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109-721: Freeview is the brand name of the digital terrestrial television platform in Australia intended to bring all of free-to-air (FTA) broadcasters onto a consistent marketing platform, to compete against subscription television , in particular Foxtel . The strategy coincided with the expansion to 3 digital channels for each FTA network and the phasing out of analogue television in Australia. Important services from Freeview include its free-to-air channels with an enhanced EPG (electronic program guide) across all channels. Freeview also certifies televisions, set-top boxes and personal video recorders (PVR) which meet its standards. The Freeview brand

218-453: A MHEG-5 electronic programming guide (EPG). In July 2009, Freeview signed a licensing deal for MHEG-5, the traditional information grid pattern EPG which is covered under patents owned by Macrovision . Freeview announced details of its EPG on 28 June 2010, with plans for a consumer launch in September 2010. The new EPG was based on the same EPG data available to all digital TV devices via

327-644: A set top box in order to receive the signal. Digital Broadcasting Australia was established in late 2000 to help make the transition to digital television as seamless for consumers as possible. It included representatives from free-to-air broadcasters, manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers and was intended to provide information about commencement dates, coverage, and the functionality and availability of equipment. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation launched ABC Kids and Fly TV channel in August 2001. The two multichannels, available only through digital means, showed

436-503: A catchup TV and enhanced EPG service built on the Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV standard. To access the service, TV and set-top boxes need to be both HbbTV compatible and be connected to the internet. While Freeview runs a FreeviewPlus certification program, any HbbTV compatible television equipment can display the apps. Initially only televisions received official FreeviewPlus certification. The first certified set-top box

545-554: A company search revealed all shares were owned by the Nine Network. WIN Corporation was a member of the Freeview organisation until March 2012 after complaints over the organisation's role in the television industry and the cost of operations. SBS withdrew from Freeview in May 2015, citing federal budget cuts, but Freeview cannot disable SBS's HbbTV app or remove it from the airwaves. Part of

654-524: A competitive bidding process for digital spectrum. On 24 March 1998, Minister for Communications, the Information Economy and the Arts, Senator Richard Alston , announced the government's decisions for the introduction of digital television. The plan allowed commercial and public broadcasters 7 MHz of spectrum free of charge for 8 years to simulcast services in both digital and analogue, after which it

763-760: A full power service) and Crystal Palace (as a reduced power temporary service). It operates on multiplex BBC B (aka Multiplex B or PSB3). The service was broadcast to all regions by the end of 2012. Channel 4 HD commenced test broadcasts on 25 March 2010 with an animated caption, ahead of its full launch on 30 March 2010, coinciding with the commercial launch of Freeview HD. S4C Clirlun launched on 30 April 2010, in Wales, where Channel 4 HD did not broadcast. STV HD launched in Scotland, where ITV HD does not broadcast, on 6 June 2010. S4C Clirlun closed on 1 December 2012, allowing Channel 4 HD to begin broadcasting in Wales. Five HD

872-598: A further roll-out during 2014. The temporary multiplexes are Arqiva-owned multiplexes called COM7 and COM8, DVB-T2 multiplexes for Freeview HD capable devices carrying some channels including HD channels. COM7 is made up of mostly +1s and HDs such as More4+1 and BBC News HD. COM8 consisted of +1s, HDs and other channels such as NOW 80s , PBS America+1 and BBC Four HD . Over the decade these multiplexes are being shut off with COM8 closing on 6 June 2020, with many +1 and HD channels like 5Star+1 and 4seven HD closing and others (like Now 80s) moving to COM7. On 10 August 2021,

981-454: A high-gain external aerial mounted high above the ground with an electronic amplifier at its top may be needed. Aerial requirements for analogue (the old standard) and digital reception in the UK are identical; there is no such thing as a special "digital aerial", although installers and suppliers often falsely say one is necessary. As the signal degrades, the analogue picture degrades gradually, but

1090-406: A large number of digital television channels to be received on a compatible television receiver, set-top box, or personal video recorder. An electronic programme guide was available. Freeview channels are not encrypted and can be received by anyone in the UK. There is no additional charge to receive Freeview but it is a legal obligation to hold a current television licence to watch or record TV as it

1199-737: A medal tally, and event results. Similarly in 2005 for the Melbourne Cup , Australian Open , Australian Open Golf , and the One Day International series from the United Kingdom, the Seven Network provided a multi-view datacast service. As well as this, the Nine Network and NBN Television (now Nine Northern NSW ) both provided a multi-view service with additional text information during Pompeii: The Last Day . Digital Forty Four ,

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1308-428: A minimum of 10 minutes, but these restriction were eased to 3 minutes in 2015 in response to a request from a hardware manufacturer supporting FreeviewPlus. Phase 2 required Freeview devices to feature MHEG-5 technology, which Freeview used to support its interactive electronic program guide and proposed future enhancements. The Freeview advertising for their 17-channel platform and certified products, combined with

1417-508: A minimum of 160GB internal storage, with Digital Rights Management applied to recordings copied off the device. Restrictions must also be in place to ensure recordings can not be accessed if the hard drive is removed from the recorder. Phase 1 Freeview devices were not required to feature Freeview MHEG-5 EPG technology, and manufacturers could sell Freeview Phase 1 devices without MHEG-5 until 2012, and were not required to label such devices as Phase 1. Freeview Phase 2 certified devices incorporate

