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OfCom inviting application for fifth HD stream on mux B
The broadcasters of channels 3, 4 5, or the welsh authority, or teletext(!!!) can apply.
Technically a launch is judged possible by the end of Q1 2012.
http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/technology/fifth-dtt-hd-channel-to-launch-early-2012/5031537.article
Technically a launch is judged possible by the end of Q1 2012.
http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/technology/fifth-dtt-hd-channel-to-launch-early-2012/5031537.article
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Ofcom has today invited applications from broadcasters for a fifth HD channel on Digital Terrestrial TV. This decision will mean that a new HD channel could join the existing four HD channels broadcast on multiplex B: BBC HD, BBC One HD, ITV1 HD and 4HD.
Applications are open to commercial Public Sector Broadcasters, which includes the Channel 3 licences, Channel 5, Channel 4, and the Welsh Authority. The closing date for applications is 17 October 2011.
The invitation to apply is available here:
http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/spectrum/project-pages/digital-television/hd_on_dtt/ita/third-invitation/
(first PDF)
Ofcom’s assessment of the timings associated with launching a fifth HD service on Multiplex B is available here:
http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/spectrum/project-pages/digital-television/hd_on_dtt/ita/third-invitation/
(second PDF)
Cheers,
David.
This adds weight to that:
https://mobile.twitter.com/film4/status/110754558401200128
This will tell you:
http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/tv-broadcast-licences/current-licensees/channel-5/
But broadly it is a commitment to a certain amount of news and childrens' programming. There will be quotas for drama, UK productions, subtitling and signing etc as well.
They have "lighter" PSB requirements than the others, but then they were shoe-horned in on analogue (so had naff coverage) and have been shafted somewhat on DTT too, indirectly due to the collapse of ITV Digital.
Channel 5 HD ( many advert backed by sky )
Film 4 HD ( May be out of contact with virgin by june 2012 ?
UKTV may give a HD channel like Dave HD or Yesterday HD as it's part owned by the BBC with virgin. and as plans are there for most there channels going HD soon after virgin sells there half....
Film 4 would be great or E4.
It can't be done as the commercial HD channels (and BBC1 which competes) need to be the same as the SD ones so that the audience figures can be added!