Digital Transmitions could interfere with regular broadcasts.........
dotelectronics.com
DTT could hit all other TV signals
: by Svetlana Josifovska
Millions of homes with ordinary TV sets, cable set-top boxes and VCRs could be plagued by interference problems once digital terrestrial TV (DTT) launches at the end of the year.
The interference between existing services and DTT emerged as DTT transmitters started test broadcasts around the country. The situation is expected to get worse after the full launch of the DTT service later this year, when 81 transmitters start broadcasting permanently.
Telewest Communications is one cable operator whose franchise areas has been adversely affected. David Van Valkenburg, Telewest Communications' interim chief executive, said: "There is some interference between the DTT signals and our channels. They are transmitting at the same frequency as one of our channels. "Individual channels in various franchise areas are affected by different transmitters. We are anticipating more interference as the [digital TV] launches start."
The company is discussing the problem with the Digital Television Group (DTG). "We are working with the DTG on this," said Howard Watson, MD of network services at Telewest. "Different frequencies are affected throughout the country, but we are clearing this up now." UK broadcasters, including ONdigital and the BBC, have teamed up to solve the problem.
The solution is likely to take time and money as, in many areas, it will need home visits by a technician. But the Television Transmitter Adjustment Programme launched by the broadcasters will only address TV sets, leaving VCRs and cable set-top boxes facing potential problems.xt and
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