Space for 4 HDTV channels on DTT platform, says OFCOM

Ed Richards, chief executive of Ofcom recently said that the regulator is drawing up plans that will allow up to four HDTV channels to be broadcast within the existing DTT multiplexes.
He went on to explain that by a combination of new compression technologies such as the H.264, AVC MPEG-4 codec and a reshuffle of the DTT line-up, additional capacity could be created for HD. “The whole point is that we can use spectrum space more efficiently, “ he said, speaking to the Broadcasting Press Guild.
While not proposing a wholesale shift to MPEG-4, it was suggested as a way to make a new HDTV service possible.
He said that some independent research into what could be done has been commissioned and the findings would be made public in due course.
Main source: Broadband TV News
Item added: 24th July 2007