Following the termination of the InView data service on Freeview Mux D, a small number of older models of digital TV recorders will no longer function with a 14 day Electronic Programme Guide (EPG). Models that are compliant with the UK specification for Digital Terrestrial Television (the DTG D-Book) will revert to the broadcast service information that will be provide a standard 7 day EPG.
Carriage of the 7-day standard EPG forms part of the requirment for the Digital Tick certification mark. Certified products that carry the DIgital Tick signify to customers that these products will work with the standard 7 day EPG.
Date Added: 04/08/2010 11:55:56
Five HD joins Virgin and Sky.
Five HD, a simulcast of the standard definiton channel, has launched on the Virgin Media and Sky platforms. Five HD will broadcast programmes such as Neighbours, Home & Away, Grey's anatomy, Law & Order and sporting coverage including Cricket on Five and European Leauge Football.
Five HD will also show five programmes made in HD such as new live entertainment series Don't Stop Beleiving.
Date Added: 04/08/2010 11:55:34
CAI Misuse of Logo.
The misuse of the CAI logo as reported in the recent Feedback seems to have thankfully declined. However, some non-CAI members are cunningly using play on words by saying 'CAI Approved or accredited'. This does sound as though they are in full membership. If we have trained them, then they can use the word trained but not accredited. If you find any companies that could be confusing the public, please let us know.
Date Added: 04/08/2010 11:55:16
NEWS IN BRIEF
Skriaig Switchover
Viewers in Scottish regions Skye, Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and parts of and parts of Barra, have completed the first stage of the switch to digital television. On 14 July analogue BBC 2 was turned off at the Skriaig transmitter and digital signals began transmitting from Skriaig and it's 17 relay transmitters. The final stage of Switchover takes place on 28 July when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off permanently.
With the new parliament...
Now in place the All Party Cable, Satellite & Digital Group has ensured the support of enough MPs and Lords to continue. It will be renamed as soon as possible to reflect the changes in broadcasing and content delivery.
CAI Meets to discuss...
...How to represent the views of the membership on the 'Digital Dividend', i.e. the money that can be raised by selling off UHF spectrum to users other than TV & radio broadcasters.
CAI Guidlines Document...
...On safe working at height with ladders is nearing completion with a final meeting to verify the illustrations are all in place correctly.
CAI Is looking into...
...How the government push on apprenticeship schemes may impact on the signal reception industry.
Date Added: 04/08/2010 11:54:37
System Saftey Again!
An article in the last feedback by the CAI's Education & Skills Chairman, Les Hampson has resulted in members asking if it is now possible to bond multi-dwelling units (MDU) systems to a ring main earth.
The answer is an emphatic NO!
The article was directed at installers installing systems in single dwelling units (SDU) only, describing how you can earth them to remove hazardous touch currents associated with class II equipment. The seminars at roadshows and the trade fair plus articles by Les over recent months have been aimed at explaining how installers can conform to CAI CoP 3. This was made clear in the article, but to confuse the issue someone posed a question about MDU's.
MDU systems still require a verified, continuous and robust connection to the Main Earth Terminal (MET) using a minimum of 4mm2 copper. However you do not need to run an earth wire to the MET if there is an easier path. You could use another verified earth, cable tray for example, which is usually connected back to the MET. The electrical contractor will advise you if you are unsure where there is an earth point of integrity.
One member, who felt Les Hampson's article in Feedback was misleading, probably has not - like many others - read the whole article carefully nor studied the last Code, as it is stated that only a single dwelling unit (SDU) can be earthed that way. IRS in MDU's always has - and still has - to be made safe, with at least a 4mm2 back to the MET.
Date Added: 04/08/2010 10:40:12
SKY Confirms compatibility with LG, Panasonic, Samsung & Sony '3D Ready' TVs
Sky has today confirmed that its forthcoming Sky 3D service, which is to launch later this year, will be compatible with a wide range of 3D Ready TVs being launched in the UK and Ireland during 2010.
At this week’s CES, LG, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony will all announce an intention to introduce '3D Ready' TVs this year, and Sky's 3D service will be compatible with all of their respective 3D TV products.
Sky's existing Sky+HD boxes which are in 1.6 million UK and Irish homes, are already equipped to receive 3D TV, so customers will only need to upgrade their TV set.
The new 3D Ready TVs will enable Sky+HD customers to watch both High Definition and 3D services from the same TV set.
Sky's 3D service in 2010 will offer a broad selection of 3D programming, expected to include movies, arts, entertainment and sport. The service will be broadcast across Sky's existing HD infrastructure.
Brian Lenz, Sky's director of product design and TV product development, said; "Our HD customers already have a 3D capable set-top box, so if they are interested in experiencing TV in a third dimension, the good news is that they'll have a range of 3D ready TVs to choose from.