1526-492: A number of broadcasters. The full range of channels broadcast via digital terrestrial television includes some pay television services such as BoxNation and Racing UK . These channels, although available only to subscribers with appropriate equipment, are listed in the on-screen electronic programme guides displayed by many Freeview receivers but cannot be viewed. The link above gives a full up-to-date list of channels, but, as of January 2020, excluding channels such as S4C or

1635-438: A number of digital-only datacast or multiview services on separate channels – in particular during major sporting events. The Seven Network , for instance, provided two additional channels as part of its coverage of the 2003 Rugby World Cup – one providing alternate commentary, the other with statistics and game information. Seven also ran a similar service during its coverage of the 2004 Summer Olympics showing news headlines,

1744-427: A number of enhancements over the previous analogue television, primarily higher-quality picture and sound, as well as datacasting and multi-view services such as video program guides , high definition , and now-and-next program information. There are a number of additional channels , datacasting, as well as high definition services, available to digital terrestrial television viewers in Australia. Digital-only content

1853-658: A number of hours with E4+1 and 4Music still off air on Monday 27 September (though 4Music's channel 30 slot was relaying the output of The Box , with its back-to-back music video format, on that date). The Freeview service broadcasts free-to-air television channels , radio stations and interactive services from the existing public service broadcasters. Channels on the service include the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 terrestrial channels, as well as their digital services. In addition, channels from other commercial operators, such as Sky and UKTV , are available, as well as radio services from

1962-433: A number of original programs launched later on, such as Australia Wide , Short and Curly and Late Night Legends . In the other market areas where there are only 1 or 2 broadcasters, digital-only stations were created that transmit programming from the unrepresented broadcasters in that area. These digital-only stations are owned by joint-venture, or by the sole broadcaster, depending on the area. During September 2007,

2071-654: A range of programming targeted at children and teenage viewers. Similarly, the Special Broadcasting Service launched the SBS World News Channel in 2002, a digital-only service offering a number of foreign-language news programmes seen in its morning WorldWatch timeslot. Funding issues meant that in May 2003 the Australian Broadcasting Corporation closed ABC Kids and Fly TV. In the same year, Tasmanian Digital Television became

2180-513: A separate set-top box or built into the TV set. Since 2008 all new TV sets sold in the United Kingdom have a built-in Freeview tuner. Freeview HD requires an HDTV-capable tuner. Digital video recorders (DVRs) with a built-in Freeview tuner are labelled Freeview+ . Depending on model, DVRs and HDTV sets with a Freeview tuner may offer standard Freeview or Freeview HD. Freeview Play is a more recent addition which adds direct access to catch-up services via

2289-526: A separate standard definition and high definition channel. As of January 2009, they were permitted 2 standard definition channels in addition to the high definition channel – the networks planned to launch these via Freeview . However, in August 2015, the government finally lifted the SD Primary Channel mandate, allowing broadcasters to simulcast their respective main channel programmes in high definition. The transition from analogue to digital television

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2398-441: A single system following detailed trials of potential systems, that it should be implemented with high definition capabilities from the outset, that each licensed commercial or public service should have access to a full 7 MHz channel for its services, and that the eventual termination of analogue PAL services should be driven by market factors and subject to regular review. The commencement of digital terrestrial broadcasts

2507-900: A trial datacasting service, began in Sydney in 2003. The service included at launch an electronic program guide , ABC News, Sport and Weather datacast service, the Australian Christian Channel , shopping channel Expo and a number of federal parliament audio streams. The service, licensed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority , ceased broadcasting at midnight on the night of 30 April 2010. Three metropolitan networks once provided video program guide datacast channels in addition to their standard and high definition channels. Nowadays, during ABC TV Plus ', ABC Me 's and ABC Kids ' downtime, those Australian Broadcasting Corporation channels show their channel logo and

2616-550: A user cannot access the catch up service through FreeviewPlus, it may still be accessible via a third party device running the broadcaster's app. In May 2017, Freeview announced a brand overhaul of FreeviewPlus to align it more closely with its newer Freeview FV brand. The changes would include a new logo, and a simplified user interface. In November 2016, Freeview released an app for iOS and Android devices that provides access to live-streaming of Freeview channels. While also marketed as providing access to catch-up services from within

2725-673: A variety of compatible TV and set-top boxes via the user's standard broadband Internet connection. Its main purpose is to provide easy access to catch-up services by scrolling backwards on the traditional electronic programming guide (EPG); YouView is a similar but competing combination of live Freeview and catch-up using the EPG. The technology is an open standard , but with prominent Freeview Play branding. The service launched in October 2015 on compliant equipment, initially 2015 Panasonic TV receivers and Humax set-top boxes, including existing models with

2834-593: Is being broadcast. A subscription -based DTT service, Top Up TV , launched in March 2004. The Top Up TV service was not connected with the Freeview service, but ran alongside it on the DTT platform and was included in the Freeview EPG; programmes could be received on some Freeview set-top boxes and televisions equipped with a card slot or CI slot. The service also worked with existing ex- ONdigital / ITV Digital boxes that received

