British TV & Radio News Archives 2010

British TV & Radio News 2010

January 2010

ITV transformation begins 07-01-10

New ITV chairman Archie Norman has said that the commercial broadcaster must be "a very different business in three years' time", it has emerged.
In a leaked email sent out to ITV staff, Norman said that he will launch a strategy review this month to "define the journey ahead".
The former Asda chief executive praised ITV's strong closing period in 2009, but warned that 2010 will be "another difficult year", reports The Guardian.
Even before his reign as Michael Grade's successor officially began on Monday, Norman had already conducted discussions with senior executives and programme makers about their plans going forward.

In his first message to employees, Norman said that ITV will be rejuvenated to "not just survive but prosper in the new media world".
He told staff that they are "now embarking on a programme to accelerate the transformation of ITV", which will build on its strong brand and content to become "once again a growth business".
Norman expressed pride in the massive popularity of the The X Factor, along with critical acclaim for sitcom Benidorm and drama series Collision.
However, he stressed that radical change is essential for the broadcaster as it struggles to deal with a sluggish advertising market and new challenges in the digital world.
"We know that ITV cannot remain as it is. 'No change' is not an option. We need to be a very different business in three years' time," he said. "We need to continue to improve our content while living within our means on costs."
Meanwhile, GMTV bosses are reportedly expecting cutbacks in the show's presentation team as part of efforts to slash costs by 20% following ITV's full takeover of the breakfast broadcaster in November last year.

Sky confirms compatibility with first '3D Ready' TVs 07-01-10

Sky has confirmed that its forthcoming Sky 3D TV service, which is to launch later this year, will be compatible with '3D Ready TVs' being launched in the UK and Ireland during 2010.
According to a statement from Sky, LG, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony will all announce an intention to introduce '3D Ready' TVs this year, and Sky's 3D service will be compatible with all of their respective 3D TV products.
Sky+HD customers can use their existing set top box to receive 3D TV as long as they upgrade their TV set.
Brian Lenz, Sky's Director of Product Design & TV Product Development, said: "Our HD customers already have a 3D capable set-top box, so if they are interested in experiencing TV in a third dimension, the good news is that they'll have a range of 3D Ready TVs to choose from.

This is a great example of Sky and TV manufacturers taking the initiative to ensure there is no confusion over formats.
By working together with set manufacturers, we want to provide a hassle free way for consumers to enjoy 3D TV."
Stephen Gater, Head of Marketing Home Entertainment, LG Electronics UK, adds: "No one can escape the buzz and excitement around 3D. We're witnessing the start of dramatic change in how we view TV—the dawn of a new dimension. This year will see LG's first 3D Ready TVs hit the market—and through Sky's clear commitment to 3D broadcasting, 3D in the home is set to become a reality. Here at LG we're really looking forward to being a key player in driving the evolution of this technology and giving families a more dramatic, immersive home entertainment experience."

Satellite dishes going unused in more than half a million homes 07-01-10

New research claims that 600,000 homes in the UK have access to satellite dishes which they are not currently using.
The research was comissioned by Harvard International which says satellite refuseniks 'can join the new generation of satellite TV simply by connnecting a Freesat+ box to their existing, yet unused satellite TV dish'.
Harvard International distributes Goodmans and Grundig products both of which have just seen the addition of Freesat+ PVRs to their receiver range.
John Edwards, Harvard International’s Director of Communications said, “We really want to help digitally dormant homes to get connected to the best TV experience possible.
“It’s particularly simple for homes to enable Freesat or Freesat+ if they already have a satellite TV dish connected to their home. Grundig and Goodmans Freesat and Freesat+ set top boxes are available from high street and online retailers including Argos, Comet, Costco, Hughes TV, John Lewis, Maplin, Play.com and Tesco from as little as £48.97.
“Just connecting one to an existing satellite TV dish will undoubtedly turn any digitally dormant household into digital devotees.”

Freetsat BBC iPlayer beta goes public 12-01-10

Freesat has announced that the beta of BBC iPlayer has now been expanded to all set top boxes manufactured by Humax.
Slightly behind its initial launch schedule, a code (5438) for the trial has been released to anyone with Humax Freesat HD or Freesat+ HD receivers.
To participate in the trial, users will need to hook up their boxes to an internet connection of a minimum speed of 1Mbps and then input the code on the BBC Red Button page.
Freesat managing director Emma Scott said that initial feedback from the closed iPlayer beta run before Christmas has been "really positive".

"For many, it was the first time they had accessed BBC iPlayer on the television, and there were high levels of satisfaction with the service itself, as well how easy it was to set up and operate," she said.
"I'm really pleased that we can now expand the number of Freesat viewers who can now access BBC iPlayer."
Scott also discussed the forthcoming launch of ITV Player on Freesat, which is part of an ongoing strategy to build the platform's on-demand offering.
"With ITV Player also due to launch on Freesat in the first half of this year, we will be the only TV platform to offer catch-up services from both major broadcasters on a subscription free basis and without the need to buy new equipment," she said.
"The ability to access on-demand is increasingly important to viewers, and Freesat’s exclusive ability to offer this to TV viewers without a subscription demonstrates our strategy of innovation and long term growth for the platform."

Channel Islands switchover date announced 12-01-10

The Channel Islands will switch to digital television on 17 November 2010, according to Digital UK. On this date the four current analogue TV channels will be switched off permanently, allowing 50,000 households served by the Fremont Point transmitter group to receive around 15 Freeview digital channels for the first time, according to the switchover body.
Bill Taylor, Digital UK's South West Regional Manager, said: "Today's announcement paves the way for the biggest change in broadcasting in the Channel Islands since the introduction of colour.
"We are preparing for the end of the analogue TV era and the dawn of a fully digital age, in which everyone can enjoy extra choice and easier recording. Digital UK and the Switchover Help Scheme will ensure that people know about this important change and that advice and practical support is available for those who need it."

BBC Trust to review iPlayer 15-01-10

The BBC Trust has launched a public consultation on the iPlayer and other BBC on-demand offerings as part of its 24 month performance review.
The review will assess the four BBC on-demand offerings approved by the Trust in 2007. These are: 7 day TV catch-up over the internet via BBC iPlayer, 7 day TV catch-up over cable (currently iPlayer on Virgin), "Watch Live" TV on the internet and Podcasts.

The Trust is also assessing particular aspects of TV catch up including the ability to pre-book or "bookmark" programmes (which is not yet available), series stack and the parental controls.
The Trust said they are not considering any changes to the on-demand offerings as part of this review and that it is an assessment of their performance to date.
The BBC Trust Broadband Syndication Policy Review will be undertaken separately. The consultation will close on 12 March 2010.

Court tells Sky to reduce ITV stake 21-01-10

A court of appeal has ruled that Sky must reduce its 17.9% stake in ITV, with the satellite firm now expected to finally accept the decision.
At a hearing today, three judges - Lord Justice Lloyd, Lord Justice Rix and Mr Justice McKay - threw out Sky's latest appeal against a Competition Commission ruling that its stake must be reduced to 7.5%.
"Sky's appeal on competition issues is dismissed, so the direction that it must reduce its shareholding to less than 7.5% will stand," they said.
The judges also moved to deny Sky permission to escalate its appeal to the Supreme Court as a further measure.
Last October, Sky launched a fresh appeal against the CC ruling about its 2006 purchase of 696 million shares in ITV for £940m to become the broadcaster's largest shareholder.

At the time, there were suggestions that the purchase was a blocking move to prevent ITV joining up with Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group, containing cable operator NTL, now Virgin Media.
In 2007, the then ITV executive chairman Michael Grade expressed concern that Sky's stake in the broadcaster was not in the interests of ITV's shareholders.
The Competition Commission subsequently ruled in 2008 that Sky's holding must be reduced to 7.5%, but the firm immediately lodged an appeal against the decision to the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT).
In response, Sky has consistently argued that the commission's consultation on the case made "mistakes at key steps leading to the divestment decision", but those suggestions have now been dismissed.
Sky now has a 28-day period in which to appeal directly to the Supreme Court. However, the firm now seems resigned to the decision and has reportedly held talks with interested parties about a sale.
Five-owner RTL, Italy's Mediaset and private equity group Blackstone could all be potential suitors for the stake, but Sky may be forced to take a significant loss on its investment.

Government considers new EPG for digital radio 21-01-10

The government is currently reviewing options for launching an integrated programming guide for digital radio sets to make it easier to access FM services, it has emerged.
Under the plans, the BBC and commercial stations would collaborate with manufacturers such as Roberts and Sony to create the function, which would be similar to electronic programming guides on digital TV platforms.
The guide would enable listeners to browse and access stations by name regardless of whether they are on FM or digital, reports The Daily Telegraph.
Currently, digital audio broadcasting (DAB) radios require users to physically toggle between digital and analogue spectrums via a button, but an integrated guide would fuse both station types together in a single list. In-car radios could also be built with the guide in future.

The proposal is being spearheaded by Digital Radio UK chief executive Ford Ennals, who is also overseeing preparations for Britain's switch to digital radio. Ennals recently submitted evidence on the guide to the House of Lords Select Committee as part of a consultation on the government's digital economy bill.
Published in November last year, the bill stipulated that the UK's digital radio switchover could start as early as 2015. However, the FM band would not cease to operate but instead be used for local and community stations.
Sion Simon, junior creative minister, publicly supported the launch of an integrated radio guide during a debate held last week at the House of Commons.
"The current generation of DAB sets has tended to make that move [to a new platform] a rather sharp distinction, which has led to the fear that FM will end up being a second-class ghetto tier," he said.
"To avoid that, we are committed to ensuring the implementation of a combined station guide, which is similar to an electronic programme guide, that will allow listeners to access all stations by name, irrespective of the platform."
Roberts Radio chief executive Leslie Burrage added: "The joined-up message is exactly what the industry requires, benefiting listeners, broadcasters and manufacturers alike: common sense prevails."
The digital economy bill is expected to move into the House Of Commons by the end of next month. However, the switchover process would not commence until digital accounts for 50% of all listening and the DAB platform reaches 90% of the population. Digital presently holds just 21.1% of listening, most of which is on DAB.
Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael recently warned the government that local stations are being increasingly marginalised in negotiations over the digital radio switchover.

CNBC Free-To-Air at 28° East 21-01-10

CNBC today confirmed that its signal is now available free-to-air for direct-to-home satellite users in the UK, increasing the channel’s distribution to more than 11 million UK households.
“Our decision to become a free-to-air channel in the UK is part of our strategy to aggressively grow our distribution across EMEA in 2010. Businesses receiving the channel and re-distributing it to multiple users are still required to have a viewing licence from CNBC.”
The channel could now join the Freesat platform, though this is pure speculation at present, for now Freesat users will have to add the channel maually. CNBC can be found on 11.261 horizontal.
Satellite viewers using other free-to-air receivers can also now view CNBC without having to point a dish at the Astra group of satellites positioned at 19.2° east, where the channels is already free-to-air.

Digital radio switch off not before 2020? 27-01-10

The digital radio switchover may not reach completion until 2020, despite strong sales of digital audio broadcasting (DAB) sets, Digital Radio UK's Ford Ennals has said.
During December, around half a million DAB sets were snapped up by consumers, bringing the total number to 10.5 million in the UK.
However, Ennals, who is leading the body responsible for preparing the UK for the radio switchover, claimed that the transition to digital could be "six to ten years away" from completion.
Currently heading through parliament, the government's digital economy bill has set the target date of 2015 for the switchover to begin, but that would only come into force should digital account for 50% of radio listening by 2013.

It presently stands at just 21.1%. "The earliest possible date that there might be switchover would be six years from here, six to ten years away, I believe," Ennals told The Guardian.
"We want to be responsible and transparent with consumers."
Ennals said that expansion of the DAB platform, which currently lags behind the more dominant FM analogue network, is "absolutely fundamental" to further growth of digital radio.
While giving evidence last week to the House of Lords communications committee on the future of radio services, Ennals pointed to Ofcom research as indicating that there are 100m sets in the UK, but only half are being used.
Ennals expressed his hope that "low cost converters" could be produced to enable the transition of existing analogue sets to digital. He further backed a proposal for launching an integrated programming guide for digital sets to make it easier to access both FM and digital stations.
However, Digital Radio Working Group chairman Barry Cox told the committee the "likelihood was that many of those analogue sets will have to be disposed of" following the switchover.
Cox, who has been investigating the future of digital radio for the government, claimed that the BBC is willing to spend the licence fee surplus from the digital switchover help scheme on expanding the national DAB footprint.
"From my private conversations with BBC people - for what they are worth - they incline towards using some of the money for extending their national DAB radio coverage," he informed the Lords committee.
"It is digital money and it is a slightly easier thing to say let us complete the digital radio structure than give it to broadband or local news on ITV or whatever."