"This is a great example of Sky and TV manufactures taking the initiative to ensure there is no confusion over formats. By working together with set manufacturers, we want to provide a hassle free way for our consumers to enjoy 3D TV."
Said Stephen Gater, head of marketing home entertainment for LG; "No one can escape the buzz and excitement around 3D. We're witnessing the start of dramatic change in how we view TV - the dawn of a new dimension. This year will see LG's first 3D Ready TVs hit the market - and through Sky's clear commitment to 3D broadcasting, 3D in the home is set to become a reality. Here at LG we're really looking forward to being a key player in driving the evolution of this technology and giving families a more dramatic, immersive home entertainment experience."
Andrew Denham, Marketing director of Panasonic, commented; "Panasonic is delighted to support the introduction of Sky's 3D TV service in 2010 with a range of compatible Full HD 3D Viera plasma televisions incorporating high precision active shutter glasses for an unparalleled viewing experience. Plasma technologies have excellent video response which delivers an immersive, movie-theatre-like experience where viewers can feel as if they were part of the action."
Date Added: 12/01/2010 10:11:52
Sky Special offers. Please see the Sky TV new customer tab for our latest offers for January 2010.
Date Added: 11/01/2010 17:25:49
Merry Christmas
Thank you for all of your support this year guys; We will now be closed as of 5pm today 23rd Dec until 8:30am 4th January 2010
On behalf of everyone here may we wish you a very Merry Christmas, and look forward to speaking to you next year.
Date Added: 23/12/2009 08:50:35
HSE Stalk North West!
Following on from patrols around Wales and the South West of England the HSE inspectorate will soon switch their attention to aerial installers in the North West. Installers of terrestrial aerials and satellite dishes - as well as retailers of the same – must be equipped and engineers are using PPE necessary to make ladders a safe working platform.
A further revelation on studying the material to be circulated is that engineers have to be ‘trained’ in the use of any necessary equipment.The HSE leaflets points out that it is also an offence not to be ‘competent’ in the use of fall protection equipment.The exact definition of what ‘trained’ and ‘competent’ means remains unclear.However, a sure-fire way to ensure competence and to prove it is to enrol staff on a Safe Working at Height Course with one of the CAI’s listed providers.Certification lasts for 3 years and is accepted by most authorities looking for competence proof, including the HSE.
Due to the unfortunate tussle over price-points the CAI is unable to provide these courses directly.The HSE skills training market is fiercely competitive and it became impossible for the CAI to compete with the direct supply of training on the subject.However a full list of providers that have been verified by the CAI is found on the CAI website.There is evidence large numbers of aerial riggers are ignoring safe working at heights procedures.The HSE inspectors are not discriminating between CAI companies and non-members.Neither are they targeting the CAI membership alone.
Date Added: 08/09/2009 13:58:31
News in Brief
Final West Country switchover underway.
75,000 homes in Plymouth, parts of Devon and East Cornwall have completed the final stage of digital switchover. On the 12th August, all TV services were temporarily switched off at the Caradon Hill Transmitter and its 29 relays.An improved digital signal is now available from Caradon Hill, broadcasting the full range of BBC channels in digital form.The second stage of DSO is on 9th September, when the remaining analogue channels from ITV, Channel 4 and Five will also become available from relay transmitters for the first time.
South West Wales switchover underway.
South West Wales has also completed the first stage of digital switchover.Shortly after midnight on 19th August all TV services were temporarily switched off at the Preseli transmitter group and analogue BBC 2 was switched off permanently.The second stage of DSO in SW Wales takes place on the 16th September 09, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off permanently.On this date, further Freeview channels from ITV, S4C, Channel 4 and Five will also become available from relay transmitters for the first time.Virtually all households in SW Wales will then be able to receive Freeview.
Misuse of Logo.
The CAI office is receiving many adverts where non-members are misusing the CAI Logo.This is an illegal act and will not be condoned.If you spot any non-members using the logo either on vehicles, stationary or in directories please contact: Suzanne.hammbury@cai.org.uk
Date Added: 08/09/2009 13:52:55
News In Brief
Borders enter final stage of switchover.
The final transmitter group in the Border TV region to switch to digital began the switchover process on 24th June. The Caldbeck transmitter and its 48 relays which cover Cumbria, South West Scotland and the South lakes will switch to digital in two stages. The first happened on 24th June when BBC Two switched to digital and some new digital channels became available. On Wednesday 22nd July all the remaining analogue channels go digital and the remaining digital channels will become available.
Pace and Viasat launch new HD set-top box.
Viasat, a Scandinavian free and pay-TV operator, has chosen to work with Pace to launch it’s next generation (HD) receiver. The DS830NV set-top box supports MPEG-2 as well as H.264 content and incorporates NDS conditional access and media highway middleware. The device also comes with an Ethernet port to enable the delivery of content over IP.
