Extension of Simulcast period

The Communications Minister, Helen Coonan, has announced to a federal Senate Committee that it was unlikely that the analogue terrestrial television signal could be switched off in metropolitan areas by 2008, as originally planned in legislation.

The government’s review of analogue switch-off is due for completion at the end of the year. Thus far, about 700,000 homes have have converted to digital terrestrial television. Source: Digitag
Item added: 2nd June 2005 DVB-H trial in Sydney to go ahead
The DVB-H trial by Bridge Networks continues to gain momentum. Planned for a 12 month period, the trial is expected to start in the middle of the year.
“During the trial period, we would expect the DVB-H transmissions to cover 80 percent of Sydney, or around 3.2 million people,” said Darren Kirsop- Frearson, managing director, The Bridge Networks. “Telstra will be the sole telecommunications carrier involved in the trial and will manage the customer relationship and provide some content; Harris Corporation will supply transmission equipment and technical support; and Australian-manufacturer, RFS, will provide Radio Frequency combining products and services for the transmission of the DVB-H signal.

“Up to 1000 Telstra customers will use the DVB-H-capable handsets to measure coverage, particularly within buildings, as well as provide valuable consumer feedback about the level and quality of services being tested. It’s a very exciting broadcasting development and evidence of a true convergence of the broadcast and telecommunications industries,” continued Mr. Kirsop- Frearson.

Source: broadcastbuyer.tv 4th March 2005