Sky to launch 3DTV channel in April 28-01-10

Sky has announced that it will launch Sky 3D, Europe's first dedicated 3D TV channel, in pubs across the UK and Ireland this April.
Sky will preview the new service on Sunday 31 January 2010 with the Arsenal and Manchester United match, making Sky the first TV company to broadcast a live 3D TV sports event to a public audience. The game will be filmed in 3D and broadcast over the Sky platform to selected pubs around the UK and Ireland.
The nine pubs—located in London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Dublin—have been kitted out with some of the first '3D Ready' TV sets to reach the UK and Ireland.

Sky plans to roll out its 3D channel to hundreds of pubs from April and hopes to broadcast one live Premier League match in 3D each week.
Once 3D TVs begin to reach the consumer market later this year, Sky 3D will be rolled out to all Sky+HD customers, according to the platform operator.
Jeremy Darroch, Sky's Chief Executive, said: "3D is without doubt one of the most talked-about developments in television for many years. Sky has always innovated to bring customers the best possible viewing experience, so we fully intend to take the lead in bringing the spectacle of 3D to the UK and Ireland."
Gerry O'Sullivan, Sky's Director of Strategic Product Development, said: "2010 is the year for 3D TV. People have already embraced 3D cinema and because Sky's 3D service uses the same kind of technology, we're confident there will be demand for sport, movies, concerts and drama in 3D. The good news is that all Sky+HD customers already have the set-top box they need to enjoy 3D, meaning they simply need to buy any new 3D TV, all of which will work seamlessly with Sky's ground breaking new service."

Sky revenues up 10% as HD booms 28-01-10

Sky has posted strong financial results for the six months to the end of December, including a 10% year-on-year increase in revenue to £2.9bn.
The satellite platform holder added 172,000 net new customers in the three months to December 31 to reach 9.7m subscribers in total, close to its long-held target of 10m.
Around 482,000 households joined the Sky+ HD service during the quarter, a 156% year-on-year increase, which pushed Sky+ HD beyond the 2m subscribers mark.
Sky also revealed that 18% of its customers now opt for a triple-play service of TV, broadband and telephony from the provider.

ITV appoints Adam Crozier as chief exec 28-01-10

ITV has appointed former Football Association boss Adam Crozier as its new chief executive. In an internal message to staff, new ITV chairman Archie Norman revealed that Crozier will take up the post as soon as he completes handover with the Royal Mail, where he has been chief executive since February 2003.
Norman described Crozier as a "terrific leader" with a strong track record in bringing transformational change within consumer businesses. He also praised Crozier's experience of regulated industries and the media.
The chairman added that the protracted search for a new ITV chief executive has brought forward many talented candidates, but Crozier was deemed the right man for the challenges ahead.

"Even in the short time I have been here I have seen enough to know that we have great broadcast, production and television talent," said Norman.
"The challenge for the chief executive is to help us bring our company together, build a changed organisation, encourage pace of delivery, attract new talent and bring out the best in our own people."
He added: "This brings to an end a long period of uncertainty for ITV and means we can now focus wholeheartedly on the challenge ahead."
Before Crozier formally takes up the new role, John Cresswell will remain in control of the broadcaster as interim chief executive.

Sky to offer HD boxes as standard 28-01-10

Sky has today begun providing high definition set top boxes as standard to all new subscribers and existing customers upgrading to Sky+.
Buoyed by strong financial results, including the Sky+ HD subscriber base breaking the 2m mark, Sky plans to reduce the presence of standard definition boxes from its product portfolio.
From today, any new customers or existing subscribers upgrading to Sky+ will receive an HD box as the standard offering. The receiver will cost £49 with a £30 installation fee for new customers, or £99 and £60 installation for existing subscribers.
Anyone subscribing to the HD pack of channels will receive the HD box for free, with installation priced at £30 for new customers and £60 for existing.

Sky will continue to provide SD boxes, but only as like-for-like replacements for existing SD receivers or as upgrades for the Multiroom service.
"While the economic outlook remains uncertain, we remain well positioned with high-quality products offering customers great value for money," said Sky chief executive Jeremy Darroch.
"This year, we intend to build on our success by bringing our leading HD box technology to even more customers. From today, we will start selling HD-enabled boxes as standard and customers will receive the box for free when they subscribe to our HD pack of channels.
"These are important steps which will allow us to grow more efficiently and further accelerate the pace of innovation for customers."

February 2010

Northern Ireland to get Irish channels on digital

RTÉ and TG4 will be available on free-to-air digital TV to viewers in Northern Ireland, thanks to a new deal between the Republic of Ireland and the UK.
The deal also means that the BBC will continue to be available for digital TV viewers in the Republic. The Irish and British Governments have agreed a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure a smooth transition to digital switchover; while the UK analogue signal is set to be turned off in 2012, the Irish Government has yet to set a date for the switch to digital.
RTÉ One, RTÉ Two and TG4 are already available on Sky to subscribers in Northern Ireland, it is not known if the Irish channels will only be made available on terrestrial Freeview, or whether thay will also be available free-to-air to satellite viewers.

Digital radio listening down 04-02-10

Radio industry hopes of making the switch to digital by 2015 experienced a setback today after official figures revealed a decline in overall digital radio listening.
According to data released by RAJAR (Radio Joint Audience Research), listening on digital platforms - digital audio broadcasting (DAB), digital TV and online - accounted for 20.9% of the total radio audience in the final three months of 2009.
The digital audience share was up from 18.3% in the same period in 2008, but significantly represented a decline from 21.1% in the previous quarter.
In total, 17.1m people used digital platforms to listen to radio stations, down by 3% on the previous three months, but up 5% on the same period in 2008.

Currently heading through parliament, the government's digital economy bill has set the target date of 2015 for the digital radio switchover to begin, but that would only come into force should digital account for 50% of listening by 2013.
Listening via the DAB platform accounted for 13.7% of all digital listening, up from 13.3% the previous quarter and 11.4% in the same period in 2008.
Digital TV listening dropped to 3.4% from 3.6% the previous quarter, but online radio usage grew slightly to 2.1% from 2% in the previous three months.
However, RAJAR figures showed that DAB set ownership increased by 13% year-on-year over the quarter, with 17.1m adults aged 15+ now claiming to live in a DAB household, up from 15.1m in the same period in 2008.
Earlier in the week, it emerged that the radio industry is considering a scrappage-style scheme to encourage more consumers to trade in analogue sets for digital.

DTG expresses Project Canvas concerns 04-02-10

The Digital TV Group has expressed concern that IPTV joint venture Project Canvas is failing to properly engage with all industry stakeholders to create a truly open standard.
In its final submission to a BBC Trust consultation, seen by The Guardian, the trade body pointed to "widespread concern" in the industry that key set top box and TV manufacturers are not being involved in the development of critical Canvas technology specifications.
Last month, the Trust gave its provisional approval for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five, TalkTalk and BT-led project, which aims to deliver an upgrade to the Freeview and Freesat platforms by creating a new receiver and user interface capable of delivering video on-demand and internet-based services.

However, the Trust imposed conditions relating to industry engagement, costs and other aspects, while also opening up a final consultation for any further objections to be logged, which closed on Tuesday.
The DTG, which represents firms such as Samsung, Pace and Dixons, as well as platforms such as Sky and Freeview, told the Trust that there is a "parallel process" going on in which the Canvas partners and their preferred collaborators are developing technical specifications outside industry-developed standards.
It said: "The DTG's membership continues to raise concerns regarding the Canvas project, especially regarding the joint venture's commitment to engage with the industry.
"There remains widespread concern in the industry that there is a parallel process in place with a Canvas specification being developed by the joint venture and its innovation partners separately from, and regardless of, the DTG's Connected TV specification work."
The DTG said that the Canvas partners previously indicated that Connected TV specifications would "be at the core of any future Canvas devices and that the Canvas joint venture would closely engage with the digital television industry via the DTG".
However, the trade organisation criticised the lack of a "clear and unequivocal condition" in the Trust's provisional approval forcing Canvas to work with the wider industry going forward. Rather, the document simply calls on the partners to make their "best endeavour" towards involving other stakeholders.
"Feedback we have received from our membership indicates that the consensus among our members is that only a mandatory requirement for the Canvas joint venture to engage with industry to deliver an agreed specification can achieve widespread market success and represent the best interests of the UK consumers and TV licence fee payers," said the DTG.
Responding to the DTG's submission, a Canvas spokesperson expressed doubt that the position put forward "reflects the views of the wider DTG membership".
"We intend to continue our extensive work with the DTG's connected TV working group with a view to better understand the reasons why the DTG have raised these concerns in this way, and work to resolve any concerns," they added.
"We have been encouraged by the wide range of consumer electronics companies who have expressed an interest in manufacturing canvas-compliant devices. These companies are also members of the DTG and we hope to make an announcement in this regard in due course.
"We believe Canvas will create commercial value for a wide range of companies as, at its heart, it is a project that aims to deliver the benefits of connected-TV, subscription free, to the public and a connected future for the UK's content and application providers. We shouldn't lose sight of this."
In a speech on Tuesday at Informa's Digital Switchover Summit, Canvas programme director Richard Halton said that the eventual Canvas platform would deliver various economic and creative benefits.
He pointed to research commissioned by the partners as indicating that Canvas would drive forward growth of connected TV devices by 70% to 2015. The platform would also help generate over £26m per annum in video on-demand revenues from services hosted on Freeview, not including premium sport and movies.

Toshiba Freeview+ HD recorder due in June 11-02-10

Toshiba has released details of a Freeview+ HD PVR due for release in time for the World Cup. The HDR5010 will have twin tuners for recording of two standard or high definition channels including series linking and a 500 GB drive capable of storing 120 hours of HD programming.
Two USB ports will allow for playback of MP3, JPEG and DivX files from storage devices. Other connections comprise three HDMIs including two inputs to enable the PVR to also be used as a switch box, a single Scart and Ethernet for software updates.

Humax Freeview HD receiver now on sale 15-02-10

The Humax HD-FOX T2 Freeview HD receiver with DVB-T2 and MPEG4, is on sale from today priced £180. The receiver is a zapper box with Freeview SD and HD reception, multimedia playback of DivX, XviD MP3 and JPEG files from external devices connected via USB and DNLA media streaming ability from PCs.

Currently only BBC HD and ITV1 HD are available to viewers in London and Manchester, Channel 4 HD is expected to join soon.
Humax has annonuced plans to issue a software update enabling the receiver to work as a single tuner PVR in conjunction with external drives although no release date has been set. A twin tuner Humax Freeview HD PVR with internal 500Gb hard disk is expected to follow later this year.

Freeview launches guide app for iPhone 16-02-10

Freeview has launched a new application on Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch designed to help consumers plan their TV viewing while on the move.
The Freeview iPhone app offers instant access to the digital terrestrial television platform's programming guide, including all 50 standard definition channels.
However, the guide also includes BBC HD listings for anyone with Freeview HD viewing equipment. ITV1 HD and Channel 4 HD information will follow shortly.

Available features on the app include a 'now and next' function, along with a 'Top 10' channel list for flagging up the most popular programming.
All channels can be reordered into favourites or customised to individual regional variations. Users can also filter listings by category or follow viewing suggestions offered by Freeview's official Twitter feed.
"As Freeview HD rolls-out across the UK, viewers can plan their HD viewing wherever they are with our new Freeview HD TV guide app," said Freeview marketing communications director Tim Hunt.
"The launch of this smart app will allow users to cut a quicker path to their favourite channels and get the most out of planning their TV viewing."

CNBC to join Freesat 20-02-10

CNBC has announced plans to launch next week on Freesat after it recently went free-to-air in the UK on the Sky platform.
From February 23, the business and financial news channel will be available on Freesat at position 210 in the electronic programming guide.
CNBC EMEA president and chief executive Mick Buckley said that the Freesat launch is part of a strategy to "aggressively grow" the channel's distribution throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa in 2010.
"Business and financial news remains very pertinent in today's economy and this change gives consumers the opportunity to watch the best analysis of what's happening in the financial markets in the UK and across Europe," he said.

"Last year CNBC significantly grew its upscale and affluent audience, as more viewers wanted to keep abreast of the dramatic changes in the economic environment. Our most recent EMS viewing figures showed that our daily audience was up 18% and our monthly audience broke seven million viewers."
Buckley added: "This year we will further grow our distribution across the region, making our content available to a wider audience, firmly cementing our place as the premier source of news, information and analysis for anyone interested in business and finance."

March 2010

BBC advises Harborne analogue viewers to retune 02-03-10

From Wednesday 17 March some viewers with analogue TV sets living in the Harborne area will need to retune them, according to the BBC. It is expected around 200 households will be affected by technical changes being made to the signals for BBC One and ITV1 from the Harborne relay station.

The changes are necessary to make way for stations in nearby regions undergoing digital switchover and to enable high definition services on Freeview.
Captions will appear on the screen on BBC One and ITV1 informing viewers they must re-tune their TVs, VCRs and other related devices to the new frequency channels by 14 April so they do not lose their TV signals. Freeview, Freesat, Sky, Virgin Media and BT Vision viewers will not be affected.

Project Canvas FAQ 02-03-10

Project Canvas has added a list of Frequently Asked Questions to its growing website in a further display of openness towards industry and consumers.
The project - recently panned by TV industry body the DTG for a lack of openness - is backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five, BT and Talk Talk.

