The Digital TV Group has criticised the regulator Ofcom over its proposals for HD over the UK’s digital terrestrial television network. The newly installed DTG director-general Dermot Nolan, well known for his forthright views, has welcomed the Ofcom recognition that HD should be a part of DTT. However, he said the regulator’s proposals for the development of the platform could compromise its long-term viability.Ofcom’s proposal is for a reshuffle of the current multiplexes that would allow a single multiplex to be given over to HD transmission. This would restrict the UK to the present six digital multiplexes and allow the so-called digital dividend to be auctioned to the highest bidder.Nolan is calling for a national HD strategy that would encompass all the delivery platforms. He is concerned the present proposals allow only for a restricted service that has the danger of impairing the picture quality of the existing standard definition services.
