DigiTAG

Web Letter

September 2005 | # 43

DigiTAG seeks to inform members and non-members about important developments in the digital terrestrial television market. Each month, DigiTAG distributes its web letter with news updates and further exploration of one topic. This month, we examine analogue switch-off in Europe - the theme of the conference session hosted by DigiTAG during IBC. The article has previously been published in the IBC Daily.

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Planning for analogue switch-off

Currently the fastest growing television platform in Europe, digital terrestrial television (DTT) shows promising signs for the future. As the number of households replacing their analogue terrestrial television with DTT increases, governments can begin planning for analogue switch-off.

In May 2005, the European Commission recommended that its members phase out analogue terrestrial broadcasting by 2012. Calling for a coordinated approach to analogue switch-off, the Commission recognised that the full benefits of digital switch-over cannot be realised until all countries in a given area switch off their analogue signals.

For a country to be ready for analogue switch-off, its DTT services must be fully available in the given area (coverage area) and a high percentage of households must use these services (penetration rate). Yet the speed of digital switch-over depends on several factors.

Type of DTT launch

In some countries, the initial launch of DTT services has required analogue switch-off. In Switzerland, two out of the four analogue channels in each region were switched off in order to free the necessary capacity for a DTT launch. This was only possible because the many cable homes retained all services; other homes were encouraged to buy non-subscription satellite services.

In Germany, DTT services have been launched region by region followed by analogue switch-off just a few months later. This has enabled a quick benefit of the advantages of digital switch-over and a reduction in the costs associated with the simultaneous broadcast of both digital and analogue services.

Other countries have opted for nation-wide access to DTT services before considering analogue switch-off. The United Kingdom, and recently France, have launched DTT services by attempting to attain a maximum coverage of their territory, in addition to analogue services. Only lately in the United Kingdom has analogue switch-off planning begun seriously.

Type of television reception

Countries that depend heavily on the terrestrial transmission network for television reception will need to convert more television sets than countries that rely on other television reception modes. This likely means that more resources will need to be expended in communications with the public and reaching out to vulnerable segments of the population. Without the proper preparation and appropriate public awareness, governments can risk political damage if they rush ahead too quickly.

Even in households relying on cable or satellite for their main television set, DTT services have proven popular. In a highly cabled country such as Germany, DTT set-top boxes have been purchased for many second and third television sets. In the United Kingdom, it is estimated that 25% of all set-top boxes are purchased by households where either cable or satellite supplies the primary television set.

Government encouragement and intervention

The government can play a key role in the take-up of DTT services. A government that heavily promotes DTT services, whether through household subsidies for the purchase of a set-top box or funding for communication activities, will help speed the digital conversion.

An approach driven only by the market will take more time, especially if the country is highly dependent on the terrestrial platform for television reception. The United Kingdom, the first European country to launch DTT services, is unlikely to be the first country to switch-off its analogue terrestrial signal.

Negotiations with neighbouring countries

Countries will need to coordinate their DTT service roll-out in border regions with their neighbours. DTT and analogue television services will need to be protected against interference while limited frequencies must be shared. Currently, negotiations are underway at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with the aim of putting together a frequency plan for an all-digital broadcast environment for Europe, Africa and parts of Asia. The year 2038 has currently been retained as the theoretically final date for analogue switch-off.

Current ASO status

Already, planning for analogue switch-off is underway in many parts of Western Europe.

In the United Kingdom, the government has set up Digital UK, (formerly known as SwitchCo) with the task of coordinating the analogue switch-off process. It is estimated to need a yearly budget of £18 million for marketing and consumer support services.

In Italy, the local governments of Sardinia and Val d'Aoste have signed an agreement with the national Ministry of Communications agreeing to switch-off their analogue signals by January 2006.

In Sweden, analogue switch-off is expected to begin on 19 September 2005 in the region of Gotland. Based on a parliamentary decision of March 2003, the last analogue terrestrial television transmitter will be switched-off on 1 March 2008.

In Germany, analogue switch-off has already happened in several regions. In 2003, Berlin became the first all-digital metropolis in the world and other areas, such as North Rhine Westphalia, northern Germany and Bavaria, have followed suit.

In Spain, the government has advanced the analogue switch-off date from 2012 to 2010. DTT services are ready for a national re-launch likely to take place before the end of this year.

