In the run up to the launch of DVB-T2 services, manufacturers and the broadcast industry have risen to the challenge with the unveiling of market ready DVB-T2 products at this year’s IBC. The launch of DVB-T2 HD services is on schedule to take place later this year in the United Kingdom as Freeview HD, with further launches expected in several other European countries including Finland and Serbia. Numerous other countries are in the process of testing and evaluating the second generation Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) transmission system for future use.

The DVB-T2 equipment making its debut at the exhibition includes video encoding, signal generators, transmitters, modulators/demodulators and set-top boxes. The live HD DVB-T2 transmission and interoperability demonstrations on the DVB stand features H.264 encoded content provided by the BBC and broadcast from the Alticom TV tower in Amsterdam on Channel 43, Frequency 650MHz. The demo is supported by equipment from Albis Technologies, Arqiva, DekTec, Enensys, Harris, Pace, Rohde & Schwarz, Tandberg, and TeamCast.

Other manufacturers with planned launches of DVB-T2 equipment include CellMetric, Cisco Systems, Digital TV Labs, Humax, NXP Semiconductors, Panasonic, ProTelevision Technologies, Screen Service, SIDSA, Sony, STMicroelectronics and T-VIPS to name a few.

The significance of the strength of market support for the new transmission system is not to be underestimated as the DVB-T2 specification was only ratified by the DVB Steering Board in June 2008 and has just been formally approved as ETSI EN 302 755 by the European Telecommunication Standards Institute. Peter Siebert, Executive Director, DVB Project, says

We are delighted by the support for DVB-T2 and astounded at the speed at which manufacturers have been able to develop and bring to market their products for this second generation digital terrestrial television transmission system. The deployment of DVB-T2 will enable broadcasters to provide an extended multichannel HD service environment as well as see the innovation of new and exciting datacasting opportunities

T2 ready

Building on the foundations of the successful DVB-T system, DVB-T2 work in the UK has shown almost 50% increase in capacity compared to equivalent reception conditions with DVB-T; some 20% more than initially thought. If a single frequency network (SFN) configuration is used, a potential capacity gain of 67% is achieved in comparison with DVB-T using the same absolute guard interval. Broadcasters deploying DVB-T2 will be able to roll out new multiplexes that could offer multichannel HDTV services and create innovative new datacasting opportunities.

DVB-T2 uses OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplex) modulation to deliver a robust signal and offers a range of different modes making it highly flexible. It employs the same LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) error correcting codes used in DVB-S2 for excellent performance in the presence of high noise levels and interference. A significant number of highly innovative features such as Physical Layer Pipes, support of Multiple-Input-Single-Output (MISO) and Rotated Constellations are also included. DVB-T2 has been defined so that the standard can be enhanced in the future in a backwards compatible manner through the use of Future Extension Frames.

Panasonic have been in contact with PVR Junction this morning to provide further information about Blu-Ray recorder developments. The electronics giant are currently studying how to come into the UK market with blu-ray high definition recorders, and they do find the Freesat platform today as having the most potential.

Whilst also confirming Panasonic are in discussions with Freesat about these recorders, they would like to point out that it is too early to confirm the product or when it will be released. PVR Junction was told that despite what some might read on the internet, which Panasonic says is based on many assumptions; there really is no further concrete information available for Panasonic to share at this stage.

We had a a good discussion with Panasonic today and are quite excited about the kind of products we could be using over the next year or two. Going forward there will be some interesting developments and Panasonic will be keeping PVR Junction up to date on concrete plans for new products. Together with our industry related Panasonic reporting, we hope these official inside developments will provide the best quality source for all things Panasonic/PVR related.

An official Panasonic statement has been put together and will be made available around lunch time today.

Link to Press Response can be found Here

A Wotsat blog article today says Panasonic have advised that the CE company do not have Freesat recorder plans to reveal at present. This is the same statement PVR Junction and other online publishers have received this week from Panasonic UK. Our advise, like last week, is to do like us and wait for any official news or statements from Freesat or Panasonic on this, as and when, they are ready to do so.

Last week PVR Junction commented on Panasonics plans for the DMR-BW500 in the UK as not being a twin tuner terrestrial Blu-Ray recorder, but a satellite one and that discussions with Freesat taking place, as Panasonic execs at trade stands reveal earlier. This is exciting news, however, Panasonic UK were unaware of this and have no further comment to make at this time.

