DTT HIGH POWER TRANSMISSION TRIAL SET TO BEGIN

THE BBC and ITC have announced a digital television trial which will enable planners and broadcasters to determine the maximum power that can be used for digital terrestrial television (DTT) services.
The DTT broadcasters will be mounting the trial to temporarily increase the power at which digital services are transmitted. The trial will be used to help determine maximal power levels at which the quality and reliability of the analogue services are protected.
The services affected will be the SDN multiplex from the transmitter at Larkstoke (near Stratford upon Avon) and ITV Digital Mux-D multiplex from the transmitter at Heathfield in East Sussex.
These areas have been chosen as they provide a well defined coverage area for the digital services concerned and the ability to implement relatively easily a temporary increase in the DTT power for one of the digital multiplexes at each site. The trial will start in late January and will last for up to 10 weeks.
In order to minimise any disruption caused to viewers in these areas the trial’s engineers will be monitoring the impact closely through a monitoring and measurement programme. They will also be working closely with local television dealers, aerial installers and broadcasters who will report any adverse effects or complaints by local viewers directly to the trial office.
Engineering tests have previously been carried out under controlled conditions to assess the power levels which should be possible for digital services to operate at without causing serious impact on analogue services. However, it is important for the future planning of digital switchover that some trials are carried out involving viewers under normal viewing conditions.
Viewers who experience alteration to their analogue service should contact their local television dealer, aerial installer or television company who will pass on any comments relating to the trial to the trial office. (SP)