2943-526: Is more about restricting devices than enabling them. The introduction of channels replacing the previous high definition simulcasts led to complaints that regular programming was no longer broadcast in high-definition. The Freeview organisation comprises free-to-air licencees Australian Broadcasting Corporation , Special Broadcasting Service , Seven Network , Nine Network , Network 10 , Prime Media Group and Southern Cross Broadcasting . An ABC release stated these groups are shareholders of Freeview, though

3052-418: Is not mandatory); later equipment must be capable of surround sound compatible with most suitable audio equipment. In early February 2011, it was announced that one million Freeview HD set-top boxes had been sold. In August 2009 the BBC wrote to Ofcom after third-party content owners asked the BBC to undertake measures to ensure that all Freeview HD boxes would include copy protection systems as required by

3161-487: Is subject to availability and differs greatly in various television markets. Although approximately 96% of the population had access to at least one digital service, take up was initially sluggish, with only 28% of Australia's 7.8 million households having adopted free-to-air digital television by March 2007. However, by August 2010, 75% of Australian households had made the switch. Analogue transmissions began to be phased out in 2010, and ceased to be available nationwide by

3270-517: Is transmitted at 384  kb/s for 5.1 surround sound, with stereo audio at 128–192 kbit/s; audio description takes up 64 kbit/s, subtitles 200 kbit/s and the data stream, for interactive applications 50 kbit/s. Recording sizes for Freeview HD television transmissions average around 3 GB per hour. Between 22 and 23 March 2011, an encoder software change allowed the Freeview version of BBC HD to automatically detect progressive material and change encoding mode appropriately, meaning

3379-775: Is unknown. A consultant has been commissioned to advise on vendor partnerships, and ABC's iView technology is the frontrunner to deliver the service. Plans for this video hub have been superseded by the FreeviewPlus service. The ABC, SBS, Seven Network, Nine Network and Network Ten each offer "catch up" internet television services in Australia , allowing viewers to watch local and foreign content after it has been shown on their respective channels, while One allows online streaming of select sporting content, including live streams of Formula One . In September 2014, Freeview launched FreeviewPlus, its Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) service, which consists of six HbbTV apps – one for each of

Freeview (Australia) - Misplaced Pages Continue

3488-573: The DVB-T2 standard. This standard is incompatible with DVB-T, and can only be received using compatible reception equipment. Some television receivers sold before the HD launch claimed to be "HD-ready", but this usually implies that the screen can display HD, rather than that DVB-T2 signals can be received – a suitable tuner (typically built into a STB or PVR) is additionally required. Freeview HD set-top boxes and televisions are available. To qualify for

3597-461: The Freeview brand name as a consistent marketing platform for digital broadcasting to compete against subscription television in Australia , with the actual Freeview service commencing in March 2009. In April 2009, the government released a new labelling scheme for digital television devices, to help people buy the correct equipment in the transition from analogue to digital television. Televisions had

3706-575: The Internet . The technical specification for Freeview is published and maintained by the Digital TV Group , the industry association for digital TV in the UK which also provide the test and conformance regime for Freeview, Freeview + and Freeview HD products. DMOL (DTT Multiplex Operators Ltd.), a company owned by the operators of the six DTT multiplexes (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Arqiva) is responsible for technical platform management and policy, including

3815-442: The digital picture holds up well then suddenly becomes unwatchable ; an aerial which gave poor analogue viewing may give unwatchable, rather than poor, digital viewing, and need replacing, at a cost of typically £80 to £180, most of which is fitting cost. An aerial intended for external use may be fitted indoors if there is space and the signal is strong enough. The Digital TV Group, the industry association for digital television in

3924-561: The electronic programme guide and channel numbering. Freeview officially launched on 30 October 2002 at 5 am, when the BBC and Crown Castle (now Arqiva ) officially took over the digital terrestrial television (DTT) licences to broadcast on the three multiplexes from the defunct ITV Digital . The founding members of DTV Services, who trade as Freeview, were the BBC , Crown Castle UK and British Sky Broadcasting . On 11 October 2006, ITV plc and Channel 4 became equal shareholders. Since then,

4033-412: The seven DTT multiplexes covering the United Kingdom. As of July 2020, it has 85 TV channels, 26 digital radio channels, 10 HD channels, six text services, 11 streamed channels, and one interactive channel. Delivery of standard-definition television and radio is labelled Freeview , while delivery of HDTV is called Freeview HD . Reception of Freeview requires a DVB-T / DVB-T2 tuner , either in

4142-506: The "Freeview EPG" logo have access to the new Freeview EPG, although the Freeview-endorsed TiVo recorder will extract CRID data from the broadcast signal to update its own EPG (with permission from the networks), rather than relying on Freeview's EPG data. Australian EPG provider IceTV 's High Court victory over the Nine Network, secured its right to supply a third-party EPG service, which may influence Freeview's long term plans for

4251-449: The "best of the rest" of the BBC in HD. However, BBC HD was replaced by BBC Two HD on 26 March 2013. Until 17 October 2011, the commercial public service broadcasters had the opportunity to apply to Ofcom to provide an additional HD service from between 28 November 2011 and 1 April 2012. Channel 5 HD was the sole applicant, with the aim of launching in spring or early summer 2012. On 15 December 2011, Channel 5 dropped its bid to take

4360-471: The 315-metre (1033') Bilsdale transmitter caught fire leaving up to a million homes in the North East of England without a TV or radio signal. Work is ongoing to restore services, but delays to the granting of planning permission for an 80-metre (300') temporary mast sited at Bilsdale, and the lack of safe access to the site, have left up to half a million homes without a service as of 8 September 2021. On

