Digital Dividend Review

Some interesting presentations were made at an eWestminster forum today with relation to the digital switchover and the resulting so-called "digital dividend review" in the UK. Broadcasters such as the BBC and ITV made it clear that they fear for the future development of HDTV if some of the DDR spectrum is not handed over for this purpose. Arqiva, which was meant to give an idiot's guide to spectrum as the first presentation, instead used it as an opportunity to lambast Ofcom once again over its unyielding stance on the whole DDR process. Mobile operators were conspicuous by their absence on the various panels, which I thought was strange given that they have been lobbying hard for mobile TV spectrum - indeed I think DVB-H was mentioned about once all day. The focus really was on broadcast and HD, while PMSE was presented as an industry that could be destroyed if it is not assured of spectrum after switchover.

One consultant noted that kit you can buy now that says it is "HD-ready" actually supports MPEG2, not MPEG4, which is what "true" HDTV would be based on. The BBC spokesman noted that you'd have to look for the "HDTV" symbol rather than "HD ready". Apparently there would be some sort of common interface that would enable an MPEG4 module to be added, but still, it's worth knowing as a consumer...!

Fears were raised that if digital terrestrial TV does not have sufficient HD services freely available to current Freeview users, then we could see the emergence of another "digital divide" - ie HD vs SD. One panellist said this could eventually seem like the difference between VHS and DVD quality now...

The plan to hold an auction was also much discussed and disputed, as were the ideas of technology neutrality and market-led approaches. Basically, Ofcom will upset someone whichever way it goes. The regulator is sticking to its guns and remains adamant that its approach is the best one available in view of its requirement to try to ensure the best use of the spectrum in the interests of UK consumers.