NTL Defends New DTT Network Plans
NTL, named as preferred transmission supplier for three of the four bidders for the digital terrestrial TV licences (see Four Bidders Emerge For Digital Terrestrial Licences), has defended its proposal for installing multiplexing technology, even if it means a delay for viewers.
The broadcast division of NTL has been criticised by the BBC in broadcast trade press, as its plans to install new technology would mean an initial service covering around 50% of existing DTT viewers “in a matter of months”, with an 80-site network eventually covering up to 83% of the UK population. The BBC proposes restoring services more quickly by using the existing network, which, when ITV Digital shut down, covered 68% of the population.
Steve Holebrook, business director at NTL Broadcast, said: “We are intending to install the latest equipment to improve picture quality, channel capacity and reception. It would appear that the BBC feels it is more important to re-establish a service quickly than to spend the money necessary to improve the picture quality and offer a wider channel choice.”
He continued: “We acknowledge that our network will take a little longer to roll out but we believe it is important at this time to improve the quality, coverage and capacity of the DTT service.”
NTL maintains that the installation of a new DTT network would deliver “a stronger technical solution and a better viewing experience.” It is planning to use new generation high-performance digital compression technology, with statistical multiplexing which could deliver up to six digital TV services per multiplex, compared to the four the BBC says it could offer.
One of the many problems which plagued ITV Digital was that of churn, and one factor attributed to the loss of customers was reception problems, which could result in poor picture quality or transmissions freezing up.
NTL: 01252 402 000 www.ntl.co.uk
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