Digital Receivers Are On Their Way

In the face of industry doubt over achieving the planned digital terrestrial TV (DTT) launch next spring, both BSkyB and BDB have announced developments in the manufacture of their receiver equipment.

BSkyB has sealed a deal with the Franco-Italian electronics company SGS-Thomson which will see the latter produce silicon chips for use in the receiving digital set-top boxes (STB). The STBs will then be made for BSkyB by four manufacturers and will all feature the SGS-Thomson chip. Pace Micro Technology, Amstrad, Panasonic and Grundig are all scheduled to have the boxes ready for sale in time for next spring.

To coincide with BSkyB’s deal, British Digital Broadcasting has invited STB manufacturers to tender for initial orders for its receiver. BDB has generated the specifications of the STB in co-operation with BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Teletext and S4C, which together form the Digital Multiplex Group (DMUX). The receiver will provide at least 30 channels.

BDB’s receiver differs in specification from the BSkyB’s. However, the European trade consortium Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) agreed a standard in September (subscribers see Members Of Digital Video Broadcasting Agree Set-Top Standard) that means the two should be compatible with a low-cost (£50) adaption.

BSkyB hopes to launch its digital service next spring. BDB is aiming have its service up and running by the third quarter of next year.

BSkyB Press Office: 0171 705 3905 British Digital Broadcasting: 0171 663 6372