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News BSkyB to launch DTT pay-TV Satellite broadcaster BSkyB is to launch a pay-TV service on digital terrestrial television later this year. The new service will allow customers to receive some of Sky's most popular programming, including live Premiership football and Holllywood films. BSkyB's new DTT pay-TV offering will use MPEG4 compression technology to squeeze four services into the spectrum currently used by its three Freeview channels - Sky Three, Sky News and Sky Sports News. Customers will pay a monthly subscription to get the service through a conventional rooftop aerial and a digital TV box. To access the service, customers will have to buy a new set-top box that includes the relevant conditional access software and MPEG4 decoder - so it will not be available via existing Freeview DTT receivers. Such a receiver doesn't exist yet. Sky Three, Sky News and Sky Sports News will disappear from Freeview to make way. Media regulator Ofcom must approve the plans before they go ahead. Content including live Premiership football and other big sporting events will be available on the new service, along with movies, news and entertainment. http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,,2008782,00.html The announcement came on the same day that Sky's cable rival NTL/Telewest relaunched under the name Virgin Media. Virgin Media is offering customers a number of TV, broadband, and both fixed-line and mobile phone services. It is also promising an on-demand TV channel, Virgin Central, which will make shows like The OC, Nip/Tuck, West Wing and Little Britain available at the touch of a button. http://www.dtg.org.uk/news/news.php?id=2272 Ofcom to investigate Sky Virgin Media has welcomed trade secretary Alistair Darling's decision to order an investigation into whether BSkyB's surprise purchase of a 17.9% stake in ITV in November is in the public interest. Virgin Media CEO Steve Burch said the cable operator&emdash;which, under its previous guise as ntl sought to merge with ITV&emdash;was "gratified" that Darling had ordered the Ofcom probe. http://www.dtg.org.uk/news/news.php?id=2270 And Sky could lose money BSkyB has warned investors that the financial impact of not concluding a basic channels carriage deal with Virgin Media could amount to a reduction of between £15m and £20m in operating profit for the remainder of Sky's financial year, ending on June 30. http://www.dtg.org.uk/news/news.php?id=2267 The great digital TV rip-off TRADERS are cashing in on confusion surrounding the switchover to digital television, an M.E.N. investigation has revealed. Unscrupulous aerial fitters have been caught telling customers they will need a new "digital aerial" costing up to £100 if they wish to carry on receiving television pictures after 2009. Full story: http://tinyurl.com/3dswaz
Comments: http://tinyurl.com/32k9dp Don't buy a new TV yet "My £900 32-inch Samsung TV certainly looks good", writes chief business reporter David Teather. "The only problem - and arguably a large one - is that the picture can be pretty awful. When no one is moving on screen, the quality is great. During action sequences things start getting a bit more wobbly. Tennis balls can have a streak following them like a comic book swoosh. Even if people walk too fast, their faces look like dough being kneaded - the image is constantly overlaid by where they were a fraction of a second ago. Quality varies. The main channels are best. American shows are worst. I've had to break it off with Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I sent the set back, assuming there must be something wrong. It came back the same as ever. A second engineer confirmed my suspicions. There was nothing wrong with the set, he said, confiding that LCD TVs were never as good as an old-fashioned telly." Full story: http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,2016468,00.html BBC on-demand proposals Following application of its first Public Value Test (PVT), the BBC Trust has today published its provisional conclusions on the BBC Executive's new on-demand services and opened a period of consultation. The Trust's provisional conclusion is to give the BBC Executive the go ahead for the new on-demand services, but subject to certain conditions and modifications to the proposition. http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/news/press_releases/31_01_2007.html Subtitles on TopUpTV The TopupTV anytime box has a "subtitles" button, but it doesn't work - at least not on Crystal Palace mast - and Topup have acknowledged that this is a known issue, but have no timetable for resolving it. I wrote to them (of attempts to get subtitles for an elderly relative): "We found plenty of terrestrial programmes offering subtitles (on 888) if viewed directly by his TV, but the same programmes viewed via the DTR did not show subtitles. Pressing the Subtitle button on the remote control toggles a tickbox on or off, but there are no subtitles." Here is what they said to me: "We would like to take this opportunity to tell you now that we are aware of the problem with