They want to create an open access platform to complement Freeview and Freesat which will enable video and other services to be accessed via broadband through a hybrid set-top box which can also receive broadcast TV.
The new post adds: "We’ve received a lot of requests for further information about specific aspects of the work currently being carried out by the partners. Since the majority were focussed on a small number of common themes, we’ve put together the Q&A below which addresses the main areas of interest."
The FAQ explains the Canvas idea of an open platform, offers a role for the Open Source software community, the EPG, the role of ISPs, Canvas applications on PCs, and the project's relationship with other hybrid TV standards projects.

Final Wales switchover underway 03-03-10

Viewers in Cardiff, Newport and south east Wales have begun the switch to digital that will make Wales the UK's first digital nation.
Forty-six years after BBC Two was launched, the channel's last remaining analogue signal in Wales was turned off permanently at the Wenvoe transmitter, and engineers started switching on digital signals at 75 relay transmitters serving more than 280,000 homes. According to Digital UK, these households will now be able to receive Freeview for the first time.
The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may find their BBC TV channels are missing. These services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes.
The second and final stage of switchover at the Wenvoe transmitter group takes place on 31 March, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off permanently. On this date, further Freeview channels from ITV, S4C, Channel 4 and Five will also become available from relay transmitters for the first time.

BBC Trust: 'Protests could save BBC 6 Music' 03-03-10

BBC Trust chairman Sir Michael Lyons has said that a "strong reaction" against the proposed closure of digital station 6 Music could lead to a U-turn in the BBC's plans. Yesterday, BBC director general Mark Thompson confirmed that 6 Music and its sister station BBC Asian Network are facing the axe as part of a major overhaul of the corporation.
Thompson said that 6 Music "competes head on for a commercially valuable audience" and so its closure would "recognise the lead role that commercial radio plays in serving popular music to 30 to 50-year-old audiences".

The Trust is now running a 12-week public consultation on the plans, before it ultimately decides which of Thompson's recommendations should be put into action.
However, the closure of 6 Music has been met with uproar from various quarters, including broadcasters, industry bodies, musicians and listeners all calling for the station to be saved.
A petition against the planned cuts, launched by the 38 Degrees campaign group, has already attracted over 10,000 signatures, while around 90,000 people have joined a "Save BBC 6 Music" group on Facebook.

More Freesat receivers to get BBC iPlayer 03-03-10

On March 15th Sagem's Freesat set-top boxes are due to get access to the BBC iPlayer, Harvard Group is expected to also launch new software on the same date, their range includes Grundig, Bush and Goodmans.
TechniSat receivers will be receiving BBC iPlayer as part of their new software update due for release on the 16th March 2010.

Film 4 HD & E4 HD coming to Virgin Media 08-03-10

Virgin Media has confirmed that Film4 HD and E4 HD will become available soon on the cable TV platform.
Launching in the summer, Film4 HD will offer a daily lineup of British, American and foreign films in high definition, alongside interviews and exclusive programming. The channel will also carry movies produced by Film4, such as Mike Leigh's Happy Go Lucky, Ken Loach's Looking For Eric and the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire.
The cable operator further confirmed that E4 HD will arrive on Virgin Media in April, offering HD programmes such as Glee, Skins and Hollyoaks, along with simulcasts of the E4 schedule.

"Channel 4 has a great track record in delivering innovative and compelling content and we're delighted to bring some of their very best films and most popular programmes to our customers in stunning HD," said Virgin Media director of digital entertainment Cindy Rose.
"As more and more households become HD-ready, we're lining up content that makes the most of high definition and are making HD available to all our of customers for no extra fee."
Channel 4 head of VOD and channel development Sarah Rose added: "We're really excited to be launching Film4 HD and showcasing some fantastic British films to millions of viewers in high definition. There's a growing appetite for HD and our lineup of Channel 4 HD, E4 HD and now Film4 HD provides a great choice of HD content for viewers."
E4 HD and Film4 HD join Virgin Media's growing lineup of HD channels, including Channel 4 HD, BBC HD, ESPN HD, National Geographic HD, Living HD and the forthcoming Discovery HD and Eurosport HD.

ITV1 HD Launching on April 2nd 12-03-10

ITV has confirmed that its new ITV1 HD channel will launch on Virgin Media, Sky and Freesat next month. From April 2, Sky and Virgin Media subscribers will be able to watch the new high definition simulcast of ITV1, which will also transfer to a static channel from its current Red Button availability on Freesat. ITV1 HD is already available on Freeview HD. The channel is already available on Freeview HD.
ITV1 HD will be available on the following EPG numbers:Freesat 119, Freeview 51, Sky 178 and Virgin 113.

Viewers on all three platforms will be able watch ITV's World Cup coverage in HD, along with HD dramas such as Father & Son, Identity and The Prisoner.
ITV director of television, channels and online Peter Fincham said: "The availability of high definition content is something viewers have come to expect as standard and, as we approach the 2010 World Cup, I'm delighted that we are able to launch our new channel, ITV1 HD, on all major platforms.
"All of our output will benefit from the stunning picture quality that high definition offers, whether it's ITV's original drama, landmark factual shows, entertainment events or our live football."
ITV1 HD will be made available at no extra cost to Virgin Media subscribers on the XL TV package, while some of ITV1's HD content will also launch on Virgin Media's on-demand platform.
"ITV offers some of the UK's most loved programmes and we're delighted to add them to our growing HD channel lineup," said Virgin Media executive director of digital entertainment Cindy Rose.
"This year's World Cup promises some unforgettable games and Virgin Media TV viewers will be able to enjoy every nail-biting, heart-stopping, breath-taking moment in stunning high definition."

No Five HD on Freeview before 2010 16-03-10

Ofcom has revealed that Five HD will not arrive on Freeview before 2012 after the broadcaster failed to submit a launch date or programming schedule.
Last June, the media regulator reached a provisional decision to reserve capacity for Five on the new Freeview HD platform, with the aim of Five HD becoming available in 2010.
However, Five was "unable to resolve certain key criteria" at the end of last year, including its failure to inform Ofcom of an exact launch date and schedule for the channel.

Ofcom said that other applicants for the available capacity, Channel 4 and S4C, were also unable to provide "confirmation of their ability to launch a service within a defined timescale". The two broadcasters recently submitted a joint proposal for the launch of Film4 HD on Freeview.
In a ruling today, the media regulator said that it has therefore "decided not to reserve capacity for either of the applicants at this time".
BBC HD and ITV1 HD are already available on Freeview HD, with the forthcoming launch of Channel 4 HD not expected to be affected by the Five situation.
Any available capacity on Mux B that is not reserved by Ofcom immediately reverts to the BBC, which could open up the possibility of a sister channel to BBC HD.
However, that is likely to prove contentious with some viewers considering the recent controversy over picture quality on the channel on Freesat.
"The BBC will now consider options to ensure the capacity can be used to provide high definition services that will further benefit viewers of digital terrestrial television," said Ofcom.
"This brings forward by around two years the date when it was anticipated that further capacity on Multiplex B would revert to the control of the BBC Trust."
Next year, Ofcom intends to offer commercial public service broadcasters another chance to apply for a HD channel on Freeview to come effect from 2012.
A Five spokesman confirmed to The Guardian that the broadcaster, which made a loss last year, is "not in a position" to take up the fourth Freeview HD channel at this stage.
He added: "It was always going to be financially challenging to provide the fourth HD service on DTT at a time when all advertising-funded businesses are under considerable pressure.
"However, we remain committed to launching a HD version of Five and intend to apply for the fifth HD stream when Ofcom advertises it next year. We hope to provide the fifth service on the Freeview HD platform in 2012."

Five HD launching on Sky 17-03-10

Sky has confirmed that Five HD will be made available on the satellite platform in the summer, despite the channel failing to launch on Freeview HD.
In July, Sky+ HD homes will be able to watch the broadcaster's schedule of high definition programming, including US dramas, Australian soap operas and international sports such as cricket and Europa League football.
Five HD becomes the 42nd channel to join Sky's HD lineup, following news that ITV1 HD, Sky News HD, Sky Sports 4 HD and the Hallmark Channel HD will all launch in the months ahead. Sky aims to have 50 HD channels available by Christmas.

However, the move follows confirmation from Ofcom that Five HD will not launch on Freeview HD before 2012, after the broadcaster failed to supply a launch date or programming schedule
Five's director of strategy Charles Constable described the launch on Sky as an "exciting opportunity" for the commercial broadcaster.
He said: "Our programme schedule is more suited to HD than that any other major free-to-air commercial broadcaster given the wide range of high quality series we broadcast, such as our top-rated line-up of US dramas. We're delighted to begin our HD journey with Sky."
Sky director of product management Hilary Perchard added: "We're delighted to announce the addition of Five HD to Sky+ HD, the UK's leading high definition service.
"Sky remains committed to delivering customers the best HD service available, and this means continuing to launch high-quality channels right across the schedule. With the best of free and pay-TV now in HD, there's never been a better time to embrace HD."

Freesat sales hits 1 million sales 24-03-10

Freesat has hit a million sales in the 18 months since its launch in 2008 - and a third of its customers were poached from Sky.
The free-to-air satellite TV platform experienced a surge of 250,000 sales over the Christmas period, a quarter of all the Freesat products sold.
Freesat claims its success has come at the expense of pay-TV satellite rival Sky, with a survey of 1,000 Freesat homes reporting that 33 per cent had replaced their existing Sky box, while seven per cent of sales added a Freesat box to their existing Sky setup.
Another 44 per cent were replacing Freeview as their digital TV choice or adding to a Freeview box, and 80 per cent of Freesat homes are using hi-def receivers or TVs.

Freesat MD Emma Scott commented: "Freesat is a great opportunity for the millions of homes with existing satellite dishes who are used to quality TV but no longer want to pay a monthly subscription for it and we continue to see an increasing number of viewers moving across from pay-TV.
"Much of what we’re now working on is paving the way for next generation free TV with innovations like BBC iPlayer and ITV Player. We will continue to add value to the service by integrating Canvas if approved by the BBC Trust and we are following Ofcom’s pay-TV review with interest."

ITV2+1, ITV3+1, ITV4+1 launch on Virgin 27-03-10

ITV has made ITV2+1, ITV3+1 and ITV4+1 available on Virgin Media, but has still not confirmed a launch date for ITV1+1.
On March 25, ITV2+1 launched on channel 116 on the cable television platform, with ITV3+1 at position 174 and ITV4+1 at 175.
Virgin Media will also make ITV1 HD available at position 113 on its electronic programming guide on April 2.
However, ITV has still not confirmed a date for the planned launch of ITV1+1, which is thought to be delayed as the broadcaster campaigns for an end to the contract rights renewal mechanism governing ad sales on its flagship channel.
On Thursday, Virgin Media also launched Quest on channel 179 and the Military History channel on channel 236.

Men & Motors to close 29-03-10

ITV has confirmed that Men & Motors will cease transmission on Sky and Freesat on Thursday to make way for ITV1 HD.
On April 1 at 6am, the channel will stop broadcasting on digital satellite as the new high definition simulcast of ITV1 takes its slot on the Freesat and Sky electronic programming guides. The channel ended transmission on Virgin Media a week earlier on March 25 for "operational reasons".
Men & Motors will now cease to exist, but it is understood that some of its programming will be transferred to ITV4.
ITV1 HD will launch simultaneously on April 2 on Sky, Virgin Media and Freesat, where it is currently available via the Red Button.

Freeview HD gets official launch 30-03-10

Freeview has officially launched its new high definition television service. From 31 March, around 4.5 million new homes will come into Freeview HD coverage for the first time, including the cities of Birmingham, Leeds and Cardiff which puts Freeview HD coverage on track to reach up to 50% of the UK by the World Cup.

Channel 4 HD is now available on the service alongside the BBC HD channel and ITV1 HD that have been on air since Freeview's technical launch on 2 December. S4C will launch its HD channel Clirlun in Wales on 30 April.
Freeview also announced Freeview+ HD boxes will arrive in shops before the World Cup.
Content available on Freeview HD this year includes the World Cup,the FA Cup, Doctor Who, Wimbledon, The Apprentice, Britains Got Talent, Foyles War, Glee and Desperate Housewives
Later this week, Freeview will launch its largest marketing campaign to date with a series of TV ads carrying the slogan 'It feels good to Freeview'. The £6m campaign combines scenes from everyday TV programmes with backdrops of visuals viewers have come to expect from HD. The first of a series of eight ads will break on 3 April and the campaign will run until the end of the World Cup, returning again at Christmas.
Commenting on the launch, Ilse Howling, Managing Director of Freeview, said: "Freeview is taking the experience of stunning HD to a new level of access and availability. Our high definition service offers many of the UK's favourite shows in glorious high definition and as always with Freeview, you just need to buy the equipment and there's no contract or monthly bills. And with the World Cup just around the corner, there is no better time for viewers to embrace High Definition TV."

