[a516]

Time for a thread on the Manchester Local Freeview multiplex - not just for Channel M....

Ofcom have updated their DTT licensees page (http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/tvlicensing/dtt/main.htm) and have added:

Channel M
Manchester Teleshopping 1
Manchester Teleshopping 2
Manchester Teleshopping 3

4 channels in all, can we assume use of 16 QAM when multiplex is up and running?

(When it will be up and running is still unknown)

[Paul Evans]

True. Trying to find solid information on Channel M's Freeview launch seems to be harder than finding those Iraqi WMDs.

It's disappointing that there'll be three additional teleshopping channels, but then in the current climate, what can GMG actually do?

EDIT: I thought Channel M was going to be using QPSK?

[a516]

They had two options QPSK or 16 QAM - a map in a Ofcom document showed the coverage using the two different modes. Using 16 QAM means the signal won't be available to viewers in the south of the potential coverage area - but they would be way out of Manchester.

I would have thought GMG might have considered Real Radio or another of their radio stations to be put on the local multiplex - they wouldn't have to pay themselves carriage fees, so the additonal cost wouldn't be that great...

[derk weasel]

does anybody have a picture of the 2 coverage areas?

[marria01]

Originally Posted by a516

I would have thought GMG might have considered Real Radio or another of their radio stations to be put on the local multiplex - they wouldn't have to pay themselves carriage fees, so the additonal cost wouldn't be that great...

Who listens to the radio on their TV's? The cost of the DTPS licence, LCN allocation, encoding hardware and connectivity probably outweigh the value of having them on.

[marria01]

Originally Posted by derk weasel

does anybody have a picture of the 2 coverage areas?

It's in the information memorandum on the ofcom site.

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/notice524/im/

Although the areas shown on the map are actually QPSK vs 64QAM not 16QAM.

[a516]

Originally Posted by marria01

Who listens to the radio on their TV's? The cost of the DTPS licence, LCN allocation, encoding hardware and connectivity probably outweigh the value of having them on.

Tell that to all the broadcasters transmitting radio stations on the various digital TV platforms.


Shame about all of the proposed teleshopping, but if it gives the finances to allow Channel M to re-instate terrestrial broadcasts then I suppose it is a neccessary evil.

[marria01]

Originally Posted by a516

Tell that to all the broadcasters transmitting radio stations on the various digital TV platforms.

Well GMG Radio obviously isn't interested in joining them.

Originally Posted by a516

Shame about all of the proposed teleshopping, but if it gives the finances to allow Channel M to re-instate terrestrial broadcasts then I suppose it is a neccessary evil.

To be honest, I'd struggle to figure out what else they could possibly put on.

[OnMacca]

Originally Posted by marria01

To be honest, I'd struggle to figure out what else they could possibly put on.

A +1 channel? Just in case you missed Euronews or teleshopping on the main channel. Hell, they could do a Living and have a +2.

Seriously, they do have the option now to expand in the future, if they ever return to their former glory. Personally, I hope they put Channel M on LCN8, its such an odd gap for non scottish/welsh viewers!

[Jacquicrossland]

I'd like to see the Manchester Evening News doing a Text service as they are part of GMG and it won't take up that much space.

[marria01]

Originally Posted by Jacquicrossland

I'd like to see the Manchester Evening News doing a Text service as they are part of GMG and it won't take up that much space.

That would be nice, but knowing them they'd need to know they could make money out of it before they did it.

[a516]

Although I think channel 8 would be a good slot (although anyone with cross-reception from Wales might have Channel 4 on 8!), I'm wondering if 89 has got anything to do with keeping a number vacant for Channel M, which was just dumped on MuxD as a placeholder for some obscure LCN allocation rule. I know there's now talk about a TV News showbiz show type thing on 89 (see the channel 89 thread), but I can't help thinking:
89: Channel M
90 - 92: Teleshopping1,2,3
and then 93+ adult services.

It sort of explains why a gap was left. (Sorry just lapsed into fantasy EPG mode...)

But that's pure speculation and I'm sure we will soon know for certain.

[chrisy]

Originally Posted by a516

Although I think channel 8 would be a good slot (although anyone with cross-reception from Wales might have Channel 4 on 8!), I'm wondering if 89 has got anything to do with keeping a number vacant for Channel M, which was just dumped on MuxD as a placeholder for some obscure LCN allocation rule. I know there's now talk about a TV News showbiz show type thing on 89 (see the channel 89 thread), but I can't help thinking:
89: Channel M
90 - 92: Teleshopping1,2,3
and then 93+ adult services.

It sort of explains why a gap was left. (Sorry just lapsed into fantasy EPG mode...)

But that's pure speculation and I'm sure we will soon know for certain.

There's no reason for Channel M or Teleshopping to be lumped in with News. There's a more conveniently-placed gap left between 41-44 which could be used.

However Ch 8 is the sensible place for local services where it isn't already in use. A few extra locally-reuseable LCNs will also be needed (Ch 86 can be one outside Wales for pure news channels)

It's probably too sensible and will end up on 201 or something.

[chrisy]

Channel M looks to be in a bit of trouble.

Originally Posted by pressgazette

A spokesman for GMG told Press Gazette the company would now talk to staff at Channel M about a "range of options" for its future.

http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/story....code=45014&c=1

[Ray Cathode]

Originally Posted by chrisy

Channel M looks to be in a bit of trouble.

http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/story....code=45014&c=1

And I was thinking that the £7 million cash would get Channel M launched on Freeview at last.

If Channel M can't survive, there is no hope for local TV in the UK.

[Heinz]

The country is in hock up to its neck. Local TV being unaffordable is no real surprise.

[ironeagleuk]

Originally Posted by Heinz

The country is in hock up to its neck. Local TV being unaffordable is no real surprise.

The Bob Geldoff backed internet Kent TV stops next month

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/8506939.stm

[mad_dude]

What is QPSK and how much data can it transmit?

[sugapunk]

Originally Posted by chrisy

Channel M looks to be in a bit of trouble.



http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/story....code=45014&c=1

This is a real shame. I think being on Freeview could really propell the channel in terms of target reach.

[iangrad]

GMG Guardian media group just been sold to Trinity mirror group . Quite what this will do to Ch M is anyone's guess . But if cut backs are on the way I would have thought it would be among the first to get the chop .
Ian

[Dear Viewer]

Originally Posted by ironeagleuk

The Bob Geldoff backed internet Kent TV stops next month

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/8506939.stm

No-one was giving it F****ng money!!!

[omnidirectional]

Originally Posted by iangrad

GMG Guardian media group just been sold to Trinity mirror group .
Ian

Just to avoid misunderstanding, GMG have only sold their regional media business (Manchester Evening News and some other local papers) to Trinity Mirror, who chose not to buy Channel M.

[speculator]

A bonus channel for viewers in this mux reception area.

Canis will shortly be able to announce that a high profile Sky channel has struck a deal with Guardian Media Group to launch a "channel” on regional digital terrestrial in the Greater Manchester area. Canis has been acting on behalf of GMG in recent months to market this exciting opportunity to test Freeview distribution on a regional scale without the cost of national multiplex coverage. The launch date is scheduled for the 1st May, so we can update you further then.

[a516]

Just to give the above a link: http://www.canismedia.co.uk/canis/

It's probably good to test the water like this, but I don't think many can still receive the Manchester local multiplex...

[a516]

Actually, I am surprised that the forum hasn't gone mad with speculations as to which "high profile" Sky channel is coming to Freeview Manchester from May....