Members Of Digital Video Broadcasting Agree Set-Top Standard

Following a meeting of the various members of the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) trade consortium, which includes BSkyB, there has been an agreement on the standardisation of the set-boxes which will be required to receive digital television. This agreement by the consortium, including France’s Canal Plus and Kirch of Germany, will mean that the companies do not have to compete against one another with different set-top technologies and designs.

It is not clear exactly what the design of the set-top box will be or who will manufacture it as no actual deal has been made. However, standardisation has been agreed upon and according to the Geneva meeting the equipment will allow access to the Internet and provide interactive services such as shopping and banking as well as multiple channel digital television.

The use of standard equipment should ease the introduction of digital television and allow consumers to choose services on the basis of programming content rather than access and price of reception equipment.

BSkyB c/o Lobel Financial: 0171 353 9203