Wales becomes UK's first digital TV nation 31-03-10

The Welsh switchover began last August. The first stage of switchover at the Wenvoe transmitter group which covers Cardiff, Newport and south east Wales, began earlier this month when analogue BBC Two was turned off and ended today with the final analogue TV signals being switched off permanently.
The remaining analogue channels—BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Five—have gone digital and extra channels are being broadcast from 75 local relay transmitters, making Cardiff the UK's first digital capital city.
Residents with Freeview, BT Vision or Top Up TV equipment will need to retune. The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may find some of their channels missing. The services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes.

Freeview HD on track for 50% World Cup coverage 31-03-10

Freeview has said that it is "on track" to meet the target of 50% UK coverage for its high definition service by the World Cup in June.
On December 2, Freeview HD began broadcasting at the Winter Hill and Crystal Palace transmitter groups covering England's North West and London respectively.

Over the course of March, around 4.5 million further homes have gained access to the service, following the activation of advance networks covering the Leeds-Bradford and Birmingham areas.
Coverage has also been boosted by the retrofitting of transmitter groups servicing west and central Wales, along with other parts of the North West.
Freeview, which counts Arqiva, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky among its shareholders, has said that it is "on track" for half the UK to be able to receive Freeview HD by the World Cup in June.
Freeview HD coverage will rise to 60% by the end of 2010 and 98.5% by the end of the digital switchover in 2012. A full Freeview HD launch schedule is available here.
Speaking yesterday at a launch event, BBC chief operating officer Caroline Thomson, who is also chair of Freeview, described the platform as a "real success story" and a "good example of partnership across the industry".
A range of 16 different Freeview HD products were showcased at the event, including set top boxes from £99, Freeview+ HD boxes from £250 and IDTVs from £480. Some products are already available, while others will follow over the coming months.
BBC HD, ITV1 HD and Channel 4 HD are already live on the service, but Five HD has been delayed after the broadcaster failed to submit sufficient information to Ofcom.
Thomson said that the BBC is now exploring options with the media regulator on how best to utilise the available capacity for launching an additional Freeview HD channel by the end of 2010.
Also speaking at the event, Freeview managing director Ilse Howling reiterated her belief that Freeview HD will see high definition go "mass market".
She said that the launch of high definition on digital terrestrial television is a "genuinely momentous" moment as it will bring the service to a raft of homes yet to experience it. Freeview is currently on the main set in around 10m UK households and on 18.2m sets in total.
Howling accepted that Freeview HD offers a smaller number of HD channels compared to pay-TV operators. However, she stressed that the platform actually hosts the programming which accounts for the majority of viewing in standard and high definition.
Using BARB data, Howling highlighted that BBC HD is the ninth most watched channel in the UK's HD-ready homes, and the most watched HD channel.

April 2010

BBC iPlayer available on Bush, Goodmans & Grundig Freesat receivers 01-04-10

BBC iPlayer yesterday became available on Freesat high definition set top boxes manufactured by Goodmans, Grundig and Bush, following its public launch to Humax receivers earlier in the year.
From Wednesday, the vast majority of high definition boxes from all three brands were upgraded to receive the BBC's catch-up service via an over-the-air-download (OAD).

The following products can now access iPlayer:
Bush BFSAT01HD box
Goodmans GFSAT200HD box
Grundig GUFSAT01HD box
Users need to connect their receiver to an internet connection of at least 1Mbps and then access iPlayer via a link on the Red Button menu for any BBC channel. An instructional video is available here.
However, the upgrade will not be available on some early model Freesat HD receivers produced by Goodmans, Grundig and Bush.
Harvard International, manufacturer of boxes for all three firms, is therefore offering a replacement high definition receiver to anyone affected.
Following the OAD, any boxes that need to be replaced will flag up an on-screen message directing users to the Harvard customer support centre.
The new HD boxes will be offered without charge, but consumers will need to pay £14.99 to cover the costs of a courier service.

Freesat reveals timetable for Panasonic Freesat iPlayer upgrade 01-04-10

Panasonic Freesat TV owners may have to wait a few months before the BBC iPlayer comes to their red button menu.
Around 60 per cent of Freesat HD receivers and TVs can now access the BBC iPlayer via a broadband connection, and Panasonic TV owners have been clamouring for an upgrade.
James Strickland, director of product and technology development at Freesat, gave some comfort to Panny fans at yesterday's Panasonic 3D Home Cinema launch.

James Strickland said iPlayer is already available on the current G10 and forthcoming G20 models, but won't be on the older G8 and G9 TVs until September. "We're doing the upgrades retrospectively," he added. "But those TVs are quite old now and it's more difficult."

ITV Player and Teletext Jobs next for Freesat 01-04-10

ITV Player is set to follow BBC iPlayer onto Freesat this summer, with a Teletext jobs service coming soon after.
ITV Player will launch over the summer and is expected to arrive faster than iPlayer, which has done most of the groundwork during its technical development process.
Freesat is also working with Teletext to launch a jobs service on broadband via Freesat, said James Strickland, director of product and technology development at Freesat. Some 60 per cent of Freesat HD products can now connect to iPlayer, and a couple of other services are also being developed, he added.

Food Network HD to launch in Europe 13-04-10

Scripps Networks Interactive has confirmed plans to launch a high definition version of the Food Network in Europe, the Middle East and Africa next month.
The channel, which is a joint venture between Scripps and Liberty Global's ChelloZone, will get a HD simulcast in EMEA regions from May 1, 2010.
The Food Network HD will carry various programmes featuring well-known chefs, such as Throwdown with Bobby Flay and Paula Deen's Paula's Best Dishes, along with entertainment formats Unwrapped and Chopped.
"The ability to tap our substantial library of quality high-definition lifestyle programming is an important driver of distribution for Food Network, especially in EMEA markets," said Scripps Networks International president Greg Moyer.
Digital Media Centre will play out the HD channel as it already handles the standard definition version, which became available to 10 million EMEA households in February.

DMC vice president of commercial operations Robin Kroes said: "We are very glad to extend our delivery of Food Network for Scripps Networks Interactive in EMEA. "The Food Network is an extremely popular and respected channel, and we are proud to deliver its content in both SD and HD formats to millions of households."

May 2010

BBC One HD to launch in autumn 28-06-10

The BBC has confirmed plans to launch a high definition version of BBC One in the autumn.
BBC One HD will offer a HD simulcast of the channel, including HD versions of EastEnders, Holby City and The One Show.
The channel's autumn schedule in HD will also include Strictly Come Dancing, Human Planet and Waterloo Road.
BBC One HD will be made available on Freesat, Freeview, Sky and Virgin Media.

The channel will operate in addition to the BBC HD channel, which will also extend its regular broadcast hours over the "coming months" from nine to 12 hours a day.
"BBC HD has established itself as the most popular HD service, and these changes are important next steps in improving that service still further, providing an opportunity to showcase the wide variety of BBC programmes in the highest possible quality," said BBC Vision director Jana Bennett.
"We recognise that audiences have already been enjoying many of their favourite programmes in HD, and I'm delighted that we can now broaden their choice."
BBC HD head Danielle Nagler added: "HD is the future of television - people who have HD have clearly told us that they want more of their licence fee-funded content in HD.
"I'm delighted that the HD simulcast of BBC One will become available on satellite, on cable, and now also on Freeview's new HD service. This is a key moment for us on the journey to HD becoming the norm for all our programmes and channels."

June 2010

Project Canvas to be called YouView? June 2 2010

Project Canvas, the long-planned web-TV joint venture, will reportedly take the consumer branding YouView should it reach launch phase.
According to the Financial Times, the project has registered the title, which is believed to be a hybrid of YouTube and Freeview, at the Intellectual Property Office.

The YouView branding has also previously been mooted as being high on a shortlist of suggested names for the Canvas platform.
The Canvas partners - BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five, Arqiva, TalkTalk, BT and Arqiva - claim that the project will upgrade the Freeview and Freesat platforms to support video on-demand and internet content.
The project, which was recently cleared by the Office Of Fair Trading of constituting a qualifying merger, was hoping to reach launch phase by the end of 2010.
The BBC's involvement in Canvas is expected to get final sign off from the BBC Trust by the end of June after receiving the provisional go ahead last December.
However, it is thought that regulatory delays have meant that the Canvas launch will now slip until spring 2011 as the partners face an uphill struggle to finalise the technical specifications.
Canvas director Richard Halton recently admitted that the regulatory process has made the timeframe for a 2010 launch "challenging". He also confirmed that the search is on for an eighth Canvas partner to "add scale and expertise" to the project.

STV Launches HD Service June 2 2010

STV is to launch its first High Definition service, STVHD, bringing viewers Scotland’s most popular peak time TV schedule in crystal clear clarity, making programmes brighter and sharper than ever before.
STVHD will be a completely separate channel on Digital Terrestrial Television/Freeview on channel 51 and on Virgin Media on channel 113. It will be available in time for the World Cup launching on 11 June.
STV HD brings football games to life, adds more energy to entertainment and offers drama in all its gritty glory.

The channel will feature all of the 2010 FIFA World Cup games exclusive to STV throughout the tournament in High Definition, bringing viewers closer to the most exciting sports event of the year like never before.
Viewers can get closer to the action of all their favourite shows, such as X-Factor, Coronation Street and the new series of Taggart, as this cutting edge technology presents STV in amazing detail.
Bobby Hain, managing director of Broadcasting at STV, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing viewers a brand new STV HD service, offering our programmes in crystal clear vision and incredible clarity. We’re particularly pleased that we’ll be offering all of the STV World Cup games in HD for our nation of football fans on both DTT and Virgin Media.”
STV is currently working with Sky, Freesat and ITV Network with a view to making STVHD available via satellite as soon as possible and will provide an update on this in due course.

Sky unveils Anytime+ VOD service June 2 2010

Sky has unveiled its forthcoming new Anytime+ service, which will offer Sky subscribers an archive of on-demand movies and TV content over a broadband connection.
At a press briefing today in London, Sky's head of TV services Kathryn Downward said that Anytime+ marks an "evolution not a revolution" of Sky's TV offering. The service will essentially feature a library of content delivered over broadband rather than satellite. When it launches later in the year, Anytime+ will offer around 1,000 hours of content from Sky Arts, Sky Movies, Sky1 and Sky Sports, along with material from other broadcasters, such as ESPN and National Geographic. A "key focus" for the service will be movies, with around 500 being made available at launch.

Freeview HD reaches 50% UK coverage June 10 2010

Ofcom has announced that Freeview HD has reached its target of 50% UK coverage in time for the start of the World Cup tomorrow. High definition broadcasts on digital terrestrial television commenced on December 2 last year, with 7% of the UK initially being covered.

From today, Freeview HD is available to 50% of the UK population, including homes in Manchester, London, Leeds, Newcastle, Liverpool, Birmingham and the majority of Wales.
Households in the coverage areas will be able to watch the World Cup tournament in up to five times more detail than standard definition television via ITV1 HD and the BBC HD channel.
South Africa 2010 will be the first time that a World Cup has been available in HD to a mass market in the UK, marking the biggest step change since the tournament was first broadcast in colour for the 1970 Mexico World Cup.
Following the football tournament, Freeview HD will continue to roll out in-line with the digital switchover towards the target of 98.5% availability in Britain by the end of 2012.
According to Ofcom's research, UK consumers have purchased over 24 million HD-ready TVs by the end of March this year.
Sky added an additional 428,000 subscribers to its HD service in the first three months of 2010, while Virgin Media's V+ HD service added a further 77,900 subscribers during the same period.
HD receivers have accounted for 80% of all Freesat equipment sales to date, equating to around 800,000 units.Freeview HD was made possible by the adoption of new compression standard MPEG-4 and the world-first introduction of the DVB-T2 transmission standard, which has increased capacity on DTT by around 50%.
Ofcom's Greg Bensberg, who led the technical team behind HD on DTT, said: "Two years ago, the promise of HD on Freeview hung in the balance. HD demanded large amounts of additional spectrum - but there was none to be had.
"Fortunately we identified a way of achieving what many thought was impossible - by reorganising existing TV services and introducing two new technologies - MPEG-4 and DVB-T2. This created enough capacity for five HD channels on Freeview."
Freeview HD currently supports four channels - BBC HD, ITV1 HD, Channel 4 HD and S4C's Clirlun in Wales - but the BBC announced last week that BBC One HD will arrive on the platform in the autumn.
The channel's carriage on DTT has been made possible after Ofcom confirmed that Five HD has failed to launch on Freeview HD before 2012.

Virgin Media cuts Sky channels prices - June 11 2010

Virgin Media has confirmed plans to slash the cost of Sky's premium sport and movies channels for cable television subscribers.
From July 1, new and existing Virgin Media customers taking the M+, L or XL TV packages can add or keep a single Sky Sports channel (Sky Sports 1 or 2) or Sky Movies channel (Sky Movies 1 or 2) for £13.50 per month, offering a saving of up to £9.
Virgin Media will offer the entire Sky Sports Collection - Sky Sports 1, 2, 3 and 4 - to its customers for £20.50 per month, representing a discount of £42 a year on current prices.
The cable operator is also offering the Sky Movies Collection - Sky Movies 1 and 2, plus Sky Movies Premiere, Sky Movies Premiere +1, Sky Movies Showcase and Disney Cinemagic - for £19.50, delivering an annual saving of up to £84.
The combined Sky Sports and Sky Movies Collection will be available in one package for £27.50 per month, offering a saving of up to £72 per year.

