[CMA TV] Ofcom: Olympics could delay London switch-off

[Michelle McGuire]

Ofcom: Olympics could delay London switch-off
David Rose
13 December 2005 14:33

Plans to switch off analogue TV in and around London in 2012 will be  
delayed if snags prevent people enjoying the Olympics.
Switchover is due in the London region in April 2012 just before the  
Olympics are staged but Ofcom has now suggested the capital could  
switch off after they had taken place to allow the analogue signal to  
stay for the duration of the games.

Ofcom chief executive Stephen Carter told MPs today that a delay  
because of "significant issues" affecting coverage would be  
"manageable". He added Ofcom would review the timetable two years  
before the Olympics in 2010.

However, Digital UK - the body charged with overseeing the analogue  
switch-off - assured MPs that the government, the transmission  
companies and the broadcasters had developed a timetable "to ensure  
that it is robust and achievable".

Digital UK chief executive Ford Ennals said 40 million TV sets  
remained to be converted, which was achievable. "Over the life of the  
seven year programme it is possible to convert 40 million TV sets  
still focused on analogue."

To help people Digital UK is developing an on-line signal, to inform  
people in advance of switchover whether their aerials will need to be  
replaced.

If people can see the signal they will not need new aerials. If they  
can't they will know to seek advice. Ennals said the average cost of  
replacing the aerial will be between £95 and £100.

Carter also admitted that a few thousand people would find themselves  
without a TV picture after switchover. The plan is to ensure that  
98.5 per cent of people can receive digital television.

"On the basis of the model at the moment a small percentage of the  
population will not be able to get digital TV. I expect it will end  
up with a few thousand households," Carter said.

Digital switchover will start in the Border region in 2008 with a  
roll out across the country until the final analogue signal is  
switched off in 2012.

Source:broadcastnow.co.uk


-- 
Michelle McGuire
Editor, Airflash Magazine
Development Officer

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