Digital Broadcasters Allowed To Build Proprietary TV Sets

Digital operators and broadcasters will be permitted to build TV sets that have the software needed to receive their services embedded into the set. This will allow broadcasters to market and sell hardware which is specifically designed to receive their digital services.

This ruling is announced by the Independent Television Commission (ITC) this morning and follows a period of consultation on interoperability and open access (see ITC Consults On Digital TV Access).

The watchdog says that whilst cable and satellite operators will not be obliged to support plug-in versions of their proprietary technology, any TV sets with this technology embedded will have to be designed to accept plug-ins for a competitor’s system. The ITC is working jointly with OFTEL to enforce this position.

Whilst in theory this means that customers can swap between the different platforms (terrestrial, satellite and cable) at any time, companies will promote their own services more attractively and more extensively.

ITC chairman, Sir Robin Biggam, says: “Interoperability and open access are now firmly on the digital agenda following this consultation. The standards we have set are achievable and in viewers’ interests. They will encourage take-up of these new services.”

The news is likely to be welcomed by BSkyB, as it means the satellite broadcaster will no longer be required to provide its technology on open-access. No one at Sky was available to comment this morning.

Independent Television Commission: 0171 255 3000