
    Elmo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,641 ✭✭✭✭Elmo


    In tandem with analogue switch over the Government could have designated that UPC's MMDS network also make the change to Digital, thus providing the PAY TV service the BAI want so much.


  • #3
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,851 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    Elmo wrote: »
    In tandem with analogue switch over the Government could have designated that UPC's MMDS network also make the change to Digital,

    That happened back in 1998 - http://www.comreg.ie/_fileupload/publications/pres231298a.pdf


  • #4
    icdg
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 12,067 Mod ✭✭✭✭icdg


    I was going to move all the OT posts in the other thread here, but most of them were about Mux 2 rather than the pros and cons of DTT v MMDS.


  • #5
    Elmo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,641 ✭✭✭✭Elmo


    Perhaps merge the tv3 hd thread with the Saorview content speculation thread?


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