the subtitles, and can confirm that this will be up and running at a later date, which is yet to be confirmed." (Email on 17 Jan 07 from "Top Up TV Team " enquiries@topuptv.com) John G Do you need an RF modulator? I have a 14 inch Hitachi TV CPT1476R with no SCART, only one RF aerial connection. Also a newish Grundig DTR GDT 1500T with 2 SCART and RF (loop through only). To get digital Freeview I needed to connect these 2 devices, so I was pleased to read in the HELP that this could be done by using a VCR connected to the DTR with a SCART/SCART lead. But my old VCR Panasonic NV-370B does not have any SCART connections, so I was about to give up. Then I noticed that the VCR has on the back VIDEO IN (BNC) & VIDEO OUT (BNC) connections, for use with a camera. So, using an old Intertan Techcessories Audio/Video dubbing kit, I made a lead which was SCART plug at one end, leading at the other end to 2 phono plugs [VIDEO IN/OUT] and 4 phono plugs [AUDIO IN/OUT]. The audio leads also included a 5-pin DIN/DIN connection on the way - an unavoidable complication when using this kit. Well, with the 'SCART' end plugged into the Grundig 'VCR' socket and the 'VIDEO IN' end plugged into the Panasonic VCR 'VIDEO IN' socket and the 'black Audio IN' end plugged into the VCR 'Audio IN' socket, all looked good. TV and VCR and DTR all connected via RF loop through. TV tuned to be on the VCR channel and VCR set to 'camera' it all worked, and I can now get analogue TV[1 to 5] and Freeview digital channels, sound and pictures. All this probably seems obvious to those in the know. I do not claim the picture quality is as good as using SCART throughout, but it is good enough for a second TV set. It appears possible to get Freeview on very old kit - so do not throw this old stuff away needlessly! "Idealist" (This post was in a discussion forum and evoked the following responses:) "Good on you for your ingenuity. Cue debate on how much greener is it to recycle old A/V kit against the ongoing cost of having to have the VCR turned on when you want to watch Freeview" "The best way to recycle is to reuse. In this scenario the quality will be as good as the TV can manage so it is a good solution." Become a Digital TV Installer - update As promised, SatCure is now providing a training course to teach people how to install "Digital TV Systems". Several dozen people have already signed up to learn how to make money in the run-up to "analogue switch-off". The course includes audio interviews with time-served installers. Click to learn more:
http://www.satcure.co.uk/course.htm Setanta Sport Setanta Sports One launches 1 March 2007 News of the Sky service also follows a decision by pay-TV company Setanta to broadcast some Premiership matches on DTT for £10.99 a month from next season. You can watch LIVE and EXCLUSIVE sporting action including: - 46 live Barclays Premiership football matches per season from August 2007.
- US PGA TOUR Golf
- 60 Scottish Premier league matches per season
- Top Flight live European football, Serie A, Bundesliga, Le Championnat, Portuguese and Dutch Division 1
To enjoy Setanta Sports One all you need is a Set Top Box with a slot or a Top Up TV Anytime DTR and a Viewing Card - allegedly! http://www.topup.tv/setantasports.html Setanta is on channel 34 from noon till 3am. Today (1st March) it was showing re-runs of 6-Nations rugby. You will need a Freeview receiver with a card slot (uses the same CAM as TopUP TV). (top) Questions Model number on label or rear panel: Thomson Sky+160. I have recently moved into a new flat, and the satellite is connected via a wall panel, rather than direct from the wires as with a standard install I see from your website that this is not recommended as it severely affects the quality of the signal, and I am seeing this. Question is - is there anything I get from you guys that can help with this problem? I'd prefer a simple fix if possible, but I'm willing to look at an a paid-for engineer visit if required. Thanks Duncan S It's not recommended but a correctly fitted, fully-screened wall plate will not affect the signal in any way that you can detect. The signal quality reading varies from one digibox to the next and doesn't matter provided that the pictures are stable. See http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/wall_plates.htm Best Wishes, Martin
Boy, you guys are really on the ball with question last night and good answer first thing this morning. I will certainly be successively checking and trying all of your recommendations. FYI, Channel 4 (as opposed to BBC4) is perfect along with channel 5. We receive a great picture 24 hours a day. What I don't really understand is why this is only a BBC/ITV problem and why BBC Parliament works 24 hours a day. Again thanks for the great service. For my situation (Freeview abroad in Europe) which book do you suggest I buy from you? Best regards, Robert Hi Robert, Many thanks for taking the time to say thank you. It's nice to know our work is appreciated. ! The only reason some channels are better than others is solely down to which transponder and beam they are using. Some cover most of Europe, some are focused on the UK. As for Freeview abroad in Europe. I'm assuming you're looking for "Free to Air" satellite channels to view in Europe, or were you thinking of FREEVIEW channels (Uk based Digital Terrestrial Service) as if you're thinking of the latter, it really isn't feasible unfortunately. As for "Free To Air" our E-books cover this. See http://www.satcure.com/book.htm#installing Best wishes. Mark at Satcure Technical
