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www.southgatearc.org
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Frequencies for high-power Digital TV approvedThe recent ITU Regional Conference (RRC-06) has just concluded and issued a list of approved frequencies for high power Digital-TV stations in the UK (which reach us in 2010+). As backed by the Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society (CARS) in the Ofcom Digital Switchover consultation, new co-channel transmitters are present to create Single Frequency Networks (SFNs), like Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), and bolster patchy coverage. As far as Essex is concerned provision has been made in the allocations for new stations at Burnham On Crouch, Rouncefall Hill (at Ashingdon near Hockley) and Clacton On Sea. Following switch over the powers and UHF Channels are likely to be as per the table below (bold = standard channels)
Main transmitters such as Crystal Palace and Sudbury will be cleared for at least x10 more power, along with two extra frequencies (perhaps for HDTV). Note that to receive all services from Sudbury you will need a Group-E/W wideband aerial. If you diplex London & Anglia you will (like now with Ch-5) need to decide your priorities as there is an overlap that a diplexer will cut out. For comparison Analogue TV uses 1MW Peak at Crystal Palace whereas Freeview (which can get away with 10dB less) is currently 20kW, and Sudbury as many know is rather lower. The switchover plan permits more power on all six existing multiplexes on main transmitters, but relays are only guaranteed three Public Service frequencies. Note that UHF Channels 31-40 (and 63-68) lie in the ‘sell-off’ section of the spectrum, where it is not yet certain what services will be present on the ‘new’ frequencies. For this reason they are not bold in the table. However if the new channels carry HDTV they will use MPEG-4 and you will need a special box (as ordinary Freeview is MPEG-2). If you can’t wait then, join a few of the enthusiasts who are receiving HDTV on trial from low power TX at Crystal Palace right now! often using PC cards. HDTV from the BBC is also available for free on Satellite Murray Niman G6JYB
Ofcom Digital Switchover Consultation CARS and other Digital Consultation Responses CARS Digital TV and Radio Page UK DTT Network - The Digital Switchover Information on Freeview, Top Up TV, and DTTV from the
UK, Europe and Beyond
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