Ofcom allows BBC to limit HD Freeview - June 14 2010

Ofcom has ruled that the BBC is allowed to limit the availability of its HD Freeview services to receivers that can control the use of content.
The broadcaster has proposed that only receivers with content management technology should be permitted to access the electronic programme guide for Freeview HD.

"This technology would control the way HD films and TV shows are copied on to, for example Blu-ray DVDs and shared with others over the internet," Ofcom said.
"In response to a public consultation on this issue, the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 provided evidence that without a content management framework in place the range of HD content available on Freeview - in particular high value film and drama content - would be compromised.
"Ofcom has concluded that the decision to accept the BBC's request will deliver net benefits to citizens and consumers by ensuring they have access to the widest possible range of HD television content on DTT."
Viewers will still be able to record HD programmes from the BBC and other free-to-air broadcasters on to their digital video recorders, while standard definition content will not be affected.
Jim Killock, executive director of the Open Rights Group, described Ofcom's decision as "a serious blow to UK consumers and license-payers" and said that the group would write to the BBC Trust and EU to request intervention on the grounds of public interest.
Killock said: "They have taken a decision which pushes technology further towards a copyright-centric model of control, where only copyright holders have the right to decide how everyday devices are allowed work.
"In this new regime, people with hearing problems will be prevented from modifying their equipment to deal with their problems. Software developers will be stopped from making your TV, computer and mobile phone properly working with each other.
"Your choice of operating system will become a choice that may mean you cannot enjoy BBC HD broadcasts to their full extent. And HD devices will have to built to work in the UK alone, reducing competition and pushing prices up."

Broadcasters challenge TVCatchup - June 14 2010

Web-TV service TVCatchup has been hit with a joint legal challenge from three British broadcasters alleging infringement of their copyright.
The Freeview streaming service, which launched on iPhone and iPod Touch in October 2009, found its World Cup preparations disrupted last week by a joint legal filing from ITV, Channel 4 and Five.

"TVCatchup do not have a content distribution agreement in place to stream content from any of our channels," said the broadcasters.
"We reserve the right to pursue any site or service we believe to be infringing our copyright or using our content in an unlicensed, illegal capacity."
ITV's desire to tackle TVCatchup has been made more pressing by the launch of its own web-TV iPhone app, which enables users to watch a live simulcast of ITV1 and ITV2.
The two channels are already available on TVCatchup's website and mobile app, along with a near-live simulcast of Channel 4, E4 and Five.
In response to the legal filing, TVCatchup told the Financial Times that it has already applied for court approval of its streaming service.
"TVCatchup is committed to resolving any issue concerning our content distribution, but this will now be an unnecessarily protracted process," said the company.
"Given our free service has developed to be arguably superior to the broadcaster's own offerings in terms of reliability, accessibility, choice and quality, some form of disagreement was inevitable."
The BBC is also understood to be talking to TVCatchup, with the corporation particularly concerned about advertising being run around licence fee-funded content.
In February 2008, TVCatchup was forced to close after broadcasters complained about the "unauthorised commercial exploitation" of their content rights from a recording function on the service.
The website stayed offline until resurfacing in October 2008. It now enables users to watch almost live (one minute delay) transmissions of certain Freeview channels, but without the PRV function. Anyone using the service must have a valid TV licence before accessing the content.

NME TV joins Freesat - June 17 2010

Freesat has announced that entertainment channel NME TV has joined its subscription-free digital satellite platform.
Available now, the channel offers a variety of music programming, including the Club NME chart, breaking news, exclusive interviews and a range of music videos.
"We are dedicated to delivering a wide range of high quality entertainment to our viewers and are delighted to add an iconic brand such as NME TV to the Freesat service," said Freesat managing director Emma Scott.
"The addition of this new channel complements our current music offering, bringing yet another great brand to our portfolio of over 140 channels and services. We expect NME TV to have huge appeal for our audience."
NME publishing director Paul Cheal said: "By joining Freesat, NME TV gains access to an important new audience across the UK, marking another exciting step in the evolution of the NME brand."

Remy Minute, chief executive of NME TV-operator CSC, added: "In launching NME TV it joins ten other CSC channels on Freesat, demonstrating our support for this increasingly important platform and also the continued growth of CSC as a independent UK broadcaster."
Since its launch in November 2007, NME TV has grown its global footprint to around nine million viewers, including availability on Sky at channel 382.

Ofcom allows BBC to limit HD Freeview - June 14 2010

Broadcasters challenge TVCatchup - June 14 2010

NME TV joins Freesat - June 17 2010

BBC boosts HD bandwidth and quality - June 18 2010

The BBC has launched a raft of picture quality improvements for BBC HD just weeks after campaigners took their complaints direct to the channel’s bosses. The changes include Variable Bit Rate encoding, a fix for mix/fade problems and a new approach to noise in pictures.
The improvements came several weeks after the BBC HD Campaign group visited BBC TV Centre in London to meet Danielle Nagler, head of BBC HD, and principal technologist Andy Quested.

John Temperley, of the BBC HD Campaign, said: ‘We are pleased to see that after nearly a year of campaigning, BBC HD has taken these measures and, as we expected all along, the results have been a significant improvement in picture quality.
‘We feel these improvements vindicate our campaign, which will now continue with attempts to move the BBC to a Full HD service with a resolution of 1920x1080.
‘We look forward to the BBC meeting the requirements of the license for BBC HD by offering a very high quality technical service to viewers, by adhering to, or seeking to exceed, industry standards for picture resolution.’
The BBC said: 'The BBC is pleased that viewers feel that this set of changes has enhanced their experience of HD.'
The BBC HD Campaign began in August 2009, when the BBC introduced new high definition picture quality encoders and reduced the bandwidth of BBC HD to a constant 9.7Mbit/s from 16Mbit/s.
This is lower than used by Sky’s HD channels and lower than the BBC HD channel provided by BBC Worldwide to other broadcasters in Europe.
Viewers began to complain about a decrease in picture quality, but the BBC said the problems being seen were due to programme makers experimenting with HD production styles which were not always successful.
Variable Bit Rate encoding allows the broadcaster to maintain the same average bandwidth, while increasing the bit rate for more demanding scenes such as fast movement.
The ‘mix/fade’ fix treats a specific problem in changing scenes, while a configuration change for ‘noisy’ video means the BBC no longer needs to add noise reduction, which often reduced the overall picture quality.
A full account of the campaigners’ visit can be found on the BBC Internet Blog.

Sky, ITV, Endemol 'among Five suitors' - June 21 2010

Pan-European media group RTL has reportedly received several expressions of interest in a deal for Five, with potential suitors including Sky, ITV and Endemol. RTL is widely believed to be mulling over its options going forward for the loss-making broadcaster.
A deal for Five, which could include a complete sale or a commercial partnership, is expected before the end of the year, but no specific deadline has been set.

US media company Time Warner is thought to have joined ITV and Sky in expressing an interest in the terrestrial broadcaster, reports The Guardian.
Big Brother producer Endemol is also said to have thrown its hat in the ring, along with Daily Express owner Richard Desmond, who recently claimed that he has £1bn available for acquisitions.
Another possible option for Five could be a long-rumoured merger with Channel 4. RTL chief executive Gerhard Zeiler is believed to have met with the broadcaster's management in March to discuss options.
Sources indicate that there is no urgency on RTL to reach a deal and any sale would not include Fremantle Media, which owns The X Factor producer Talkback Thames.

Project Canvas set for Easter 2011 launch - June 28 2010

Project Canvas looks set to launch in April 2011 after winning approval from the BBC Trust.
The BBC-led joint venture will develop a Freesat-style common standard for TVs and set-top boxes using broadband to access video on demand and other internet content.

The BBC Trust has told the BBC it can go ahead with the other partners - Arqiva, BT, Channel 4, Five, ITV and Talk Talk - provided they follow certain conditions.
The partners are now looking forward to launching the first Canvas set-top boxes in time for Easter Weekend at the end of April 2011.
Services at launch are expected to include BBC iPlayer and other catch-up services, plus Arqiva's SeeSaw on-demand service, and public services such as NHS Direct.
Richard Halton, project director, said: 'Project Canvas will safeguard the future of the UK’s free-to-air TV platforms and allow new business models to thrive through an open, internet-connected, TV platform.
'This brings the benefits of next-generation TV to all consumers, including those who choose not to subscribe to pay-TV. We look forward to rising to that challenge.'
Project Canvas has yet to announce a name, although YouView is currently tipped to be the front runner.
The six major conditions include ensuring that Canvas is a free-to-air service at its core, although it can include additional pay-TV services.
Key accessibility and usability features, such as audio description and content suitability ratings, must be built into the core specification as soon as possible.
The Canvas core technical elements will have to be published tot he TV and electronics industry by July 15, and the industry must be engaged in developing the final set-top box specification, which needs to be ready eight months before the first boxes launch - making this year's IBC conference the likely venue for industry to complete final talks.
The barriers to entry for manufacturers and content providers in terms of technical, content and quantity standards must be minimal, and access must not be bundled with other products or services, such as broadband subscriptions from BT or Talk Talk. EPG listings must be awarded in a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory manner.
The project will have to meet all legal standards including competition and state aid limits, and the BBC's costs will be regulated.
'The Trust has concluded that Project Canvas will deliver significant public value for licence fee payers - people with a broadband connection will be able to access a wide range of on-demand content including BBC iPlayer, free of charge, through their TV sets,' said Diane Coyle, BBC Trustee and chair of the Trust's Strategic Approvals Committee.

Vintage TV to launch in September - June 29 2010

New channel Vintage TV will launch on September 1 on the Sky and Freesat platforms.
Broadcasting 24 hours a day, Vintage TV will cater to the over-50s audience, covering pop music, culture and fashion from the 1940s to the 1980s.
Programming will include cult classics, an Antiques Roadshow variant aimed at music collectors, a "pub quiz with a difference" and 500 specially-created music videos - for songs dating from before 1976, before the invention of the music video.
Journalist Lesley-Ann Jones will host a talk show, interviewing musicians such as Rick Wakeman, Roger Daltrey, Debbie Harry and Bryan Adams, alongside personalities from the worlds of sport, politics, medicine and fashion.

Smooth Radio coming to satellite - June 29 2010

From 4 October, the national Smooth Radio service will broadcast on the Digital One national DAB multiplex and Freesat, Freeview and Sky, as well as broadcasting on its existing five regional FM licences in England.
The FM broadcasts will retain regional news, traffic, travel and weather and still serve local advertising sold by the local sales teams, though the East Midlands team will be located with the West Midlands team in Birmingham.
The Digital Economy Act allows large regional analogue stations to request to drop their regional programming in exchange for providing a national version of their service on DAB in order to encourage UK-wide services.
The national service will be broadcast from Smooth Radio's headquarters in Manchester and it is understood that up to 50 members of staff could be affected by the changes from the programming, news and support services.

July 2010

BBC Trust: 'Case not made for 6 Music axe' - July 5, 2010

The BBC Trust has said that the "case has not been made" for the closure of digital radio station 6 Music, with further consultation now required.
Today, Trust chairman Sir Michael Lyons laid out initial conclusions on BBC director general Mark Thompson's strategy review for the corporation, which included plans to close 6 Music and its sister station The Asian Network.
The move to axe 6 Music has led to widespread protests, including strong views expressed by listeners, musicians, industry bodies and even politicians.

In a statement, Lyons said that Thompson's strategy review has not made a sufficient enough case to support the closure of 6 Music.
The chairman said that Thompson should now conduct a wider consultation on the BBC's "overarching strategy" for digital radio.
He also said that the Trust would "consider" a proposal for the closure of the Asian Network, but that must factor in how the station's audience will be served elsewhere.
"The Trust concludes that, as things stand, the case has not been made for the closure of 6 Music," said Lyons.
"The Executive should draw up an overarching strategy for digital radio. If the director general wanted to propose a different shape for the BBC's music radio stations as part of a new strategy, the Trust would consider it.
"The Trust would consider a formal proposal for the closure of the Asian Network, although this must include a proposition for meeting the needs of the station's audience in different ways."

DTG consults on Freeview future - July 5, 2010

The Digital TV Group (DTG) has launched a consultation that director-general Richard Lindsay Davies claims will play a key role in ensuring it is able to produce a roadmap for the future interoperability, stability and technical development of the Freeview platform.
“For over a decade the DTG has played a pivotal role in the success of the Freeview platform,” Mr Davies said.
He pointed out that last year the DTG published the 6th edition of the D-Book, the technical specification for UK DTT that paved the way for the launch of high definition services on the platform.
He added that the DTG will publish the 7th edition of the specification later this year, making hybrid connected TV devices a reality for viewers.