4469-463: The 600Mhz band for additional DVB-T2 multiplexes, reaching up to 70% of the UK population. At the same time, the BBC announced that they would provide five new HD channels due to the newly available capacity: BBC Three HD, BBC Four HD, CBBC HD, CBeebies HD and BBC News HD. BBC Three HD and CBBC HD launched to all viewers on 10 December 2013 using the capacity released by the Red Button HD service, and

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4578-632: The ABC relaunched their HD channel, ABC HD . VK3RTV is an experimental Amateur Television Repeater licensed by the ACMA to Amateur Radio Victoria. In late September 2009 the former single analogue channel was converted to a 2 channel DVB-T digital system. The output of the transmitter is on 445.5 MHz which can be received on some set top boxes and digital television sets. Both channels (VK3RTV1 and VK3RTV2) are transmitted in standard definition. This repeater has been re-located from Olinda on Mt Dandenong to Mount View to

4687-702: The Australian government's commercials warning of the closure of analog TV transmissions, was intended to help consumers buy appropriate devices. Freeview has threatened PVR manufacturers such as DViCO with legal action if they include the Freeview (UK) logo (which looks very similar to the Freeview Australia logo) on their Australian packaging. Eurofins Digital Testing, is the Officially Approved Test Centre for Freeview Australia conformance testing, where manufacturers wishing to deploy devices with

4796-528: The Digital TV Group's D-Book, which sets technical standards for digital terrestrial television in the UK. The BBC proposed to ensure compliance with copy-protection standards on the upgraded Freeview HD multiplex by compressing the service information (SI) data, which receivers need to understand the TV services in the data stream. To encourage boxes to adopt copy protection, the BBC made its own look-up tables and decompression algorithm, necessary for decoding

4905-433: The EPG data on high-definition channels, available without charge only to manufacturers who implement the copy-protection technology. This technology would control the way HD films and TV shows are copied onto, for example Blu-ray discs, and shared with others over the internet. No restrictions will be placed on standard-definition services. In a formal written response, Ofcom principal advisor Greg Bensberg said that wording of

5014-596: The Federal Government that allowed them access to the digital broadcast spectrum. On 4 November 2009, Communications Minister Stephen Conroy approved a Digital TV only licence for West TV in Perth, which allows them to broadcast as a digital-only community television station as a replacement for the now defunct Access 31. Digital services were available in most areas, however parts of Western Australia and Central Australia had yet to begin transmissions in 2007. To aid

5123-515: The Freeview Australia logo and EPG can obtain pass reports. Sony Interactive Entertainment Australia added Freeview compatibility to the PlayStation 3 's PlayTV digital television tuner in October 2009 with the 1.21 firmware update. The update disabled ad-skipping, reduced fast forward and rewind speed to 30x and removed the ability to copy recordings to other devices. Unlike other Freeview-endorsed devices, these restrictions can be easily bypassed on

5232-456: The Freeview HD logo, receivers will need to be IPTV -capable and display Freeview branding, including the logo, on the electronic programme guide screen. The Freeview HD trademark requirements state that any manufacturer applying for the Freeview HD logo should submit their product to the Digital TV Group 's test centre (DTG Testing) for conformance testing. On 2 February 2010, Vestel became

5341-462: The Freeview initiative is to certify set-top boxes as capable of receiving free-to-air digital television broadcasts (both standard and high definition). Although certification requirements have not been formally released, Phase 1 Freeview devices will be high-definition , and capable of more advanced video encoding ( MPEG-4 ). Recorders will not be able to skip over ads, and must enforce digital rights management. Skip features were initially limited to

5450-586: The Freeview model has been copied in Australia and New Zealand . Although all pay channels had been closed down on ITV Digital, many free-to-air channels continued broadcasting, including the five analogue channels and digital channels such as ITV2 , ITN News Channel , S4C2 , TV Travel Shop and QVC . With the launch of Freeview other channels were broadcast free-to-air, such as: Sky Travel , UK History , Sky News , Sky Sports News , The Hits (now 4Music ) and TMF (renamed Viva , now defunct) were available from

5559-452: The Freeview package; subscribers with those boxes had to insert their TopUp TV card into the slot which was originally used for inserting ONdigital / ITV Digital smartcards. Top Up TV was replaced in 2006, by a service that did not run on Freeview equipment. In October 2013, the TopUp TV service was closed down. The Freeview logo certification for standard definition (SD) receivers and recorders

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5668-498: The PSB3 multiplex which the BBC operates. However, BBC News HD would stop being broadcast on Freeview. The Digital TV Group publishes and maintains the UK technical specification for high-definition services on digital terrestrial television (Freeview) based on the new DVB-T2 standard. The specification is known as the D-book . Freeview HD is the first operational TV service in the world using

5777-806: The PlayStation 3. To obtain Freeview certification, devices must include at least one high-definition digital tuner, supporting the HD formats of 576p, 720p and 1080i. Freeview devices must be capable of receiving and decoding H.264/MPEG-4 AVC , a far less data-stream hungry standard than the initial MPEG-2 standard. The standard allows higher quality transmissions or more television channels. All broadcasters now use MPEG-4 for their primary channel HD services, as well as some additional channels (in HD and SD). Freeview devices can not skip an ad block. Initially they could skip 10-minute blocks, and fast forward and rewind at 30x speeds, but these were changed to 3 minutes and 32x in 2015. Hard drive-based recorders must offer