I would like some advise on what satallite dish I need to purchase. I have a Media Centre PC, With HDTV Sat Received installed. I have SKY HD, already installed in the house. I am looking to receive more channels, i.e. American and any others I can do. High Def and none High Def. I am presuming that I am best advised to leave my current SKY HD Alone, and set up a new satallite dish for this purpose ? If so , could you please advise me which/what dish etc. I will need. many Thanks Steve Hi Steve, Firstly I'd like to say I'm sorry but you can't pick up any American Satellites as they're in Orbit the other side of the world and are unable to be seen by European countries. Also, leave your current HD Set-up as it is. For information regarding Channels/Dish size etc. Please see here: http://www.satcure.com/tech/channels.htm Regards Mark at Satcure Technical
Equipment made by: Thomson Model number on label or rear panel: none I have excellent analogue reception but a faint flicker on freeview though the picture is very well formed. We are in a strong reception area. I have a high gain wideband arial. Is it possible I need an attenuator to remove the flicker? What are the symtoms of a signal that is too strong? Thanks. Steve. steve c Hi Steve, The symptoms would normally be intermittent breakup of picture and sound as the analogue signal overloads the tuner. At your location, the digital signal from Emley Moor will produce a field strength of 62dBuV/m, according to the "Wolfbane" prediction. The analogue signal will be a whopping 85dBuV/m. And that's without an aerial! A typical Freeview receiver will be "swamped" by a signal of more than 80dBuV and, as the signal strength increases after dusk, I would keep it below 75dBuV to be safe. I recommend using a log-periodic aerial such as our Pro-Vision V10-030. http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/logperiodic.htm This has a gain of nearly 9dBd which, added to the 85dBuV of the analogue signal produces 94dBuV. This needs to be reduced to 75dBuV. Assuming a cable length of 10 metres (which attenuates by around 0.2dB/m) we need an attenuator value of 94 - 2 - 75 = 16dB. I'd suggest using one of our variable attenuators fitted behind the Freeview receiver where it can easily be adjusted. http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page15a.htm#variable Another thing I can advise is for you to download and read our "Freeview Bible E-book" http://www.satcure.com/book.htm#freeview This book covers all probable faults and causes and is a wealth of information. The average Freeview receiver signal meter reads from 40dBuV to 80dBuV, with the former representing the zero threshold and the latter representing 100%. Bear in mind this is the digital signal, not the analogue, which in your case would be 85 - 62 = 23dB higher. The 0-100 scale therefore represents 100/(80-40) = 2.5 divisions per dBuV. If your analogue signal is at 75dBuV, the digital will be at 75 - 23 = 52dBuV. Subtracting 40 from 52 leaves 12dBuV. Multiply that by 2.5 gives a scale reading of 30%. Any reading above that is likely to indicate overoading. Regards, Mark at Satcure Technical Total Lunar Eclipse Set aside some time this weekend for sky watching (not Sky watching!). On Saturday night, March 3rd, there's going to be a total eclipse of the Moon. This means the Moon will glide through the heart of Earth's shadow and turn a beautiful shade of sunset red. Totality can be seen from parts of all seven continents including all of Europe and Africa and the eastern half of North America. Visit http://spaceweather.com for observing tips, maps and links to live webcasts. Lunar Eclipse Gallery (photos from a similar eclipse in 2004): http://spaceweather.com/eclipses/gallery_27oct04_page2.html
Happy Customers Hi Martin/Mark, Just a quick note to say thank you for the advice... I took the batteries out of my (confused) remote last night and have just replaced them 16hrs later... turned the tv on, tried a different code (apparently for my tv its a 3 digit code from the list!) and voila... works now :o) Thanks for the advice and help. Best wishes, Paula B
(top) From Sky Digi Online ( http://www.media247.co.uk ): (top)
eBook Updates February 28, 2007 "Be Found" (how to get your web site noticed). - All eBooks have been moved to a more reliable secure server which requires a username and password. If you can't access it, please contact us (wherever you bought it - SatCure or The Cool Book Shop) with your proof of purchase and ask for the new download information, stating exactly which eBook(s) you purchased and the EBK number(s).
http://www.The-Cool-Book-Shop.co.uk | 
"Installing a Sky Minidish" tutorial on DVD. Click 