“We believe that it falls to the DTG, as the only independent and fully representative organisation in our sector, to ensure that the horizontal market continues to exist in an environment where innovation can thrive and where the consumer is safeguarded.” The consultation is open now and closes on September 20.

Icecrypt Freeview HD PVR due in August - July 5, 2010

Icecrypt is to release a twin tuner Freeview HD PVR in August.
The T2400 HDPVR has a 16 character vacuum fluorescent display and front mounted click wheel control and comes with a choice of 500GB (£299) or 1TB (£329) drives.
Dual recording and timeshifting is supported as is playback of MP3 and DivX files. Connections include an HDMI capable of outputing video up to 1920 x 1080p50, twin Scarts, an SPDIF audio output, two USB ports and Ethernet for 'data transfer to PC'. A universal remote control is included and it consumes 1W when in standby. Additional functionality will be announced shortly.

Five pulls out of Project Canvas - July 9, 2010

Five has announced it will not pursue further involvement in Project Canvas, pending a review of its digital investment strategy.
Project Canvas, approved by the BBC Trust in June, will continue with the backing of the BBC, BT, ITV, Channel 4, Talk Talk and Arqiva.
Charles Constable, Director of Strategy at Five said "We continue to support the objectives of Project Canvas and despite withdrawing our interest in the venture we believe it will be a critical part of our strategy for reaching consumers in the future."
Richard Halton, Project Canvas, Director said: "We've had excellent support from Five. They share our goal of bringing the benefits of internet-connected TV to all. We look forward to working with them as a content provider to the platform in the future."

Five HD launches on Sky & Virgin Media - July 13, 2010

Virgin Media and Sky viewers will now be able to watch cricket, Neighbours and The Mentalist in high definition following the launch of Five HD. Five HD is available at position 171 on Sky's EPG and 150 on Virgin Media.
Five HD has not current plans to join Freesat or Freeview HD.
The channel, which will is a simulcast of Five’s main channel, it will be free to Virgin Media’s subscribers and will also roll out on Sky from today.

Shows made in HD include the channel’s new live entertainment series Don’t Stop Believing, which begins on Sunday July 18.
Austalian soaps Neighbours and Home & Away will also be broadcast in HD as will US dramas The Mentalist, Grey’s Anatomy, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Virgin Media has launched Fiver +1 at channel 151 on its EPG and Five USA +1 at position 154, offering an hour timeshift of both channels.
Richard Woolfe, Five’s channel controller, said the addition of HD was vital to the portfolio.
“So many of Five’s biggest programmes are shot in HD that it’s high time that audiences are able to enjoy their favourite programmes in the stunning picture quality that high definition offers,” said Woolfe.

Five hires Red Bee for Five HD playout - July 13, 2010

Broadcast operator Red Bee Media has been appointed by Five to provide playout and media management services for the new Five HD channel.
Five HD, which launched today on Sky and Virgin Media, offers a high definition simulcast of the main Five channel, including HD versions of Australian soaps, US dramas and sport.

Red Bee will now manage the distribution of Five HD, which builds on its existing deals with Five for playout of the Fiver and Five USA digital channels.
The firm also handles all Five's video on-demand services, including Demand Five and the long-form video streaming deal with YouTube UK.
"Five HD is an exciting addition to our portfolio of channels that will broadcast a wide range of high quality programmes including dramas, entertainment, movies and sport in high definition," said Five controller of operations and technology David Burge.
"Coupling with Red Bee Media and their proven expertise in this area, Five HD will deliver an even more compelling experience for our viewers."
Red Bee Media chief commercial officer Alan Wright added: "We're delighted to add the media management and distribution of Five HD to the range of operations we already provide to Five, including playout of Fiver and Five USA, and management of VOD, access and metadata services.
"HD is fast becoming the standard as media companies realise the potential of digital. Five HD adds to our portfolio of HD channels that we manage and furthers our strategic growth at the forefront of digital media management."

Film4 HD to launch on July 20 - July 14, 2010

Virgin Media has announced that Film4 HD will become available on its cable TV platform on July 20.
Launching on position 429 on Virgin Media's electronic programming guide, Film4 HD will offer a daily lineup of British, American and foreign films in high definition, alongside interviews and exclusive programming.
The channel will also carry movies produced by Film4, such as Mike Leigh's Happy Go Lucky, Ken Loach's Looking For Eric and the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire.
While announcing Film4 HD in March, Virgin Media's director of digital entertainment Cindy Rose said: "Channel 4 has a great track record in delivering innovative and compelling content and we're delighted to bring some of their very best films and most popular programmes to our customers in stunning HD.
"As more and more households become HD-ready, we're lining up content that makes the most of high definition and are making HD available to all our of customers for no extra fee."

Channel 4 head of VOD and channel development Sarah Rose added: "We're really excited to be launching Film4 HD and showcasing some fantastic British films to millions of viewers in high definition.
"There's a growing appetite for HD and our lineup of Channel 4 HD, E4 HD and now Film4 HD provides a great choice of HD content for viewers."

August 2010

ITV 'readies pay-TV move' - August 2, 2010

ITV has announced a move into pay television with an agreement to make ITV2 HD, ITV3 HD and ITV4 HD available on Sky.
Speaking at the publication of ITV's Interim Results, Adam Crozier, Chief Executive of ITV, said:
"For the past decade ITV has not faced up to the challenges presented by the rise of internet-based platforms, the continuing growth of pay TV and subscription services and the globalisation of content.
"Re-shaping the economics of ITV will require changes not only to the strategy but also to ITV's management, culture and organisation and to deliver this we are today announcing a five year Transformation Plan.
"Our priority for the next 18 months is to make ITV a creatively dynamic and fit for purpose organisation while maintaining strict financial controls.

We have made swift progress in putting together a very strong management team fully focussed on delivering a lean ITV that can create world class content, executed across multiple platforms and sold around the world. Over time we expect to move to a position whereby half of ITV's revenue base will be derived from non-television advertising sources and today we are announcing our move into pay television with the agreement to make HD versions of ITV 2, 3 and 4 pay channels on Sky." ITV also announced plans to launch ITV1+1 in Q1 2011.

Virgin Media submits Canvas complaint to Ofcom - August 3, 2010

Virgin Media has submitted a complaint to Ofcom requesting that the regulator (in conjunction with the OFT) investigate the proposed internet-connected TV platform Project Canvas.
Virgin Media said that they had submitted the complaint on the grounds that: "It (Canvas) is anti-competitive, restricts consumer choice and jeopardizes the future development of next generation TV in the UK."
In response, the Canvas partners Arqiva, the BBC, BT, C4, ITV and Talk Talk issued a statement saying: "Project Canvas expects to discuss the grounds of any complaint by Virgin Media with Ofcom. Our proposals remain unchanged and will create an open standards-based internet connected TV environment within which competition and innovation can flourish."

STV 'to shun more ITV dramas' - August 3, 2010

STV viewers will reportedly miss out on ITV dramas starring Sir David Jason and Dame Maggie Smith this autumn after the Scottish broadcaster stuck by its controversial scheduling policy.
According to The Daily Telegraph, STV is forging ahead with its contentious strategy of ditching high-profile ITV Network dramas in favour of Scottish-focused programming.
STV believes that the policy better serves its Scottish audience, but critics claim that the broadcaster is merely attempting to save money with cheaper content.
In the autumn schedule, STV has opted against airing Sir David Jason's new drama Albert's Memorial, which is about two World War II veterans attempting to fulfil their friend's dying wish.
The broadcaster will also shun Downtown Abbey, a period drama written by Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes and starring Dame Maggie Smith, as well as Joe Maddison's War, which stars Kevin Whately and Robson Green.

ITV confirms ITV1+1 launch in Q1 2011 - August 3, 2010

ITV has confirmed plans to launch the delayed one-hour timeshift of its main ITV1 channel in the first quarter of 2011.
The channel launch was announced as part of ITV chairman Archie Norman and chief executive Adam Crozier's new five-year transformation plan for the broadcaster.
As part of the new digital strategy, ITV will make ITV1+1 available in Q1 next year, although the broadcaster has not announced any further details on specific platforms.

Last year, ITV first unveiled plans to launch ITV1+1 on digital satellite and Virgin Media's digital cable service on October 1, 2009.
However, the broadcaster opted to delay the channel "until further notice", despite securing a transponder place on Sky's programming guide.
It is understood that concerns over the Contract Rights Renewal (CRR) mechanism - which seeks to protect media buyers from ITV's dominance in the UK's commercial television market - were behind the decision.
In May, the Competition Commission retained the CRR, but proposed factoring in ITV1+1 and ITV1 HD into future calculations so that ITV was not unfairly disadvantaged.
Last week, the House Of Lords communications committee also confirmed plans to run an inquiry into the television advertising market, including the CRR system.

ITV Player coming to Freesat - August 18, 2010

ITV has announced that ITV Player will be available on Freesat HD receivers and TVs from the autumn.
The 7 day catch up service will also be appearing on Sony's PlayStation 3 console by the end of the year as a free service funded by advertising.
A software update will be required after which it will appear in the TV menu.
The announcement forms parts of a plan to roll out ITV Player on multiple mobile and TV devices and games consoles in future.

Channel 5 returns to Project Canvas - August 24, 2010

The Project Canvas partners have today welcomed back Channel 5 to the IPTV joint venture after the broadcaster dropped out last month.
In July, the then RTL-owned Five decided to pull out of Canvas as part of a rethink of its digital investment strategy.

However, the renamed Channel 5 has since been acquired by Richard Desmond's Northern & Shell group, which is now working to reshape the loss-making broadcaster.
Alongside a major management restructure and heavy programming investment, Desmond has also agreed to return Channel 5 to Project Canvas.
The firm rejoins fellow terrestrial broadcasters the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 in the project, which aims to upgrade the Freeview and Freesat platforms to support video on-demand and internet services.
"Project Canvas is set to shape the future of broadcasting and open up new and exciting possibilities for viewers," said Desmond.
"This is important to the future of Channel 5 and having an open internet-connected TV platform fits closely with our plans to bring brilliant new content and interactive services to viewers.
"We're delighted to renew Channel 5's commitment to supporting Project Canvas following a review of our digital strategy."
Canvas director Richard Halton added: "Channel Five has already made a major contribution to Project Canvas and we're delighted to have them back on board. This is great recognition of how important Canvas is to the future of television."
Last week, IP Vision joined Virgin Media in submitting a formal complaint to Ofcom about Canvas, which it believes will "stifle industry innovation, inhibit competition and ultimately restrict consumer choice".

September 2009

Project Canvas becomes YouView - September 19 2009

Project Canvas has announced that 'YouView' will be the brand name for its free-to-air connected TV service launching next year with current Project Director Richard Halton appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the newly formed company YouView TV Ltd.
Halton takes responsibility for the new company with immediate effect, working alongside Kip Meek, who was appointed Chairman in August.

"YouView is a brilliant new subscription-free TV service which combines the best TV with on demand services and internet content. I am delighted to be leading the team who will make it a reality and think it will change the way we watch TV forever," said Halton.
Kip Meek, said: "YouView is key to ensuring that everyone in the UK benefits from next-generation TV and the UK has a competitive market. Viewers will get more choice whilst broadcasters and content providers both national and local will get a fantastic new means of finding audiences."+
YouView, which expects to launch in the first half of next year, will introduce a programme guide that goes backwards as well as forwards, allowing viewers to see programmes they've missed in the last 7 days.
YouView set-top boxes will include a Personal Video Recorder (PVR) and programme search function, the service is also planning to offer an applications store.

Men & Movies to launch on Freesat - September 20 2009

Movies4Men have announced that Men & Movies will launch their channel on Freesat, channel 143 on the 4th October 2010.
The announcement was made on their twitter page a few hours ago. Great news for all you movie lovers.

October 2010

Local TV groups challenge YouView - Friday, October 1 2010

A group of local TV operators have written to culture secretary Jeremy Hunt expressing their concern that YouView will "hijack the fledgling local TV market".
In a letter to the minister, published in The Times, the 14 organisations called for a "thorough competition investigation" into the IPTV platform.
YouView, which counts the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, BT, TalkTalk and Arqiva as its partners, will aim to upgrade the Freeview and Freesat platforms to support video on-demand and internet services when it launches next year.

The letter's signatories - including the KM Group, City Broadcasting, Somerset Film, The UK Entertainment Channel, Channel 9, NvTv and the Institute Of Local Television - believe that the venture is an "attempt by some of the biggest players to hijack the fledgling local TV market".
Hunt recently singled out YouView as offering exciting opportunities for the new generation of local media services that he wants to foster in the UK.
The letter notes that connected television could help local media operators to more easily deliver their services directly to new audiences.
However, it also expresses concern that the YouView partners currently control three quarters of TV viewing and the UK's entire digital terrestrial television transmission network. That means they could use YouView to "impose their own vision" on how television services should be delivered and "dictate the viewers' experience".
"The joint venture partners will control all aspects of the platform and its operational policies. If any third parties wish to participate, they will have to do so on the terms dictated to them by the UK's largest free-to-air broadcasters," the letter said.
"The lack of any thorough independent scrutiny of YouView to date, and the fundamental absence of any meaningful checks and balances, means the platform should not be unleashed without a thorough competition investigation."