5886-613: The Seven and Nine networks launched their third channels in September 2010: 7mate from Seven and 9Gem (then GEM) from Nine. Network Ten launched their third channel, 10 Peach , on 11 January 2011 as Eleven. On 26 November 2015, Nine launched their fourth channel, 9Life , along with a relaunch of 9HD as well as all the channels merging with Nine. On 28 February 2016, Seven launched their fourth channel, 7flix . On 2 March 2016, Ten relaunched their HD channel, 10 HD . On 10 May 2016, Seven relaunched their HD channel, 7HD . On 6 December 2016,

5995-409: The UK, is responsible for co-ordination between Freeview and other digital services. The original Freeview was later expanded with additional facilities (Freeview+), high-definition channels (Freeview HD), and Internet connectivity (Freeview Play). All services remain available; the original Freeview equipment will work (unenhanced) in the same way it always did. The original Freeview service allowed

6104-506: The analogue switch off, as follows: Freeview (UK) Freeview is the United Kingdom 's sole digital terrestrial television platform. It is operated by Everyone TV and DTV Services Ltd , a joint venture between the BBC , ITV , Channel 4 , Channel 5 and Sky . It was launched on 30 October 2002, taking over the licence from ITV Digital which collapsed that year. The service provides consumer access via an aerial to

6213-424: The app, the app instead redirects users to the relevant catch-up apps. As at 2 December 2018, the application is still not available for "Android TV" streaming platform. Neither is "SBS on Demand", and "ABC iview". Freeview has been criticised as being ambiguous and light on details, with criticism that certification is more about restricting devices than enabling them. Network Ten's simulcast of "One" in HD & SD

6322-491: The broadcast and MHEG-5 EPG services. The ruling may also affect whether third-party EPG providers have the right to extract CRID data from the broadcast signal without permission from the networks, as the CRID data will not be encrypted. On 24 November 2014, Freeview announced that its MHEG-5 EPG service will cease on 24 November 2017, without an effect on its FreeviewPlus service. In September 2014, Freeview announced FreeviewPlus ,

6431-406: The broadcast signal, but also monitored Content Reference Indicator (CRID) data embedded in the broadcast signal. The CRID data allowed recorders to detect when a program is running over schedule and continue recording. After initial confusion as to whether non-Freeview devices would still have access to the EPG, Freeview confirmed the broadcast EPG would remain. Only Freeview-endorsed PVRs featuring

6540-495: The call centre was inundated as a result of the problems. The change involved an update to the NIT (Network Information Table), which some receivers could not accommodate. Many thousands of people could not receive some channels. This included 460,000 fed from relay stations who lost access to ITV3 and ITV4 . Updates were broadcast to enable firmware changes, but in some cases the receiver must be left on and receiving broadcasts to accept

6649-454: The channel can switch to 1080p25. This was extended to all of the other Freeview HD channels in October 2011. To ensure provision of audio description, broadcasters typically use the AAC codec. Hardware restrictions allow only a single type of audio decoder to operate at any one time, so the main audio and the audio description must use the same encoding family for them to be successfully combined at

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6758-611: The choice of the European DVB-T system for digital terrestrial television. The panel was a group of representatives from the country's public, commercial and regional broadcasters, the Department of Communications, the Information Economy and the Arts, as well as the Australian Broadcasting Authority. When digital television launched on 1 January 2001, the majority of households did not know of or were unable to buy

6867-892: The commercial networks' regional affiliates also carry a HD simulcast of the main SD channel. Quotas on high definition content – a minimum of 1040 hours per year – were imposed by the Australian government in July 2003 on broadcasters in Sydney , Melbourne , Brisbane , Adelaide and Perth . The same requirement was extended in April 2005 to stations in Darwin , regional New South Wales and regional Queensland , and in January 2006 in Mildura . As of 13 July 2007 commercial television networks in Australia were permitted to provide

6976-429: The day or alternatively offer an HDTV service. It claimed that up to $ 100 million would be needed to prepare for these services, half of which would need to be government-funded. Other interested parties, such as internet service provider OzEmail argued for the provision of spectrum for interactive services, while Telstra , shareholder in the subscription television provider Foxtel , supported ASTRA's argument for

7085-423: The decision to accept the BBC's request will deliver net benefits to licence-holders by ensuring they have access to the widest possible range of HD television content on DTT. Freeview HD Recorder (formerly Freeview+ , originally named Freeview Playback ) is the marketing name for Freeview-capable digital video recorders with some enhancements over the original Freeview. All recorders are required to include

7194-474: The digital television switchover, households receiving government assistance payments were eligible to have a set-top-box provided free of charge to convert to digital television. In addition to set top boxes, the assistance included any necessary cabling or antenna upgrades needed to achieve a reliable digital signal. In October 2008, the Digital Switchover Taskforce announced the timetable for

7303-419: The duration of the 2012 Summer Olympics , followed by a channel from Channel 4 for the 2012 Summer Paralympics . On 13 June 2013, the BBC temporarily launched a high-definition red button stream in the vacant space. On 16 July 2013, Ofcom announced that up to 10 new HD channels would be launched by early 2014, using new capacity made available by the digital switchover . This provided additional spectrum in

