10.39 Europe/London, September 13, 2011 By Robert Briel
A report by the French media authority CSA on the future of DTT has recommended passage as soon as possible to DVB-T2/MPEG-4. The report, compiled by CSA director Michel Boyon, was today delivered to the government almost a month later than originally planned.
If adopted, the recommendation would require most consumers to buy a new digital terrestrial tuner or TV set, because the current equipment is not suitable for DVB-T2. Suitable receivers are not expected to be available to the general public for another 12 to 18 months.
DVB-T2 will allow broadcasters to air four HD channels over a single multiplex, compared to three channels today. MPEG-4 will favour the development of HD.
Once the government decides on the standard, CSA will be able to launch a tender for the new DTT channels.The last analogue transmitters in France will be shut down on November 30.
According to the report, two new DTT multiplexes (R7 and R8) should start broadcasting in DVB-T2/MPEG-4 when they go on air. Following that, current DVB-T1 MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 broadcasts should be phased out during 2015 2016.