BBC iPlayer rated best catch-up service - Friday, October 1 2010

The BBC's iPlayer is the most user-friendly catch-up TV service in the UK, while Sky Player lacks sufficiently clear navigation features, a new report has claimed.
According to a study conducted by user experience consultancy Webcredible, iPlayer achieved an 88% rating and was praised for being the "most usable video on-demand offering".

STV Player, the Scottish ITV licence holder's video on-demand platform, came in second place with a 76% rating.
STV's head of digital Alistair Brown said: "We always try to put our audiences at the centre of what we do and I'm delighted that this has been recognised by an independent usability report.
"I'm particularly pleased as the STV Player was developed on an extremely cost effective basis and in a very short timescale; the site and its production infrastructure were designed and developed over 12 weeks by the in-house team at STV. We have work scheduled to enhance the service in the next few months."
Also in the Webcredible rankings, Demand Five came in third with 72%, followed by Channel 4's 4OD with 68% and ITV Player with 60%.
Bringing up the rear was Sky's online TV service Sky Player, which "lost marks by not having a clear explanation on the differences between its subscription packages and the programmes that fall under these different packages, making it harder for site visitors to find a programme to watch".
However, Webcredible noted that Sky Player was the only paid-for model out of the six services analysed, and had a "more complex commercialised offering".
The company based the scores on ten different categories, including the VOD site's ease of use, search functionality and additional features, such as links to social media sites.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Webcredible's director Trenton Moss said: "Despite the overall high scores, it's surprising that the sites reviewed do not make more of an effort to engage their users.
"The functionality offered by many of the VOD sites is very similar, so user engagement is an area where sites can really look to differentiate themselves.
"This lack of engagement is particularly important for broadcaster VOD [services] to compete with sites like YouTube and new market players such as SeeSaw."

Men & Movies launches on Freesat - Monday, October 4 2010

The ultimate entertainment for men with action, documentaries, horror, sci-fi, war and westerns wings its way onto UK screens today, as Freesat announces the exclusive launch of Men & Movies on the free-to-air satellite TV service.
The newest channel from Dolphin Broadcast Services, the channel operator subsidiary of Dolphin Television, Men & Movies brings male viewers an exciting array of films, sport and documentary features across an eclectic range of genres.
Its addition to the Freesat line-up, on Channel 143, offers a thrilling destination for men who want more choice in their TV entertainment without having to pay a monthly subscription.
The arrival of Men & Movies follows hot on the heels of time-shifted ‘+1’ channels Movies4Men and Movies4Men2 on Freesat, launched last week to give its male audience a wider option of film start times across the schedule.

Renault TV launches on Freesat - Thursday, October 14 2010

Renault has today launched its dedicated TV channel on subscription-free satellite platform Freesat, after it became available on Sky late last year.
Renault TV, which broadcasts factual documentaries, magazine-style content, gameshows and motorsport, is available now at channel 651 on Freesat's programming guide.
The marketing channel now reaches more than 10 million UK homes after launching on Sky channel 883 last December.

Renault said that it will expand the channel to more platforms and countries into 2011.
Renault UK marketing director Phil York said: "By launching on Freesat and creating more immersive relationships with our customers, Renault is continuing its commitment to driving change within our marketing and communications.
"Renault TV has proven to be a valuable and effective platform that significantly lifts brand perception and consideration. Our customers can enjoy engaging with us on a deeper leve and we will benefit from Freesat's wider audience."
Freesat's head of channels Mark Briggs added: "We're very pleased to welcome Renault TV to Freesat.
"You don't have to be a Renault owner to enjoy RTV - the channel includes a broad variety of programmes including documentaries and even some road movies. I'm sure this will be a popular addition for many Freesat viewers."

BBC Service Announcement - Thursday, October 14 2010

The BBC is doing a technical update in the early hours of Monday 18th October 2010. The following channels will go off air for two hous approx:
BBC One (Norther Ireland, Wales, Cambridge, Channel Islands, Manchester, Leeds, Tunbridge Wells, Bristol)
BBC Two (Norther Ireland, Wales)
BBC FOUR
CBeebies

Freesat and Sky customers do not need to do anything, and once the update is complete these channels will be restored to both the Freesat and Sky EPGs automatically.
If you are using a non Freesat or Sky receiver, you will need to retune your satellite receiver to restore these channels.

BBC to launch HD Sound for online radio - Monday, October 18 2010

The BBC has today announced plans to launch HD Sound on its radio networks, offering an extra high quality audio stream for live online listening.
From December, all live streams of BBC Radio 3's schedule will be available in the high quality audio via the station's website.
The corporation also intends to offer special events broadcast on other networks in HD Sound, starting with Radio 2's Electric Proms coverage later this month.

HD Sound uses higher bit rates and improved encoding techniques to deliver the best quality audio ever broadcast by BBC Radio.
The technology also enables a wider dynamic range to more accurately accentuate the volume difference between quiet and loud sounds.
However, the listener's appreciation of the improved sound quality will ultimately depend on the quality of receiver equipment they are using.
Anyone using a high-quality soundsystem or headphones will be able to appreciate the extra layers of clarity and detail in the sound, but those listening on low-quality speakers or a laptop will find it more difficult.
As HD Sound is still in the early stages of development, the technology will only be available on live programme streams rather than on-demand listening.
The service will be offered on official BBC station websites and special event sites, but the BBC intends to expand it onto iPlayer and Radioplayer "as the technology develops".
Director of BBC Audio & Music Tim Davie said: "HD Sound is an exciting development and a signal of our commitment to innovate in digital radio for the benefit of our listeners."
Roger Wright, controller Radio 3 and director of BBC Proms, added: "Online listeners to Radio 3 were able to enjoy the final week of this year's BBC Proms in extra high quality audio and I'm thrilled that we can now offer this streaming permanently across our full schedule."
The HD Sound trials have also enabled Radio 3 to upgrade its overall audio quality on standard iPlayer streams by optimising the signal level being fed through the encoders.

Radioplayer to launch in December - Tuesday, October 19 2010

Radioplayer, the new online platform bringing together all of the BBC and commercial radio stations in the UK, will officially launch in December, it has been announced.
The service, which was first unveiled last winter, will feature a pop-up console for streaming around 400 national, local and community radio stations on a specially-designed platform.
Today, the radio industry was given its first demonstration of the new player at the annual Radio Festival in Salford.

Andrew Harrison, chairman of Radioplayer and chief executive of RadioCentre, confirmed that the service will begin a phased rollout in December, with 50 stations initially available.
The rollout will continue towards a full commercial launch in February 2011, when there will be at least 200 stations on offer, including every Ofcom-regulated network in the UK.
An extensive online marketing campaign will support the consumer launch, and the Radioplayer backers - the BBC, Global Radio, GMG Radio, RadioCentre and Absolute - believe that there will be huge demand for the service.
As 4.7m people listen to the radio online every month, the backers expect that Radioplayer will be "a multi-million user product from the moment it launches to consumers".
The backers also confirmed that the annual licence fee for each member to appear on the Radioplayer will be set "relative to station size".
In a statement, Harrison said: "Radioplayer will create significant opportunities for the commercial radio sector, expanding the scope and availability of services and providing an excellent simple online platform, alongside DAB, for audiences and advertisers to discover more digital radio."
Michael Hill, managing director of Radioplayer UK, said: "We are delighted to be able to unveil Radioplayer to our radio industry colleagues today, and show them just how simple and intuitive listening online is with Radioplayer. This is a defining moment for UK radio and we hope all broadcast stations, of all sizes and types, will participate."
BBC Audio and Music director Tim Davie, who also attended the Radioplayer launch, added: "Radioplayer will deliver a simple, quality experience for users and provide a coherent online presence for UK radio stations. It is a result of genuine collaboration across the industry and is the sort of innovation we need to make digital radio a reality."

Ofcom rules out YouView investigation - Tuesday, October 19 2010

Ofcom has today announced that it will not launch an investigation into YouView, despite receiving numerous complaints about the IPTV joint venture.
In a statement, the media regulator said that fears about YouView's potential harm to market competition would be offset by its "benefits to viewers and consumers".
However, Ofcom also noted that the IPTV sector is still emerging, meaning the "impact of YouView on the market will not be known with any confidence for some time".

YouView, which is a partnership between the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, BT, TalkTalk and Arqiva, will aim to upgrade the digital terrestrial television platform to support internet-connected services when it launches next year.
The project also plans to create a set of common technical standards for companies making YouView branded set top boxes and connected TVs to deliver content via a unified user interface.
Virgin Media and IP Vision submitted complaints to Ofcom that the venture would potentially breach the Competition Act 1998. Ofcom also received submissions from 11 other parties, including Sky.
The complaints mostly argued that the venture, which launched in 2008 as Project Canvas, would give its partners incentives to "withhold content from competing platforms". They were also concerned that YouView would restrict competition between rival TV providers.
Despite having the power to refer the case to the Competition Commission for further investigation, Ofcom opted to dismiss the complaints.
The regulator said that it is "premature" to open an investigation into YouView, as "whether or not YouView and its partners will harm competition in the ways alleged will depend upon how this emerging market develops and how they act, particularly in relation to providing access to content and issuing technical standards".
Ofcom noted that there is "little evidence" at this stage that YouView partners the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 plan to restrict access to their video on-demand content.
However, it added: "Given the possibility that harmful effects might emerge later, Ofcom will, nonetheless, keep the content syndication policies of the YouView partners under review."
The watchdog also acknowledged YouView's efforts to publish its technical standards for the industry, while fears about a restrictive user interface are not currently sufficient to warrant further investigation.
Ofcom therefore does not plan to investigate YouView under the Competition Act, but will continue to monitor developments closely, particularly in regards to the venture's sharing of standards and its content syndication practices.
Should evidence emerge that the operation of YouView could cause harm to viewers and consumers, Ofcom could reconsider its decision not to investigate in the future.
"Ofcom's view is that consumers' interests will not be served by opening an investigation," said Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards.
"It would be premature at the current stage of YouView's development given the absence of a clear risk of consumer harm. But if evidence does emerge in the future that YouView causes harm to the interests of viewers and consumers we may reconsider whether to investigate."
In response to Ofcom's decision, YouView chief executive Richard Halton said: "We have been clear throughout this process that YouView will stimulate competition in the TV platform market and create opportunities for content providers and device manufacturers. Most importantly it represents a great consumer proposition. We therefore welcome this decision from Ofcom.
"In a market dominated by pay services, we are creating the only mass market IPTV service that will be subscription free. All our efforts are now focused on launching a brilliant consumer product for launch next year. We look forward to broadening our engagement with wider industry partners over the coming weeks and months."

BBC One HD launching on November 3rd - Wednesday, October 20 2010

The BBC has confirmed channel numbers for BBC One HD on the four main digital TV platforms, along with details about the launch night schedule.
the high definition simulcast of BBC One will launch on the evening of November 3. It will be available on Freesat channel 108, Freeview channel 50, Sky channel 143 and Virgin Media channel 108.
Starting at 7pm, the launch night for BBC One HD will feature a series of programmes produced in native HD, including The One Show and new series Wallace and Gromit: World of Inventions. The channel will also air HD versions of Nigel Slater's Simple Suppers, Jimmy's Food Factory, The Apprentice and Film 2010.
Moving forward, BBC One HD will broadcast Strictly Come Dancing, Children in Need, Antiques Roadshow, Countryfile,
The Graham Norton Show and The Royal Variety Show, all in HD.

Any programmes not produced in native HD will be still be available on the channel, but upscaled to the higher picture quality.
The BBC hopes that the vast majority of BBC One content will be available in full HD by 2012, including all news and current affairs output.
BBC Vision director Jana Bennett said: "Whether it is seeing the flicker of irritation on Lord Sugar's face in a boardroom showdown or watching the beads of sweat fly from the dancers on Strictly, BBC One HD is the biggest sign yet that HD viewing is now part of the mainstream."
The existing BBC HD channel will continue showing selected content from BBC Two, BBC Three and BBC Four, including Top Gear and Wimbledon coverage. It will also broadcast some of the final races from this year's Moto GP in HD as a trial run for the sport.
Danielle Nagler, the BBC's head of HD & 3D, said: "The arrival of the UK's favourite channel in HD - as a second HD channel from the BBC - will increase the range and choice of HD programming we can offer the ever growing HD audience.
"The existing BBC HD channel has been hugely successful. It will continue to show programmes from across all BBC channels, to allow all HD viewers to find programming they can enjoy. And it will now have space to accommodate more hours of new HD programmes from the BBC."
Also today, the BBC announced that EastEnders will commence broadcasting in HD for the first time on Christmas Day.
Bryan Kirkwood, EastEnders executive producer, said: "Christmas Day in Walford is traditionally, turkey, tinsel and turmoil for the residents of Albert Square.
"This year will be even more spectacular with viewers having the opportunity the watch the festive drama unfold in HD for the first time."
EastEnders will join Holby City, which made the transition to HD on October 18. The hospital drama will continue to air on BBC HD until BBC One HD launches.
From November 3, BBC HD will be available on Freesat channel 109, Freeview channel 54, Sky channel 169 and Virgin Media channel 187.

