The BBC trust has given its provisional approval to the launch of the ‘Freesat’ digital satellite platform. It is envisaged that the project would be jointly operated with ITV and Channel 4, both of which are now partners in the Freeview DTT platform.
BSkyB already operates a subscription free satellite platform under the freesatfromsky brand that charges viewers a one-off installation fee of £150. It is likely that the BBC version would use the MHEG-5 middleware already adopted by the Freeview platform rather than the proprietary Open TV. The actual channel line-up is likely to mirror the 120 channels that broadcast in-the-clear on the Sky platform.
The Trust has now opened a 28-day public consultation period ahead of a final decision in April 2007. (JC)
Dear Julian,
Do you know which satellite etc this will be broadcast on or will they just stay where they are but separate themselves from Sky.
I hope you and Chris are keeping well.
Regards Steve Macdonald,
Calpe SPAIN
Can you confirm and expand on the last line of you second paragraph?
Martin Everard
Directtor of Programmes,
The Business Channel
Watch on Sky Guid Channel 547
Martin;
I suspect it’s too early to be sure as to which channels will be a part of the Freesat. As things stand the 120 channels quoted by Sky are of varying degrees in quality. But the majority of the channels on Freeview can be found and as I’m sure you’re aware some additional ones of good quality.
As I understand it the channels will be on Astra as now, but with their own EPG, and presumably numbering system.
Rgds
Julian