Freeview Confirmed For 2009 In Australia

[vlad]

The ABC, SBS, the Seven Network, the Nine Network, Network TEN, Prime, WIN and Southern Cross have joined forces to deliver the free-to-air digital television platform. The media companies will comprise a new not-for-profit organisation, chaired by the ABC's Kim Dalton. Freeview will offer 15 television channels from free-to-air broadcasters on digital platforms, including new channels from the big three commercial networks. It will not include subscription TV. Freeview operates in the UK with an EPG at no cost to viewers, with no satellite dish, no subscription, no ties, no contracts, and no installation costs.

The consortium has been formed to help drive take-up of the free-to-air digital television platform in Australia. Freeview shareholders include the ABC, SBS, the Seven Network, the Nine Network, Network Ten, Prime, WIN and Southern Cross. The ABC’s Director of Television, Kim Dalton, will Chair the not-for-profit organisation.

Mr Kim Dalton says Freeview will work to ensure all Australians continue to enjoy the great range of programming offered by free-to-air broadcasters as the nation transitions from the analogue to the digital platform. “This is an extraordinary step forward for the free-to-air broadcasters. Together we have pioneered digital television in Australia, investing millions in infrastructure and converting our equipment and studios accordingly. Now it’s time for Australians to reap the rewards; Freeview will offer viewers more channels, great content and the very best quality picture and sound,” Mr Dalton said.

From next year, Government legislation will allow the commercial free-to-air networks to broadcast an additional standard definition (SD) channel each, in addition to their primary SD channels, and their recently added high definition (HD) channels. The three new channels, together with the two ABC and two SBS channels and their respective HD channels, will bring to 15 the suite of channels to be marketed under the Freeview umbrella.

To receive all the Freeview channels, consumers will need an HD digital-set-top box, digital video recorder or an integrated digital television. Freeview will be launching an awareness campaign in the coming months to ensure consumers are ready for when the full suite of 15 Freeview channels are available next year. Ahead of the launch, Freeview is working with manufacturers to ensure appropriate technical standards are met on all television or digital set-top-box equipment that will carry the Freeview badge. Freeview will work closely with all relevant areas of Government to ensure consistent messaging.

http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2008/07/...-for-2009.html

[logifuse]

Sounds like this is how they're going to restrict the guide data to compliant devices.

Also, where are they getting the bandwidth for 4(?) more SD channels before the analogue switch off? I hope they use a shared MUX on a UHF channel & don't try to sqeeze them in to the existing channels - serious quality problems ahead if they do squeeze them in.

Justin

[vlad]

Sounds like this is how they're going to restrict the guide data to compliant devices.

I am afraid that all this fuss is just about it - they are getting together to restrict something, and to announce that Free TV is free

[simbot82]

hmmm the plot thickens

[Nomad]

Ahead of the launch, Freeview is working with manufacturers to ensure appropriate technical standards are met on all television or digital set-top-box equipment

What a joke statement CH 9 (WIN) in Perth can't even get its own technical standards to work with existing STB's/TV's. For the last two weeks sound sync 250ms out on the HD channel and in Mono since they downgraded from "Full HD" 1920x1080i to 1440x1080i.

And when you complain they do nothing.

rgds Damon

[mcopas]

Damn. Sounds like ABC3 has been cancelled.

As a parent to young children, I was really looking forward to it.

[jamesn93]

CH 9 (WIN) in Perth downgraded from "Full HD" 1920x1080i to 1440x1080i.

what???
I just bought a full hd (1080) monitor on friday

EDIT: woops this thread is quite old... sorry

[Michael]

I've been seeing ads for this for the past week.

My understanding is that it will only be available on FreeView licensed Set Top Boxes , DVRs and TV's with the stations charging the manufactures a small licensing fee (hardly free then).
I think it will add about $10 to the cost of the device for the lifetime use of FreeView with that device.

I wonder how this will apply to HTPCs?

I would be happy to pay a small licencing fee to get it for lifetime use.

Michael

[arkay]

I wonder how this will apply to HTPCs?[/FONT]

Doesn't effect channel #bt at all as I understand it

Cheers,

Arkay

[logifuse]

I've been seeing ads for this for the past week.

My understanding is that it will only be available on FreeView licensed Set Top Boxes , DVRs and TV's with the stations charging the manufactures a small licensing fee (hardly free then).
I think it will add about $10 to the cost of the device for the lifetime use of FreeView with that device.

I wonder how this will apply to HTPCs?

I would be happy to pay a small licencing fee to get it for lifetime use.

Michael

Any HD STB or PVR with EIT EPG capability is all you need.

There will be Freeview certified products around next year, but the only difference is that they're guaranteed to work, while non-certified products will work, but they're just not guaranteed. Most existing products on the market will work fully with Freeview.

Justin

[dgaust]

Its just a branding excercise... and a way to drive digital TV sales before the analogue shut-off.

I reckon it makes it confusing for all those non-techy people who already have digital TV. My wife asked me the other day if we would need new stuff to get Freeview. My answer was no, but would it matter if we did, we never watch TV anyway

[Innie808]

So, My understanding is that there will finally be an accurate EPG for ALL stations?
This EPG will be accessable over the airwaves as EIT?
Therefore this EIT data should be able to co-exist within Vista's MC Guide?