7412-478: The east of Melbourne. It is expected to be re-activated in June 2020. Amateur Radio Operators are restricted in terms of the content they may transmit in that the transmission of entertainment is not allowed. However, Amateur Radio Operators are nonetheless able to transmit a wide range of educational material related to amateur radio & electronics. A number of broadcasters, primarily commercial networks, have provided

7521-416: The end of 2013. From 2009, the free-to-air digital television platform has been promoted under the Freeview brand name. Planning for digital terrestrial television in Australia can be traced back to 1993, when a group of specialists was drawn from the then- Australian Broadcasting Authority , Department of Transport and Communications, in addition to broadcasters and manufacturers. The ABA Specialist Group

7630-447: The evening of 25 September 2021, transmissions of Freeview channels operated by the BBC, Channel 4 and ViacomCBS (Channel 5) were impacted by the activation of a fire suppressant system at the premises of Red Bee Media . While the BBC moved its playout from White City to Salford and Channel 5 went into 'recovery mode' (with viewers seeing an additional black & white symbol at the top of the screen), Channel 4's channels went off air for

7739-410: The fifth slot after being unable to resolve "issues of commercial importance". Subject to any future Ofcom decision to re-advertise the slot, the capacity will remain with the BBC and can be used by it for BBC services or services provided by a third party via a commercial arrangement. The BBC temporarily used the space to broadcast a high definition simulcast of their main Freeview red button feed for

7848-523: The first digital-only commercial station to be launched in the country, under Section 38A of the Broadcasting Services Act . The new station was a joint venture between existing commercial networks Southern Cross Broadcasting and WIN Television . Tasmanian Digital Television, affiliated to Network Ten , was initially available only in Hobart , before expanding to Launceston and, by early 2009,

7957-521: The first manufacturer to gain Freeview HD certification, for the Vestel T8300 set top box. Humax released the first Freeview HD reception equipment, the Humax HD-FOX T2, on 13 February 2010. It was announced on 10 February 2009, that the signal would be encoded with MPEG-4 AVC High Profile Level 4, which supports up to 1080i30/1080p30, so 1080p50 cannot be used. The system has been designed from

8066-652: The five major Australian free-to-air broadcasters and a sixth cross-network electronic programming guide (EPG). Each network offers access to its catch-up TV library via its apps, plus it is possible to scroll back in time through the green button on-screen guide to view catch up programs. The service won Best Enhanced TV Service at the International Interactive TV Awards 2015. FreeviewPlus is not always available when viewing channels through regional affiliates. The Freeview website lists which catch up services and EPG listings are available by postcode. Where

8175-512: The following features in addition to standard Freeview: Pace plc introduced the first DTT DVR in the UK in September 2002, called the Pace Twin. However this was before the Freeview brand and its Playback and + marketing names were introduced. Freeview Play combines the existing live television service with catch-up TV ( BBC iPlayer , ITVX , STV Player , Channel 4 , S4C Clic , My5 , U , Pop Player , CBS Catchup Channels UK, Legend ) on

8284-658: The following labels: The government labelling standards were in addition to the Freeview labelling standards endorsed by the major commercial and public broadcasters and which contributed to confusion between Freeview and government digital TV standards. Freeview devices had to meet the High Definition Digital TV Ready standard. Perth community station Access 31 's closure was partially blamed on viewers and revenue lost to increasing digital television viewership. The analogue-only station had been campaigning with other community television stations for support from

8393-477: The government scheme, however non-Freeview boxes can also be labelled in the same way, leading to viewer confusion as to whether the Freeview channels will be receivable on those set top boxes without the branding. A Freeview compliant device will display all digital television channels broadcast in a viewer's market area, including those broadcast in high definition. While Freeview promotes its approved devices, its website notes that any HD compatible device will show

8502-497: The lack of detail, minimal information was given by Seven and Nine Network management regarding new channel launch dates. The original Freeview announcement stated planned May releases for the launch of new digital channels by both networks, while a later Seven release mentioned mid-2009 and then October for its secondary channel launch. Digital terrestrial television in Australia Digital terrestrial television brought

8611-614: The licence would probably need to be changed to reflect the fact that this new arrangement is permitted. The BBC had suggested that as an alternative to the SI compression scheme, the Freeview HD multiplex may have to adopt encryption. Bensberg said that it would appear "inappropriate to encrypt public service broadcast content on DTT". On 14 June 2010, Ofcom agreed to allow the BBC to limit the full availability of its own and other broadcasters' high definition (HD) Freeview services to receivers that control how HD content can be used. Ofcom concluded that

8720-520: The many Local TV services (1 service included in the count) they total 105 Freeview, 17 Freeview HD and 33 radio. To receive Freeview, either a television with an integrated digital tuner or an older analogue television with a suitable Freeview-branded set-top box is required. An aerial is required for viewing any broadcast television transmissions. For all transmissions indoor, loft-mounted, and external aerials are available. In regions of strong signal an indoor aerial may be adequate; in marginal areas

8829-424: The more conventional 720p and 1080i formats are now used. Currently, national public broadcasters ABC and SBS , and metropolitan commercial networks Seven , Nine and 10 have 1080i high definition services which, since 2015, simulcast their main channel from standard definition. Prior to this, HD broadcasts were shown as a multichannel providing different content from the main SD channel. In addition, most of