Issues which may impede analogue switch-off

First, the costs associated with digital switch-over, to both consumers as well as service providers, may be high, and so slow down the digital conversion. Second, some households may resist digital switch-over. The "refuseniks" will make it difficult for governments to plan analogue switch-off. Finally, a major national or international event, such as the Olympic Games, for which access by television viewers is considered essential, may cause governments to delay their switch-off plans.

Ultimately, timing of the roll-out of DTT services is important, but the rate at which consumers choose to adopt digital services will determine the analogue switch-off date. Recent experience suggests that we have reason for optimism.

Article by Natalie Mouyal

Upcoming activities

Annual Public Seminar

DigiTAG's Annual Public Seminar will be held on 29 November at the EBU Headquarters in Geneva. The seminar will provide the results of the EBU/DigiTAG study on analogue switch-off in Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

About DigiTAG

DigiTAG aims to encourage and facilitate the implementation and introduction of digital terrestrial television services using the Digital Video Broadcasting Project's Standard (DVB-T). It has some 60 members from broadcasting, network operators, regulatory, and manufacturing organisations throughout Europe and beyond.

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DTT NEWS ROUND-UP

For all articles, please go to DigiTAG News

United Kingdom - Government confirms analogue switch-off timetable

In a keynote presentation to members of the Royal Television Society (RTS), Culture secretary Tessa Jowell has confirmed the timetable for analogue switch-off on the terrestrial platform.

Analogue switch-off will commence in 2008 in the Border region and be completed in 2012.

Jowell said that a support scheme funded by the BBC through its licence fee would help purchase digital equipment for households with one person aged 75 or over, or households with one person with a significant disability. Low income households would receive some form of assistance in a scheme to be determined by the BBC and the Government.

Switchover will be co-ordinated by Digital UK, the industry-funded body formerly known as SwitchCo.

Source: DTG Website

the Netherlands - Analogue switch-off in 2006

The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs has announced that the Dutch public broadcast services (Nederland 1, Nederland 2 and Nederland 3), will end analogue terrestrial transmission in 2006.

The cessation of terrestrial analogue broadcasting will enable the government to save €11 million per year.

It is estimated that only 77,000 households still rely on the analogue terrestrial platform.

Source: DM Europe

Czech Republic - DTT draws nearer

Czech Television (CT) has asked the Broadcasting Council (RRTV) for permission to start DTT transmissions as of next month.

If the request is granted, the broadcaster will start distributing its services CT1, CT2 and possibly also news-based CT24 in the first half of 2006. Coverage will initially be provided to Prague and environs, before increasing to cover the cities of Brno and Ostrava. It is expected to reach up to 35% of the population in 2006.

Source: Broadband TV News

France - DVB-H trials to begin in Paris

The French broadcast regulator, CSA, has given its approval for four broadcasting to mobile receivers trials. Three trials will use the DVB-H standard while one trial will use the T-DMB standard. All trials will take place in Paris.

The first trial, led by TDF, will use half of the capacity available in Channel 37 for DVB-H testing. The trial will begin as of 15 September and last for a period of nine months. The other half of Channel 37 will be used for a second DVB-H trial led by TPS.

Canal+ will lead a third DVB-H trial on Channel 29 for a period of nine months. The trial will have the same amount of spectrum capacity as available for the other two DVB-H trials.

TF1 and VDL will lead a T-DMB trial for a six month period beginning on 15 October.

Source: CSA Website

Spain - DTT licencing issues in Madrid

A local television broadcaster, Localia, has challenged the recent DTT licensing process in Madrid.

A subsidiary of Spanish Canal+ owner Sogecable, Localia operates local television broadcasting throughout Spain. However, it failed to receive a DTT licence to broadcast on the local DTT platform in Madrid.

In its petition, it is asking the Court to suspend the 30 local DTT licences awarded by the government in Madrid. It claims that the process has lacked transparency.

Source: advanced-television.com

United Kingdom - BBC/ITV Freesat confirmed

The BBC and ITV have confirmed the launch of a free-to-view satellite service. It is likely to be launched in early 2006.

Freesat will carry the television programme services of the BBC and ITV including radio and interactive services. Other services on the Freeview platform may also be included.

The satellite service will complement Freeview's coverage. According to BBC director general Mark Thompson, this announcement "paves the way" for nationwide free digital television.