DTT Plans, Is there anything concrete?

Phantom

Hi Folks,

I'm very interested in this technology, from a hobbyists pov, and I've been gathering information from various sources on the net over the past year or two regarding Irish DTT but have found much of it vague and contradictory.

I have a few questions I hope, can be answered.

1. Are there definitive plans of when DTT will start in Ireland?

2. What channels are lined up for it?

3. Are there any Irish specific technical issues?
Hypothetical e.g.: If I brought an Irish STB to the UK on holiday, would it work, (for FTA channels)?

4. Are there any ancillary services to be provided?
e.g.: Internet Access & general interactivity options

Hope you can help.

P

DMC

Hi there and welcome along.

News on DTT is very contradictory that might have been news 2 years ago and now.

I don't think anyone knows what the current plans are. Since the collapse of ITV Digital, there must be the problem of getting any sort of financial backing and getting the technology. The thing to remember most is that DTT has failed in Spain and the UK, amongst others. So with the best will in the world, there is the strong possibility that it can fail here. So the markets are gonna be shaky about DTT.

The plans that "It's TV" announced, such as wireless internet and interactive TV... well it has been many months since anyone has heard from them, either in the press or even here on these forums. We don't know if these plans have changed or not, one can assume that the picture that they paint for investors is not the same as the one that will be presented before the general public.

I'll answer the 4 questions now...

1. Are there definitive plans of when DTT will start in Ireland?
There are plans, but no date.

2. What channels are lined up for it?
The Irish terrestrial channels are a must for the new service, but no news on any other channels.

3. Are there any Irish specific technical issues?
Hypothetical e.g.: If I brought an Irish STB to the UK on holiday, would it work, (for FTA channels)?

I think there was the plan to make the Irish system compatiable with boxes from Sweden and Spain, but since the collapse of ITV Digital, and the impending launch of Freeview from Crown Castle and the BBC, the tech spec will change. Some folk here who are more techy on DTT than me will explain, I'm sure

4. Are there any ancillary services to be provided?
e.g.: Internet Access & general interactivity options

Internet access and interactive channels were planned, but no news in recent months. We await developments.

Hope this helps,

Damien.

Richard

Originally posted by DamoDMC

3. Are there any Irish specific technical issues?
Hypothetical e.g.: If I brought an Irish STB to the UK on holiday, would it work, (for FTA channels)?

If it was in range of Irish Transmitters it would work, but I imagine this would be very unlikely, even in border areas of Northern Ireland. This is because there are 8-10 analogue terrestrial channels already in these areas plus 6 UK digital MUXs. But they may be able to cram in a few more channels so it may be possible in some limited areas.

I think there was the plan to make the Irish system compatiable with boxes from Sweden and Spain

I'm in Sweden at the moment but I don't think they have DTT up here in the north as there isn't anything in the shops about it. I saw it advertised earlier in the year when I was further south - near Stockholm.

JTMan

Originally posted by DamoDMC

The plans that "It's TV" announced, such as wireless internet and interactive TV... well it has been many months since anyone has heard from them, either in the press or even here on these forums.

There was an article in the Irish Times about them last week and in the examiner (I think). It said that ...
1. They are still trying to get the licence issued
2. If they can't get the licence issued then they intend to bid for one of the regional digial licences. They intend to bid for the Dublin licence.

Elmo

ITSTV not give the go ahead for DTT. Due to financial risks involve acording to the people who give out the Liences either The ODTR or the BCI?

They should have got it with the backing of all of the stations in Ireland and the government as they are the only company that comes into my mind when DTT is mention.

Maybe give it to TG4 and allow TG4 Become indep of RTE yet we could all sleep saftly with the knowledge that the government would hold up any failuar of the roll out of DTT (if this happen like over in Britian with ITV digital). And when it is set up sell on TG4 and DTT Ireland with major regulations to what the company is there for.

icdg

The DTT licences are pretty much in the personal gift of Dermot Ahern, the Minister for Communications - the ODTR (CCR) have to issue to licence to the company designated by the Minister.

No news yet on whether the licences will be issued to It'sTV or not. But current opinion seems to be that there will be no licence issued, after the ITV Digital debacle in the UK.

triple-play

The following is an extract from the Report published by the Forum on Broadcasting. To me it looks like this is all the ammunition the minister needs to award the licence... and I think it may happen sooner rather than later...

"It has also been drawn to the Forum's attention that the potential benefits of DTT extend well beyond the arena of broadcasting to include the rapid provision of high capacity connectivity to homes and businesses across the country at a relatively low cost. Given the importance of continuing the promotion of Ireland as a leading centre for e‑commerce and digital technology generally, the introduction of DTT on a widespread and commercially successful basis becomes highly significant. This sector is of great strategic importance to present and future generations, but within the timescale allocated, it has not been possible for the Forum to undertake a full analysis of this issue. However, notwithstanding current market and economic difficulties, it is vital that the country is well positioned to take advantage of continuing developments in this area."