HDTV through an aerial - not happening

[Lyris]

While they're not enforcing the complaints of people who hear dirty words on TV before 9pm, OFCOM are making decisions like this, which are sure to please everybody!

In a move which will shock some and surprise many, broadcast regulator Ofcom has rejected pleas to free up additional spectrum space for free-to-air high definition broadcasts when the analogue TV system is switched off in 2012.
Both UK broadcasters and the electronics industry had petitioned for two more multiplexes to be made available, for either HD or a mix of HD and SD channels. However, Ofcom has confirmed that all of the available frequencies will be auctioned off to the highest bidders, in all likelihood telecoms operators.
The regulator insists that the ‘free market’ be allowed to decide what happens to the spectrum space.
The announcement could effectively close the door on free to air HDTV service in the UK, leaving high definition the exclusive preserve of the pay-TV satellite and cable service providers. It could also condemn Freeview to be an increasingly ’second-best’ platform as the TV market evolves in the future. The regulator will invite consultation on its plans being finalizing them in the Summer of 2007. Ironically, the news comes as the BBC declares the first phase of it DVB-T HD technical trial a success.

Unsurprising but pathetic nonetheless. From what I remember, a lot of Brits used to take pride in their PAL TV system and how they effectively had one-up on America being saddled with NTSC. My, how the tables have turned.

This comes at the same time as BBC announce new HDTV programming for 2007 [ http://www.homecinemachoice.com/cgi-...ws.php?id=8983 ] - available exclusively on SKY, of course!

[sj33]

As depressing as it is in ways, it would have been all the more depressing if most peoples first experience of HD would have been some low-bitrate mess.

[dvdmike]

The freeview trails had better reported quality than sky HD

[charlesr]

My parents' freeview looks loads better than my sky digital on most channels. Is that normal? Or have I got a cack sky box? I've got the thomson one like this. Is it cack? Or is it just how sky compresses the signal? I need to check out someone elses sky quality I think.

Rubbish news about freeview and no HD.... Now we will HAVE to have a separate box from the TV clogging up an imput unless sky comes up with a deal with TV manufacturers.

[djjimbob]

HD - biggest fookin con ever shocker!

I'm still signed up though. Just got my Sky HD box the other day. BBC HD looks ace. Watched Pirates of the Carribean 1 last night and it was stunning!

HD - buy yourself expensive TV - ?1500
Sky - only way to get good HD - ?50 per month
TV license - a joke by now - ?12 per month

Now all your existing DVDs look **** compared to HD stuff!

[Angry the Clown]

There’s always the Freesat route which has been discussed. Though not everyone can have, or even wants, a bloody dish bolted on to the front of their home.

[Baseley09]

My parents' freeview looks loads better than my sky digital on most channels. Is that normal? Or have I got a cack sky box? I've got the thomson one like this. Is it cack? Or is it just how sky compresses the signal? I need to check out someone elses sky quality I think.

One of my friends has SKY running through an SD tv and its not cool, some channels are fine but most importantly sky sports is a pixelated shod.

[Dirty Sanchez]

Sky will be offering HD via Broadband in the future, as will BT, so not all is lost for those who want a dish free home.

[Paradigm]

Everyone knows Ofcom are idiots, look how long it took them to allow iTrips.

[importaku]

Now heres the interesting thing.

Whats going to happen with the tv license, when they shut off the signal my tv is an old sd one which means it wont be able to pick up any tv signals.

Now this isnt a problem for me as my tv has never had any programs as its a gaming only tv & has no arial going into it. So how are the bbc going to get round enforcing that POS license this time.

Bet you the make it illegal to own a sd tv unless it has a digital box or some **** like that.

[Lyris]

Now THAT is an interesting point, no doubt of course it will go in their favour...