Relevant video snippet clip below

[youtube:http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=vLKCmLXZhAc 285 234]

Update 16:00:

As Blu-Ray and Panasonic fans, we are excited to say Wotsat has changed its blog title originally titled ‘Panasonic quashes Freesat Blu-ray PVR rumours’. Their article today picked up on PVR Junctions story and stated “Panasonic has told Wotsat that it has no plans to launch a combination hard disc and Blu-ray PVR with built-in Freesat reception.”

Since publishing our page here on PVR Junction this lunch time, together with the small video clip showing Panasonic own Freesat statements at IFA on the internet, the Wotsat article is now titled “Updated: Panasonic considering Freesat Blu-ray PVR” and goes on to now say ”Panasonic is considering launching a Blu-ray recorder for Freesat when more HD channels are added to the service.”

Of course, many of our readers may be forgiven for being already under the impression this is certainly a possibility; considering the Panasonic news articles on PVR Junction on the 13th September and 11th October. In a turn around Panasonic has pointed out to Wotsat this afternoon that they will release the blu-ray recorder in the UK but the Panasonic spokes person “can not give a date yet”. As with other EU countries we know Panasonics policy is to release this recorder in areas where customers have access to high definition broadcasting.

At PVR Junction, we expect during 2009 there will be not only BBC and ITV (as is now) but also Channel 4 hi definition on Freesat. Freeview is expected to roll out its high definition broadcasting on DTT from 2009 also. BBC, ITV and Channel HD channel offerings have today been accepted by Ofcom for Freeview HD. A 4th HD slot on Freeview HD is thought a strong possibility, leaving the passage for FIVE, Virgin or other broadcasters in with a chance to feature on the HD platform should they see value.

Football World Cup, Hollyoaks, Lewis and Films to be in HD

Ofcom has today announced its decision to reserve capacity for Channel 4 together with Welsh-language broadcaster S4C, and to Channel 3 licensees (ITV plc, Channel TV, stv and UTV) to broadcast new High Definition (HD) services on digital terrestrial television (DTT).

The announcement follows a tender process and means that these public service broadcasters will join the BBC in launching three HD services on DTT, expected to start with the Granada region from late autumn 2009, with nationwide coverage by the end of digital switchover (DSO) in 2012.

To access the HD programmes and new services on DTT, viewers will need an HD Ready TV set and a new HD set-top box that is capable of receiving the new services.  

Ofcom also believes that a fourth HD service could be launched on DTT as soon as 2010. Ofcom says it expects to outline the process for awarding the licence for that service by the end of this year.

Broadcasters pledge popular programmes in HD

• Channel 4 and S4C

Channel 4 made a joint proposal with Welsh-language broadcaster S4C which involves a simultaneous broadcast of the HD version of the Channel 4 service across the UK. In Wales, viewers will receive an HD version of the S4C Digidol service. This means popular Channel 4 shows such as Hollyoaks, and a third of S4C’s productions will be available in HD.

Channel 4 and S4C have stated that their service will also include:

• a strong film component (4HD expects to broadcast over 150 hours of films in HD during the first twelve months, with the majority shown in peak-time);
• drama, comedy, science programmes and documentaries made in the UK in HD and programmes imported from the US such as Desperate Housewives; and
• viewers of S4C HD will be able to watch Welsh-language programmes such as  children’s programmes and European Cup Rugby games in HD.

In addition, the joint Channel 4 / S4C proposal may offer in future an on demand service or sub-let during overnight hours.

Channel 4 already broadcasts a HD service on Sky.

• Channel 3

ITV plc, Channel TV, stv and UTV have stated that they will simultaneously broadcast the current peak-time (18.00-23.00) ITV1 schedule in HD. This will mean that ITV1’s most popular programmes, such as Lewis, will be available in HD.

The new ITV HD service will also include:

• sport programmes, such as the FA Cup and the 2010 Football World Cup, in HD;
• newly-commissioned drama series such as Miss Marple in HD; and
• programmes about the UK’s nations and regions in place of the early evening and late night regional news services.

In addition, ITV proposes to offer on demand services and sub-let services outside of peak-time hours to allow other broadcasters to offer HD or other services on DTT.

ITV already broadcasts a HD service on the BBC and ITV free satellite service, Freesat.

• BBC

As previously stated in April 2008, the BBC Trust will decide on the service to be carried on one of the three slots currently available. A BBC HD service is currently available on BSkyB, Virgin Media and Freesat which includes programmes such as Torchwood and Strictly Come Dancing.