8938-432: The multiplexes, and that bidding is under way. The Freeview service underwent a major upgrade on 30 September 2009, which required 18 million households to retune their Freeview receiving equipment. The changes, meant to ensure proper reception of Channel 5 , led to several thousand complaints from people who lost channels (notably ITV3 and ITV4 ) as a result of retuning their equipment. The Freeview website crashed and

9047-509: The newly launched interactive EPG built on MHEG-5 . This Freeview EPG ceased operating on 24 November 2017, and Freeview is now focusing on its new Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) FreeviewPlus service which was launched in 2014 and incorporates an onscreen guide. Digital terrestrial television commenced in Australia on 1 January 2001, in Sydney , Melbourne , Brisbane , Adelaide and Perth using DVB-T standards. The transition from analog PAL transmissions began in 30 June 2010 and

9156-501: The other BBC channels launched in some regions, expanding to 70% UK coverage by June 2014. Channel 5 HD launched on Freeview on 4 May 2016. In June 2022, it was announced that the COM7 multiplex would be closing due to the license expiring and the frequency used being released for 5G. The BBC announced that they have made provisions for a 6th slot for BBC Four HD and CBeebies HD to move into available capacity that has been newly identified on

9265-606: The outset. The Federation of Australian Commercial Television Stations supported this, as well as freedom for its members to launch multi-channel services. At the same time, the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association , questioned the commercial viability of HDTV , was opposed to the idea of multi-channeling, and argued for a competitive system that would allow the entry of new players. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation stated that it wished to run up to four multichannels at different times of

9374-427: The programming on the high-definition channels was simulcast from the parent channel. From 2009, commercial broadcasters were allowed to transmit an alternate standard definition channel. On 26 March 2009, Channel Ten launched 10 Bold as One HD, its SD multichannel as a 24-hour sports channel. 10 Bold (then One HD) was also broadcast on 10's only HD channel space at the time, channel 1, replacing 10 HD . Channel 1

9483-733: The prohibition on new free-to-air broadcasters would be extended until December 2008. Amendments were subsequently made to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 and the Radiocommunications Act 1992 , which set out ownership and programming conditions for broadcasting licences (administered by the ABA ) and regulated the usage of spectrum, respectively. On 18 June 1998, the Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Selection Panel announced

9592-404: The receiver. In the case of BBC HD, the main audio is coded as AAC-LC and only the audio description is encoded as HE-AAC . Neither AAC nor Dolby Digital Plus codecs are supported by most home AV equipment, which typically accept Dolby Digital or DTS , leaving owners with stereo, rather than surround sound , output. Transcoding from AAC to Dolby Digital or DTS and multi-channel output via HDMI

9701-509: The remainder of the state. The introduction of this fifth channel resulted in significantly higher digital television takeup in Tasmania than other parts of the country. ABC Family , the Australian Broadcasting Corporation 's second attempt at a digital-only channel launched on 7 March 2005 as ABC2. The service showed a range of repeated news, current affairs, children's and educational programs originally shown on ABC TV (then ABC1) as well as

9810-455: The same channels. With the exception of WIN Television services and in some regional areas, most digital channels broadcast the Freeview EPG. While WIN Television stations no longer broadcast the Freeview EPG, their programming is still listed in the EPG and channels remain on the Freeview website. Through Freeview, the free-to-air broadcasters have signed a new initiative for an industry-wide video hub – details of what content will be carried

9919-422: The service, that it should be based upon existing standards, and should not restrict the ability of broadcasters to tailor local content. It was too early at the time to make decisions relating to what standard should be used, when transmissions should commence, and whether analogue television should be phased out. The final report, of the same name, was released in 1997. It recommended that Australia should adopt

10028-429: The start to allow regional variations in the broadcast schedule. Services are statistically multiplexed – bandwidth is dynamically allocated between channels, depending on the complexity of the images – with the aim of maintaining a consistent quality, rather than a specific bit rate. Video for each channel can range between 3 Mbit/s and 17 Mbit/s. AAC or Dolby Digital Plus audio

10137-644: The start. BBC Four and the interactive BBC streams were moved to multiplex B. Under the initial plans, the two multiplexes operated by Crown Castle would carry eight channels altogether. The seventh stream became shared by UK Bright Ideas and Ftn which launched in February 2003. The eighth stream was left unused until April 2004 when the shopping channel Ideal World launched on Freeview. There are now 14 streams carried by two multiplexes, with Multiplex C carrying 6 streams, and Multiplex D carrying 8. It has recently been announced that more streams are now available on

10246-433: The three commercial networks announced the introduction of high-definition only channels later that year, becoming the first new commercial television channels to launch in metropolitan areas of Australia since 1988. The Seven Network's 7HD was the first to launch on 15 October and became available through Prime Television on 29 October. This was followed by the launch of 10 HD (then Ten HD) on 16 December. The majority of

10355-474: The time they are back on air, with music from ABC's radio networks, Double J and ABC Jazz . Other channels were launched, such as TV4ME , ishop TV , Extra , Gold , TVSN , Spree TV , Aspire TV and Fresh Ideas TV . At a minimum, all digital television broadcasters in Australia provide a 576i standard-definition service, in addition to high definition . The 576p50 format is also considered an HDTV format, as it has higher vertical resolution through