Five set for Freeview HD
Ofcom has announced it has made a provisional decision to reserve an HD slot for Fiver to provide new services on Freeview from 2010. Ofcom’s final decision to award a HD licence to Five is subject to it resolving certain criteria related to its application by the end of 2009.
Sky News goes HD
Sky News is to launch a new HD channel. The launch of Sky News HD is scheduled to take place in spring 2010 following an upgrade to studios, production facilities and news gathering operations.
Date Added: 13/08/2009 12:47:07
CAI GOES BEYOND If turnout is anything to go by, this years’ attendance figures should reveal the CAI Trade Fair at NAC to be one of the most successful of recent times. In a world blighted by economic downturn the signal reception industry continues to flourish. Helped obviously by a digital switchover in full swing as areas begin to overlap, the appetite for knowledge and up skilling is continuing unabated by any gloom hitting a retail climate.
Conference time – ‘Beyond the Switch’
proved popular on both days. The assembled panel in the upstairs theatre pontificated on subjects that varied from British Standards to HDTV, the audience probing with more astute questions that match the higher complexity of our industry these days.
A long awaited collaboration between the CAI and the RDI-LB proved popular and with college support in the exhibition, installers appeared to welcome the CAI pathway to digital tick certification with measurable enthusiasm.
Enrolments for the NVQ in signal reception – the only way to the tick – appeared to be blossoming. The CAI can also report a healthy uptake on installers looking for national recognition of their skills.
The dominance of the exhibition cannot be over-stated. Our industry appears to be one of the last surviving outposts whereby huge business is done on a face-to-face basis on an exhibition stand.
With places like the NEC reporting vast percentage drops in exhibition business, the CAI continues to ‘buck the trend’.
The popularity of the workshop approach seems to be an area on which to build, particularly where up skilling to new technology will be the basis on which the CAI’s continued success will be based.
The Industry has to look ‘beyond the switch’ and on the basis of this years’ success at Stoneleigh the CAI looks in very good shape to do just that!
West Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Switchover
TV viewers in West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will switchover to digital television starting on the 8th July 2009. Digital UK is launching the final stage of its information campaign for the 122,900 households served by the Redruth transmitter group off in West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Digital UK research indicates around 4% of households in the West Country have yet to convert their main sets to digital TV. Many may be waiting for Freeview signals to become available in their area. Currently, Freeview is only available to 63% of households in the West Country. This rises to 96% when switch over is complete.
Switchover completes in 2 stages. The first starts after midnight on 8th July when analogue BBC Two will be switched off and replaced with the BBC’s full range of digital channels. Stage two will take place on 5th August. The remaining analogue channels will be replaced in digital form along with more public- service TV, radio and text services.
Upsurge in Nefarious Practices
One of our members has alerted the CAI administration that they have a bad debt problem with a company called ‘Tariam’ who canvass the membership offering them work. Our member has been successful with a court judgment against them, but payment is not forthcoming, as ‘Tariam’ cannot be traced. It would appear they have re-surfaced and are looking for new ‘victims’ via a blanket email campaign. The membership must be on their guard against nefarious practices that could thrive now the DSO is well underway.
Date Added: 13/08/2009 12:40:48
Distribution To upgrade from an old
indoor analogue aerial the best solution is to connect up to the outside
digital aerial via a wall socket.
For multiple sockets you
need an amplifier to boost the aerial signal, either with enough outlets to
feed each socket, or by adding a splitter to a single feed amplifier to
distribute the signal.
Published: 9 Mar Date Added: 23/07/2009 12:14:07
Cables Aerial cable can
deteriorate over time, so we recommend that it is replaced along with the
aerial for best reception. Digital TV may require higher quality cable than
that used in an existing installation.
Choose
CAI benchmarked cable for best digital performance. Date Added: 23/07/2009 12:02:09
Aerials OfCom estimate that over
10% of existing outdoor aerials will need replacing to receive Freeview, and a
further 20% will need upgrading to receive all digital channels. Over the next
5 years up to 8 million UK homes may need new outdoor aerials.
Choose a CAI benchmarked aerial for best Digital reception.
In addition over 7
million UK homes use indoor aerials, which may not work at all with
digital. The best solution is to connect up to the outside aerial via a wall
socket. Date Added: 23/07/2009 12:01:43
Analogue switch off 2008 - 2012 The
switch to digital TV is happening! Starting this year &
regionally over a 5 year period the government will be switching off analogue
TV broadcasts. You will have to receive digital to watch TV – either via
an aerial (Freeview), satellite dish (Sky), or cable (i.e. NTL, Telewest). Many
consumers will need improved aerials & reception equipment to receive
Freeview - read on to learn more ...