Availability of HD programmes and switchover

The services will become available across the UK as each region completes digital switchover. We expect that the first region in which the HD services will be made available will be the Granada region in 2009, this will be followed by:

• Wales, Scotland and the West Country in 2010;
• Central, Yorkshire, Anglia and Meridian in 2011; and
• London, Tyne Tees and Ulster by 2012.

As part of their applications the broadcasters have included proposals to ensure that consumers are properly informed about the new services as digital switchover takes place region by region.

Upgrading DTT for HD services

An upgrade of the DTT platform to new and more efficient technologies will allow the broadcasters to free-up capacity in order to offer new HD services.

The upgrade includes using two new broadcasting standards, known as MPEG-4 and DVB-T2 which are not available on current DTT devices. Many of the leading UK and international manufacturers are now developing receivers that include these new standards. Although compatible receivers are not yet available Ofcom have revealed they are aware from discussions with manufacturers that they are now developing suitable equipment with the intention of launching products in time for digital switchover in the Granada region in late 2009.

Digital terrestrial TV programmes are broadcast on six distinct multiplexes (each using a group of radio frequencies). Ofcom will reorganise existing services onto five of the multiplexes, freeing the sixth multiplex to be upgraded to MPEG-4 and DVB-T2 for the new services. This multiplex is currently licenced to BBC Free to View Ltd (known as Multiplex B).

Ed Richards, Ofcom Chief Executive said:

This is a significant step forward in the range of choice available in the UK. It will enable viewers to watch some of the very best programmes free-to-air in high definition through their television aerials.

Further information

1. Ofcom will publish its determination for awarding the two HD slots, which includes the reasons for reserving capacity shortly.

2. The decision to upgrade and reorganise the DTT platform was taken by Ofcom following consultation. The statement, which can be found at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/dttfuture/statement/ included recommendations which the Government adopted in The Television Multiplex Services (Reservation of Digital Capacity) Order 2008 (http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2008/pdf/uksi_20081420_en.pdf), and which took effect on 2 July 2008.
The tender process inviting applications for the capacity on Multiplex B was also announced on 2 July, and the statutory notice can be found at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/dttfuture/ita.pdf.

3. Viewers can currently receive HD services from a variety of providers including:

• BBC/ITV free satellite service, Freesat which includes the BBC and ITV HD services;
• Virgin Media, which includes the BBC HD service, Discovery HD, Sky Movies HD1 and Sky Sports HD1; and
• Sky, which includes BBC and Channel 4 HD services as well as Discovery HD, Sky Arts HD, History HD, Sky Box Office HD1 and Sky Sports HD

4. If you need more advice about High Definition TV follow this link: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consumeradvice/tv/hdtv/

Sky today unveiled a new collection of Sky+HD Designer Boxes, featuring exclusive and quite distinctive prints from four of the UK’s most visionary designers and image makers. The new collection combines the creative talents emerging designer Henry Holland of House of Holland; cutting edge duo PPQ; exquisite and luxury designer Erdem and avant-garde fashion illustrator Julie Verhoeven.

The limited edition Sky+HD Designer Boxes will go on sale from 15 October 2008 and will be available exclusively online to UK customers at www.sky.com/designerbox and 08442 410541 , priced from £75 – £150 when taken with a Sky TV and HD Mix subscription from £27 a month.

Sky say these boxes ooz with style, combining fashion with function, and they say the Sky+HD Designer Boxes are the perfect choice this Christmas for people upgrading to high definition, who want a designer twist for their home entertainment gadgets.

It’s a big year for Sky+HD – and what with the new arrival of freesat and next months freesat+ PVR – Sky are have recently anounced new pricing for the Sky+HD box and the launch of a host of new channels. Sky+HD offers 19 channels covering sports, movies, entertainment, arts and documentaries. Sky say by the end of 2008 there will be 30 dedicated HD channels.

Hilary Perchard, Head of Advanced TV Products for Sky comments;

In addition to the launch of lots more channels on Sky+HD later this year, these unique designs are the perfect excuse to join the HD revolution this Christmas.

Christmas is a busy time of year for everyone and the holidays can often get in the way of TV viewing. PVRs  can solve all that by enabling people to watch what they want, when they want. Viewers can pause and rewind live TV, record an entire series, record two different channels at the same time. Like the Toppy Freeview PVR, Sky+ owners can even set their PVRs to record from a mobile phone.

It will be interesting to see what UK consumers think of the new designs.