10464-515: The updates; not everyone was aware of this. The Freeview service underwent a major upgrade on 3 September 2014 which required 18 million households to retune their Freeview receiving equipment. The changes included a reshuffle of the Children's, News, and Interactive genres. A number of new HD channels launched in 2014, from a new group of multiplexes awarded to Arqiva. The new HD channels were launched in selected areas on 10 December 2013 with

10573-409: The use of progressive scanning . When Australia started DVB-T in 2001 several networks broadcast high-definition in a 576p format as this could give better quality on 50 Hz scanning CRT TVs and was not as demanding on MPEG-2-bit-rate. Since many modern television sets have an interlace to progressive scan conversion there is little difference in picture quality. MPEG-2 encoders have also improved so

10682-568: Was co-ordinated by the Digital Switchover Taskforce operating under the federal Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. Until the switch-off in the respective areas, free-to-air broadcasts were simulcast, along with digital-only channels like ABC TV Plus (then ABC2). Cable television networks began simulcasting in 2004 and analogue cable services were switched off in April 2007. In November 2008, all free-to-air broadcasters (both metropolitan and regional) joined to launch

10791-450: Was completed by 10 December 2013. The Freeview brand was launched on 24 November 2008, while the actual service commenced in 2009 along with the rollout of a number of Freeview badged set-top boxes and integrated digital televisions . (At least four manufacturers intend to release Phase 1 Freeview devices which do not support MHEG-5 .) Freeview has been criticised as being ambiguous and light on details, with criticism that certification

10900-495: Was criticised by some as being a single channel, as it is not unique content and the introduction of One means Network Ten's non-sports programming is no longer broadcast in HD. Freeview certification will include at least two phases, with the Phase 1 Freeview devices not required to feature the MHEG-5 technology Freeview intends to use to support its Electronic Program Guide. In addition to

11009-485: Was due to launch during 2010 but was unable to reach 'key criteria' to keep its slot. Spare allocation on multiplex B was handed over to the BBC, two years from the date when it was anticipated that further capacity on multiplex B would revert to the control of the BBC Trust. On 3 November 2010, BBC One HD launched on Freeview HD. Initially it was available in addition to the existing BBC HD channel, which continued to show

11118-406: Was intended to bring together studies taking place in a number of Australian forums and investigate potential options and policies relating to digital television. In 1995 the group released a report, Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting in Australia , containing the preliminary conclusions of the group. It found that premature regulation of the new platform might stifle the market-driven development of

11227-420: Was later given back to 10 HD in September 2020, by readjusting 10's channel numbers. Nine later launched GO! (now 9Go!), as a general entertainment channel skewed towards younger viewers on 9 August 2009. Seven introduced Australia's first catch-up channel 7TWO (now branded as 7two) on 1 November 2009. On 22 July 2010, the ABC launched its proposed news channel, ABC News (then ABC News 24). In addition,

11336-490: Was launched in November 2008 with teaser commercials promising 15 channels in 2009. The first new "Freeview" channel started on 26 March 2009 with Network 10 's 10 Bold channel. Further advertising began on 26 April 2009, with the first Freeview certified devices appearing in retailers from May 2009. In June 2010, the second phase of devices, marked as "Freeview EPG" devices, became available in retail stores, designed to work with

11445-521: Was not originally necessary for Freeview HD certification. As of June 2010 the DTG D-Book includes the requirement for mandatory transcoding when sending audio via S/PDIF , and for either transcoding or multi-channel PCM audio when sending it via HDMI in order for manufacturers to gain Freeview HD certification from April 2011. Thus equipment sold as Freeview HD before April 2011 may not deliver surround sound to audio equipment (some equipment may, but this

11554-595: Was released in May 2015 and the first digital video recorder – the Dish TV AerialBox T2200 – was released in August 2015. Existing digital television devices should continue to operate without Freeview certification, with the following caveats: As well as Freeview labelling, the Australian Government has its own scheme for identifying digital ready televisions and set top boxes. Freeview branded set top boxes are labelled as 'High Definition Ready' under

11663-747: Was to be returned to the Commonwealth. Digital terrestrial television was to commence on 1 May 2000 to coincide with the Olympics, however it was later postponed to the celebration of Australia's centenary of federation on 1 January 2001 in metropolitan areas, with expansion to regional areas to have been completed by the start of 2004. Following this, commercial broadcasters would be required to provide minimum levels of high-definition content, would be required to pay fees if they chose to provide datacast services and would be prohibited from using their spectrum for multichanneling of subscription services. In addition,

11772-475: Was to target before Sydney hosting the 2000 Summer Olympics . The Australian Broadcasting Authority's response, titled Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting , recommended that the Australian Government support the early introduction of digital broadcasting as a free-to-air service with the loan of a 7 MHz channel for each broadcaster, in order to enable high-definition television from

11881-444: Was withdrawn in January 2017. Freeview HD comprises a number of high-definition versions of existing channels. It requires a different high-definition tuner, and does not supersede or replace standard Freeview. On 20 August 2020, Freeview announced that it would phase out their Freeview HD brand in 2022. With two channels ( BBC HD and ITV HD ) Freeview HD completed a "technical launch" on 2 December 2009 from Winter Hill (as

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