Free digital TV services
Dan Chronnell, head of product development, Freesat
risk of television interference to many Freeview homes as a result of the 4G roll out and planned 5G roll out. As we represent the interests of all our viewers, we believe it is of paramount importance that they are provided with the right level of assistance to minimise interference with their TV service and do not have to bear a disproportionate cost,” says Freeview’s North.
ready TVs.” Brian Desmond, technical and service manager TP Vision UK, adds a note of caution, “We are in favour of more free to air HD channels, but we are also concerned that there are no guarantees that any additional HD channels will indeed be free-to-air services.”
The risks of 4G
The arrival of 4G and (later) 5G high-speed mobile phone services will mean Freeview shifting along the frequency spectrum, with many consumers needing to re-tune or purchase new equipment. So what should the industry be doing to help them? “Freeview recognises the benefits that super-fast broadband will bring to Britain. However, we remain concerned about the
Alltrade’s Simper says, “From the trade point of view, it should be viewed as more of an opportunity than a concern as it could potentially generate business in specialist products, such as filters, and revenue from customers who need technical help and solutions to this potential problem.” Humax’s Hannent says, “The greatest concern will be the consumers who have already purchased band-specific antennas instead of wide- band antennas.” T P Vision’s Desmond thinks that the mobile companies will address these issues, “We understand that the mobile broadband operators’ company, Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, is currently working to ensure that any possible interference from new 4G services is minimized, and it‘s expected they will eventually perform a similar function for the introduction of 5G.” Some think that future changes mean
it’s time to consider launching Freeview products that are both DVB-T and DVB- T2 compatible, in order to future-proof them. “All products should be DVT-T and
Steve Simper, managing director of Alltrade
DVB-T2 compatible – but that still does not ensure they are future proof in a technology sector that continues to evolve,” says Alltrade’s Simper. TP Vision’s Desmond thinks that equipment compatible with DVB-T and DVB-T2 will become standard over time. Humax’s Hannent says, “I expect that TVs could easily become Freeview HD only. However, this could jeopardise the small TV market, which does not support the Freeview brand. For set-top boxes post- switchover, we should see a reduction in the number of basic standard definition products, and over time, will see a conversion to DVB-T2.”
Freesat’s platform Freesat offers more than 150 channels, and Dan Chronnell, head of product development, Freesat, says the three biggest sales drivers are, “No contract and subscription-free; a wide choice of channels and content; including five HD channels and catch-up services, and a good range of products, ranging from £34 to £299.” Freesat has high hopes for its new <free time> EPG, designed for Freesat+ boxes, and which offers catch-up programmes. “We plan to give customers the choice of additional pay VOD (video-on- demand) services in the future – these will be completely optional for customers on top of our core service, which will always be free,” says Chronnell Other Freesat plans for 2013 include a
“The parties with the real power to drive the PVR are the broadcasters. We would strongly encourage them to ensure that PVR functionality of ‘+’ products is part of their general and HD channel promotions”
February 2013 The Independent Electrical Retailer 21
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