Most of our readers will already be aware that Panasonic are launching a twin HD tuner 500GB PVR with DVD integrated Blu-ray disk recorder in Europe. Due for release starting in France later this month, the DMR-BW500 has been proudly sitting out on display at this summers IFA and  IBC exhibitions. Speaking to journlists during the roadshows M2N Michael Friedrich from Panasonic explains the strategy:

In general to launch a HD recorder the requirement for us is that you have enough free to air content. on air, already available. So that the consumer really can record a lot of content in high definition on their recorder. So in France it became clear already very early that high definition content would be available in sufficient quantity from this autumn. This is why we developed the first model in Europe for France mainly.

With high definition channels now starting on freesat, and freeview HD channels from 2009 – the question is when will we see this recorder in the UK:

So in the UK we are in close discussion with freest. The technology is a bit different that’s why can not simply use the France version. In France its based on DVB-T, the UK version will be satellite. But we are in discussions, and will conclude when it will come to UK soon.

Freesat is the new, free, digital satellite television service from the BBC and ITV. Freesat launched on Tuesday 6 May with free digital channels – television, radio, interactive – plus BBC HD and now ITV HD. Freesat’s channel line-up will grow each month, with up to 200 channels on air by the end of the year.

Freesat will be introducing Freesat+ next month – its digital recorder platform – which includes advanced recording features.  Humax is providing the first available high definition twin tuner PVR with Freesat+ branding around the same time. Metronics have indicated their intention of providing their Freesat+ recorder already and is due to be released in 2009. As ever, we await the official announcements by Freesat and Panasonic UK over the next few months. Lets hope their discussions are fruitful and Panasonic’s vision of the UK freesat PVR version is not too long a wait.

Update: Panasonic Press Response

London, 24 October 2008. Panasonic is actively seeking the opportunities to enter the HD recorder category in Europe as early as possible since we have most advanced technology for Hi-def / Blu-ray recording products in the industry.
Public awareness of the HD recorders that we have introduced in other regions such as Australia and France is growing, and it is understandable for the public to be asking questions about when we can introduce such products in the UK.

We are, of course, studying how to come to market with such products in the UK especially since we have enjoyed leading market share performance in the DVD-R market.

The products that we can launch are dependent on the spec on the respective platforms.  In the UK currently, the most clarified potential for development of such products is on the Freesat platform.
Whilst we can say we are in discussion with Freesat on the matter, and can say that we see good potential for recordable products on this platform, we are not yet at the stage where we can confirm actual merchandise or schedule. There is no concrete information to share at this stage.

To promote the introduction of Panasonic Freesat BD Recorder or other HD recordable products to the UK public at this time via any media could be potentially misleading and we can already see the spread of information on-line that is based on many assumptions.

Conceptronics has recently released details of a new twin tuner PVR heading for DTT countries across Europe. Its already been given an impressive model name by Conceptronics: the ‘Media Titan’; so we spoke to the manufacturer this week to find out more. We are not supposed to reveal pricing details just yet but until we get the go ahead here is the low down on the forthcoming PVR.

Conceptronic are presenting the Media Titan as a wireless 300 Mbps 11n HD media player and hard disk recorder with twin DVB-T tuners inside. With this Media Titan Conceptronic anticipates on the growing market of free to air DVB-T with media player in several countries. The dual digital tuner allows consumers to record a movie or TV program on one channel and watch a different program on another channel at the same time. The media Titan supports movie format up to HD 1080p.

For Conceptronics usability is key. The Media Titan distinguishes itself by a simple design and a unique remote control with scroll wheel and 11 buttons only, to make navigation fast and simple. The Electronic Program Guide (EPG) offers a clear overview of what programs are on or scheduled on different channels. Just scroll over the program you would like to record and it’s listed for recording.

Compatibility has certainly been optimised. Besides recording, it plays XviD, WMV9, MPEG 1/2/4, AVI, ISO & VOB movies files, but also 1080p HD movies like H.264 MKV. For photo and music files it supports i.e. BMP, GIFF, JPEG, PNG, MP3, OGG, WAV & WMA (VBR). The content can be played locally from the hard disk or from the network. The Media Titan is DLNA 1.5 compliant and features a UPnP AV client. This means that any user can stream and copy photos, music or movies from a PC or NAS storage device with UPnP AV server over the network; wired or wireless!

