256 QAM for Freeview

DigitalSpy reports that the specifications for the next generation of Freeview have been published by the Digital TV Group, the UK's industry association for digital TV.

According to the report the specification uses the new
DVB-T2 transmission standard (256 QAM) and MPEG-4 compression to increase the digital terrestrial platform's capacity.

The current Freeview system, based on what was feasable in the last century, uses a maximum of 64 QAM and MPEG-2 compression. The proposed new standard would permit a dramatic increase in the available bandwidth. This could be used either for High Definition TV (HDTV) or to increase in the number of standard definition channels available.

A multiplex using the new specification could suport up to 19 standard definition channels instead of the 6-8 currently available with the old 64 QAM MPEG-2 system.

Read the DigitalSpy article at
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/digitaltv/a148983/next-generation-of-freeview-unveiled.html

Digital TV Group
http://www.dtg.org.uk/

Ofcom Digital Terrestrial TV statement
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/april2008/
ofcom_dtt_statement.htm

DTG respond to Ofcom Digital TV Consultation
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/february2008/
dtg_response.htm