Ofcom on the new HDTV platform to be launched by the BBC
The Market Impact Assessment (MIA) released by Ofcom shows that the BBC’s proposed plans to launch its HDTV (High Definition Television) for free viewing would not produce expected adverse impacts in market. BBC is to make this HDTV available via various digital mediums like cable, terrestrial and via satellite to viewers across the UK. However, there are no immediate plans for this HDTV to be broadband availablility until the technical and other factors make it possible after certain time.
As per the plans, in the initial phase, BBC will broadcast selected materials of channels like BBC1, BBC2 , BBC etc. The new channel which will be floated shortly will be operational for just 3 to 4 hours on daily basis for the first few months and later the number of hours will increase to nine hours by the end of 2008.
Among the various platforms which will take this TV to audience, DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) will offer two plans based on number of hours of broadcast. Where adequate spectrum capacity is available after digital switchover, audience will get nine hour broadcast plan and where it is insufficient, only four hours between 2 am to 6 am will have this transmission.
Regarding the HDTV channel to be launched by BBC, Ofcom has expressed that it might not produce negative impact DTT platform unless it turns out to be a nine hour HD channel. However, the growing demand for HD service via internet may affect IPTV despite the fact that present internet technology in the UK does not provide adequate infrastructure for this HD service to reach many people across the country.
In conclusion, Ofcom offered three suggestions to the BBC to lessen the adverse effects that can be felt in market:
BBC’ new channel should make sure that its channel broadcast a mixed genre of programmes instead of focusing on specific genre like movies.
Ofcom also suggested that BBC should take initiative to make this channel available via IPTV platform as this can be done after some time in future.
Thirdly, BBC should also make its channel to be on par with the growing technologies like DVB-T2 transmission technology.
Find exclusive broadband services in UK and compare broadband deals & offers.