The tech specs are as follows:
· TV format: PAL/NTSC
· Built-in twin DVB-T tuners with signal pass-through
· HDMI and Composite video outputs
· Analog and Optical digital audio output (SPDIF)
· 10/100 Mbps ethernet port
· Built in wireless 300 Mbps 11n wireless network adapter with integrated antennas
· Supported formats: H.264 MKV, XviD, WMV9, MOV, M2TS, TS, ISO, MPEG 1/2/4, AVI, SVCD, VCD, BMP, GIFF, JPEG, PNG, MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA, (VBR)
· USB 2.0 port (to connect directly to your computer)
· 3x USB 2.0 host port (to connect your USB sticks/drives/dongles)
· DLNA 1.5 and UPnP AV compliant
· Measurements: 27,5 x 24 x 4,5 cm (WxLxH)
· Compatible with Windows 2000/XP & Vista™

Panasonic have recently unleashed a new 500GB PVR. Starting out in Japan, and then onto Australia two months ago, the DMR-BW500 is now heading for Europe. Panasonic intend to release the PVR in those European countries which are going Hi Def. That could mean a release in the UK by this time next year with the arrival of Freeview HD in 2009. The BBC, ITV and Channel Four all aim to be among the select group of channels broadcasting in HD on Freeview next year. The French have already started rolling out HD on their digital terrestrial platform and so it’s not surprising the machine is now being released in France.

Sporting twin DTT tuners (both High Definition), the machine is capable of recording two digital channels at the same time. Recordings can be set easily via the 7 day EPG. The PVR can record from external sources too, and includes a Blu-Ray drive.

Yes a Blue-Ray disk drive. Not only that, it’s a recordable Blu-Ray drive so it is possible to archive material onto High Definition Blu-Ray disc. With the cost of Blu-Ray disks as high as they are currently, perhaps it is just as well the recorder supports other recording formats such as DVD-RAM and DVD-R. As a Blu-Ray player the machine is capable of top quality playback in the form of 1080p24. The Panasonic DMR-BW500 includes “Pixel Precision Progressive Processing for HD” or P4HD Processor to render high-quality progressive images. It also includes “PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus” which achieves sharper images by improving colour reproduction – producing cinematic images to rival the original quality of the movie.

Dual recording twin tuner PVRs aren’t exactly new, however for one to include a DVD recordable drive this certainly is breaking new ground. Programmes do not have to be recorded to the hard drive before being archived to DVD. There is an option to record straight to DVD or Blu-Ray. You can even record one digital channel to the hard drive and record a second digital channel to DVD/Blu-Ray disc at the same time.

An SD slot, Firewire and USB ports provides the unit with a means of transferring pictures and video. Unlink the Australian model, there is a network connection at the back which allows access to exclusive on-line bonus features via BD-Live and BONUSVIEW. We hope to bring you more news on this product soon.

If you see this machine available in the EU, would you be tempted to buy one?

Pace, developer of digital TV technologies, is demonstrating the first set-top box capable of receiving and displaying DVB-T2 HD content at IBC 2008.

About DVB-T2
DVB-T2 is a digital terrestrial transmission system developed by the DVB Project. It introduces the latest modulation and coding techniques to enable highly efficient use of valuable terrestrial
spectrum for the delivery of audio, video and data services to fixed, portable and mobile devices.

The DVB-T2 specification was approved by the DVB Steering Board at the end of June 2008. On approval it was released as a DVB BlueBook and sent to ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) for publication as a formal standard.

For more information visit
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/digital/hd_on_dtt/
http://www.dvb.org/technology/fact_sheets/DVB-T2%20Fact%20Sheet.0808.pdf

Pace’s prototype consists of the world’s first DVB-T2 front-end (the silicon tuner TDA18211 and a prototype of the forthcoming demodulator TDA10055) from NXP Semiconductors and a Pace high definition terrestrial set-top box which will receive a live MPEG-4 HD stream from an Enensys DVB-T2 Modulator based at the DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) stand at the show.

DVB-T2 brings efficiencies of between 30% and 50% in its use of spectrum compared to DVB-T and is expected to be a key enabler to the roll out of high definition TV in the UK over Freeview.

As one the big guns in set-top boxes, Pace has been involved in the creation of the DVB-T2 draft standard, focusing on key technical aspects that add to the improvement and robustness of the standard, which was only confirmed in June this year.

