Digital UK, which has moved from digital switchover to the management of the UK’s DTT platform, is seeking clarity around channel numbers for new HD services.
It is expected that Ofcom will license further HD channels for UK DTT, commonly known as Freeview, over the next year.
One proposal is that channels are allowed to substitute an HD variant for the existing SD service. Such a system is already in place on Sky Digital with the majority of commercial channels participating.
At last week’s DTG Summit in London concerns were expressed that the existing HD services on Freeview were difficult to locate.
Launching a consultation into the issue of Logical Channel Numbers (LCN), Digital UK will explore how appropriate prominence should be given in the guide, and whether channels should be set aside for launches by the PSBs. There is also the question as to whether a dedicated section is required or if channels should simply sit within the appropriate genres, eg news, kids, etc.
IP channels are also under discussion with proposals to expand the number of channels by 100, to run concurrently from 400 to 599.
The consultation runs until June 4.