Sky sets launch date for Anytime+ - Friday, October 22 2010

Sky has confirmed that Anytime+, its new internet-delivered video on-demand service, will start rolling out to millions of Sky+ HD homes from next week.
On October 26, Sky subscribers will be able to connect their Sky+ HD set-top boxes to a Sky Broadband connection to access the on-demand platform, which complements the existing Sky Anytime 'push' VOD service.
Once connected, customers will be able to 'pull' content from a library of more than 600 films and a wide variety of television programmes, including on-demand shows from Sky's recent deal with HBO.

The service - which is available to subscribers at no extra cost - will also host content from Sky Movies, Sky Sports, Sky Arts and Sky1, as well as certain third-party channels.
First unveiled in July, the Anytime+ user interface is designed to be a logical extension of the existing Sky+ HD electronic programme guide (EPG). It features thumbnail images for content, editorialised listings and helpful search tools for effective content discovery.
Anytime+ works on a progressive download basis, meaning content becomes available to view before it has fully downloaded. However, the service is only available to customers with a Sky Broadband connection, meaning anyone using another provider will initially miss out.
"Sky Anytime+ demonstrates the benefit of being able to use the best combination of distribution platforms in delivering what our customers want," said Stephen van Rooyen, Sky's deputy managing director of marketing.
"Through Sky Broadband customers can now explore a rich library of programming to watch on-demand through their TVs. Meanwhile satellite continues to satisfy the increasing demand for high bandwidth services like HD and 3D, and Sky+ continues to help customers define their own schedules from the best of the week's TV."
Anytime+ will be rolled out to all Sky+ HD boxes from October 26 and Sky expects the majority of customers to be able to receive the service by the end of the year. In the phased rollout, all remaining receivers will be enabled in the first part of 2011.

November 2010

Real Digital steps closer to adding Sky Sports - Wednesday, November 10 2010

The service has been added to the list of companies who can apply to carry Sky Sports 1 and 2, alongside BT Vision, Top Up TV and Virgin Media.
However, Real Digital will still have to prove that it has the financial security and strong encryption Sky demands for its channels.
The satellite service aims to rival Sky, launches combining pay TV and free channels with plans to include Sky Sports 1 and 2 at a 'new low cost monthly price'.

Viewers will be able to use an existing Sky or Freesat dish and will required a Real Digital receiver costing £159 or Real HD+ PVR costing 'around £270' and viewing card.
All boxes will have a 'new 7 day EPG' and Fortec Star has been named as a manufacturer. The Real Digital website promises 'a substantial discount' on Real Digital receivers for those who trade in their Sky, Freesat or 'generic FTA' receiver.
Today's decision brings Real Digital under the Competition Appeals Tribunal's interim order, made in April.
The interim order grants BT Vision and Top Up TV the right to wholesale Sky Sports 1 and 2, following Ofcom’s three year investigation into the UK Pay-TV market.
Ofcom has ordered Sky to wholesale the channels to competitors at a lower price than it wants, and the interim order allows them to do so until the Competition Appeals Tribunal has reviewed the case.
Under the order, BT Vision and Top Up TV currently offer the two Sky Sports channels, but have to pay the difference between Ofcom's price and Sky's price into a holding account. The balance will be paid to Sky or returned to its rivals when the Tribunal makes its decision.

Virgin Media adds Demand Five VoD service - Thursday, November 11 2010

Channel FIVE have announced a multiscreen deal with Virgin Media to bring programming from all of FIVE’s terrestrial TV channels to its TV, online and mobile video on demand platforms from November. The addition of Demand Five to its pioneering TV On Demand service at no extra cost to customers makes Virgin Media the only TV provider to offer catch-up services from all four main terrestrial broadcasters, with some shows also available in HD.
This new deal will see a new range of quality programs added to Virgin Media’s TV On Demand portfolio, from FIVE’s home grown shows such as The Gadget Show and Fifth Gear as well as popular US dramas including The Mentalist, Grey’s Anatomy and CSI: Miami.

BT Vision to add iPlayer - Thursday, November 11 2010

BT has announced 'disappointing' take up figures for its BT Vision service following the addition of Sky Sports to the channel line up.
Subscriber numbers have risen from 467.000 to 520,000 in the past six month, with 50,000 subscribers taking up Sky Sports channels since their introduction in July.
BT also said it is to add BBC iPlayer to the service with a phased release due to start in December and all users expected to be able receive it by April. 3D films will also be available on demand from tomorrow.

ITV3 HD and ITV4 HD go live on Sky - Monday, November 15 2010

ITV has today launched high definition versions of ITV3 and ITV4 exclusively on Sky, following the recent launch of ITV2 HD on the satellite platform.
From 5pm, ITV3 HD will start broadcasting at channel 226 on Sky's electronic programming guide, while ITV4 HD will be available at position 227.
The channels will broadcast a range of programmes in native high definition. The rest of their schedules will be upscaled to the higher picture quality.
ITV4's native HD schedule will include races from the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, after ITV recently extended its rights deal to the sport.

The two channels follow the launch of ITV2 HD last month at position 225 on Sky's programming guide. The exclusive channels are part of ITV's new pay-TV strategy.
Announcing the strategy in August, ITV chief executive Adam Crozier said: "Building new revenue streams by exploiting our content across multiple platforms is a key part of the ITV transformation plan.
"Pay television has seen continual growth over the last decade and this deal is a great example of how a new, subscription-based launch, can complement ITV's existing free-to-air channels."
Sky's chief operating officer Mike Darcey added: "The subscription model best rewards those committing to HD and continues to drive its growth.
"We therefore welcome ITV's move to embrace pay-TV to satisfy the demands of millions who now regard anything less than HD as a compromise."

The Channel Islands have gone digital - Wednesday, November 17 2010

Shortly after midnight on Tuesday, analogue BBC One, BBC Two, Channel Television and Channel 4 were turned off permanently at the Fremont Point transmitter, allowing Freeview digital channels to be broadcast across the islands for the first time.
Islanders switching to Freeview need to tune in their digital tvs and boxes once signals are available in their area (follow guide below).
The switch has meant virtually all households across the islands will be able to receive Freeview digital channels for the first time and will see their choice of terrestrial channels increase from four to around 15.
Bill Taylor, Digital UK's Regional Manager in the Channel Islands, said: "This is an historic day for TV in the Channel Islands as we say goodbye to the old analogue system forever. Viewers have responded extremely well and many are enjoying the benefits of digital TV for the first time."

Standard TV Channels

BBC 1, BBC 2, Channel Television, Channel 4, Channel 5, BBC 3, BBC 4, Channel 4+1, More4, 4, CBBC, Cbeebies, BBC News, BBC Parliament, Rabbit, Gay Rabbit.

HD Channels

BBC One HD, BBC HD, Channel 4 HD.

Radio

BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 1X, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5L, BBC Radio 5LSX, BBC 6 Music, BBC 7, BBC Asian network*, BBC World Service, Heart.

December 2010

Global BBC iPlayer to launch next year - Wednesday, December 1 2010

The BBC has confirmed that a commercial version of its iPlayer video on-demand platform will launch next year on Apple's iPad in international markets.
At the Edinburgh TV Festival in August, BBC director general Mark Thompson said that the corporation would make iPlayer available to overseas users within a year.

BBC Worldwide, the corporation's commercial arm, has appointed Mark Smith to the newly created role of global iPlayer director to oversee the launch.
According to the Financial Times, Worldwide said today that it would make iPlayer available on iPad devices in selected overseas markets in the middle of 2011, starting with the US.
Luke Bradley-Jones, Worldwide's managing director of BBC.com, said that the global iPlayer would be aimed at early adopters with a keen interest in BBC content.
Bradley-Jones said that the iPad version of the popular catch-up service would have "a handcrafted feel, very much being about the best of British".
He confirmed that the BBC would charge a monthly subscription fee to access the on-demand application, partially to get audiences "used to the service", but also to "generate additional value from the service in terms of the user data that it gives us".
"We will also offer advertisers the chance to partner with us on the 'free' areas of the service," said Bradley-Jones.
"We're also planning for the global iPlayer to initially launch just on the iPad platform, as it provides such potential to develop a truly interactive video on-demand service, and also maps pretty nicely on to our core target audience for the service."
Bradley-Jones said that the business model for global iPlayer would be tweaked in the future in response to changes in the video on-demand market.
He added: "There's a general acknowledgement in the world of VOD that there needs to be a hybrid business model, a combination of subscriptions, download to own and pay-per-view. I can see the value of that view and I believe it's the way that the global iPlayer will go in the medium term."

Freeview could miss out on extra BBC HD channels - Thursday, December 2 2010

Future BBC HD channels could be exclusive to satellite and cable, the BBC has warned.
BBC HD chief Danielle Nagler said the BBC will launch BBC Two HD when there is enough hi-def content for peak-time schedules.
'We have over half of the peak-time content in HD now on BBC One, but we are not currently in that position with BBC Two or the other channels,' said Nagler, who is the BBC's head of HD and 3D.

'When we feel we can offer it we will launch – and I have no doubt that BBC Three HD and BBC Four HD will follow in due course.'
Speaking to the Informa Digital TV Summit said Freeview's limited capacity for HD channels would not stop the BBC launching them. Freeview currently has a single HD multiplex with capacity for five channels, of which the BBC takes two, whereas Freesat, Sky and Virgin have relatively unlimited capacity for more HD.
Digital TV Europe reports that she added: 'There are possibilities around what can be done with Freeview that could allow the addition of further HD channels but it's a matter for Freeview and Freeview shareholders.
'If Freeview can't take them we will have to offer those channels on the platforms that are capable of taking them.'

Lords warned over ITV1 CRR removal - Thursday, December 17 2010

The cost of advertising on ITV1 could rise by up to 10% if restrictions on the way airtime is sold on the channel are removed, the boss of a leading media agency has warned.
The House of Lords Communications Committee is currently reviewing TV advertising regulation in the UK, including the contract rights renewal (CRR) mechanism introduced in 2003 to protect advertisers from the loss of competition when Carlton and Granada merged to form ITV plc.
In a submission to the committee, OMD chief executive Steve Williams said that removal of the CRR could result in ITV significantly increasing the price of advertising slots on its flagship channel ITV1, reports Campaign Live.
"If you were to put a number on what could happen (if CRR was removed), it could be price rises in the region of 5% to 10%," he said.

Sky swapping HD and SD channel numbers - Thursday, December 9 2010

Sky will launch a separate EPG numbering system for HD channels from February. Broadband TV News reports that from February 1, 2011, the satellite broadcaster will run both a "Standard Bouquet" and an "HD Swap Bouquet," allowing HD simulcast channels to take the EPG number of their SD counterpart.
The swap bouquet will be offered to customers subscribing to one or more HD channels; some HD channels will be offered an opt-out from the service to take account of regional variations (for example, BBC One HD currently airs a holder slide while local news is broadcast).

CBS HD channels on the way - Friday, December 10 2010

Ofcom has granted licenses for two new HD channels from the CBS family. CBS Action HD and CBS Drama HD have both been approved by Ofcom; the standard-definition CBS Action broadcasts shows including Star Trek and NCIS, while CBS Drama airs the likes of Melrose Place and Medium.
At time of writing, it's unknown whether the new HD channels will be simulcasts of their SD counterparts, or will show their own programming schedule.
CBS Action and CBS Drama are both available free-to-air on the Freesat platform, raising hopes among Freesat viewers that CBS's two new HD channels will launch on Freesat.

Three Electric Sofa channels to launch on Freesat - Saturday, December 11 2010

Electric Sofa Media, the UK’s newest broadcaster, plan to launch three exciting new television channels on Freesat in early 2011.
The channels are focused on entertainment and film covering all ages:
Film GB – The first ever TV channel devoted exclusively to British cinema
Bringing a mixture of classic and new movies, including family favourites and brand new British films. Each film will also be introduced from the Film GB Central London studios by one of its stars, producers or directors, a cinema expert or someone connected with the film.
Sofa Stars – The new home of the best entertainment
Edgy entertainment, powerful documentaries, acclaimed dramas and daily news brought to you every weekday evening.
Sofa Screen – A new movie channel targeting 25-44 year olds
The most popular genres every weekday evening including tearjerkers, family favourites, thrillers, horror, sci-fi and much more.

Astra 2D - The British TV & Radio Site

Astra 2D.com

Programme Guides
Radio Times TV Guide What's on TV On The Box TV-Easy ITV TV Guide TV Guide UK

Astra 2D - The British TV & Radio Site

Astra 2D.com

Programme Guides Radio Times TV Guide What's on TVOn The BoxTV-EasyITV TV GuideTV Guide UK

Programme Guides
Radio Times TV Guide What's on TV On The Box TV-Easy ITV TV Guide TV Guide UK