Darren Fawcett, Chief Technologist for Wireless Systems at Pace plc commented: “The take up of high definition services within mature TV markets is picking up speed, and is expected to grow substantially over the next five years. But this HD content is currently in the cable and satellite domains. To enable terrestrial services to compete effectively with the other platforms, DVB-T2 is an essential move. As we saw with the shift to the DVB-S2 standard for satellite services, the extra efficiencies in the use of the spectrum will make the option of delivering HD via DTT viable.”

With DVB-T2 the DVB Project offers broadcasters a means of using that spectrum in the most efficient ways possible using state of the art technology. The first country to deploy DVB-T2 is likely to be the UK, where ASO is already under way. The regulator, Ofcom, has stated its intention to convert one nationwide multiplex to DVB-T2 with the first transmissions of multichannel HDTV set to begin at the end of 2009.

Test transmissions began immediately after the approval of the standard in June 2008.

The latest series of Friday Night with Jonathan Ross is the first high definition production to be recorded at BBC Studios’ new HD Studio, Studio Four. The show is returning for an autumn run starting on Friday 5th September 2008 and will go out in standard definition on BBC One and in high definition on BBC HD, the UK’s first free-to-air high definition channel. BBC Studios, part of BBC Resources Ltd, a wholly-owned commercial subsidiary of the BBC, has invested nearly 2 million pounds in HD cameras, lenses, vision and monitoring equipment for Studio Four.

It is the third studio to be upgraded to HD, following the successful conversion of Studio One and Studio Eight. BBC Studios works with a wide variety of production companies and broadcasters. With an increasing demand for HD content, both for transmission and archive purposes, the investment will ensure BBC Studios continues to fulfil the requirements of its customers, whose creative and editorial visions are increasingly in HD. It will also help the BBC achieve its HD aspirations, with all production intended to be HD by 2012.

BBC Studios has installed a Sony MVS-8000 series vision mixer and 8 Sony HDC-1500 cameras. It has also replaced Studio Four’s gallery and lighting gallery monitor stacks and laid new HD fibre links to the central control area. Future BBC Studios’ equipment upgrades will also be to high definition, with an additional focus on 1080p/50. Danielle Nagler, Head of BBC HD says: “BBC HD strives to showcase the best of BBC content and to give audiences a range of the programmes they already love in standard definition. I am delighted that from now on the growing numbers of people able to access BBC HD can watch Friday Night with Jonathan Ross on the channel. Having a third HD studio available at Television Centre I hope will support our ambition to work with both independent and in-house producers to increase the amount of BBC programming we can bring to audiences in HD quality.”

itfc installs Alchemist Ph.C-HD to complete HD broadcast services

itfc has installed the Alchemist Ph.C-HD converter from Snell & Wilcox to supply services to ITV for their recently launched HD “red button” service on Freesat.  The first film broadcast on the new service was the comedy romance Wimbledon, starring Kirsten Dunst.  This was followed by classic suspense thriller Jaws and more recently The Mummy and  Unleashed.  All have been prepared by itfc for transmission on ITV1 in both standard and high definition.

itfc provides broadcast services for all ITV’s acquired material including editing for compliance, QC, subtitling for hard of hearing and audio description.  Chris Higgs, itfc Managing Director: “As soon as ITV embraced HD, it was paramount for us to ensure we could meet their demands, support all their needs and deliver their materials for transmission.”

David Willis, Director of Video Operations explains in more detail. “We needed a solution that would address the issues of HD to SD motion interpolated conversion, colour space conversion and aspect ratio conversion capability. The Alchemist Ph.C-HD ticked all the boxes and additionally gives us the capability for cross conversions between HD and SD standards conversion and time code conversion.  Of critical importance too was the ability of Snell & Wilcox to commit to a very fast build and installation lead time.  This enabled us to go live with our service to ITV with minimum delay.”

The Alchemist Ph.C-HD is the latest addition in a £250,000 upgrade of itfc’s HD services which also includes a Sony HD Cam SRW 5500 and suite with Dolby E 5.1 surround sound, Sony BVM D24 Grade 1 CRT HD monitor and Final Cut Pro system, utilising uncompressed digitised HD files.

David Joel, ITV Broadcast Director, said “itfc responded quickly and efficiently to our requirements and, as ever, met all our deadlines in order to launch this exciting new service for ITV”.  Liz Clarke, itfc´s Sales Manager added:  “We’re very happy to have worked so closely with ITV on this project.  Many clients are increasingly delivering in HD. They will now be able to take advantage of our fully calibrated HD environment and can be assured that our HD standards and levels of service meet the high benchmarks set by ITV.”