(5 April 2008 5:00 pm)

MUMBAI: UK media regulator Ofcom and the BBC Trust have announced how they plan to work together on the process of upgrading the digital terrestrial television (DTT) platform to allow high definition (HD) services, ensuring that television viewers are informed and that services are not disrupted.

This cooperation reflects their respective responsibilities for the services offered on the DTT platform by the BBC and by other public service broadcasters.

Ofcom's role will be to:

- Oversee the reorganisation of multiplex capacity through licence changes to be authorised by an Order from the Secretary of State of Culture, Media and Sport

- Manage a selection process for three of the four slots available on multiplex B

The BBC Trust will oversee the launch of the BBC's high definition channels on multiplex B; it will also oversee the reorganisation of the BBC's current services to other multiplexes.

The planned upgrade will include the adoption of new transmission and compression technologies (DVB-T2 and MPEG4) which will allow DTT to offer a wider set of services, including those in HD. Jointly, Ofcom and the BBC Trust will work with broadcasters and manufacturers to ensure that television viewers remain informed and are fully supported as the DTT platform is reorganised and the multiplex is upgraded.

Ofcom and the Trust will also work together to ensure that any impact on the digital switchover process is minimised. The upgrade timetable is designed to ensure that work can be completed before digital switchover in the Granada region in 2009.

Upgrading the DTT platform will bring more choice for consumers. Existing Freeview viewers should continue to receive the wide range of services that are currently available on their existing equipment. Viewers wishing to access the new services will need to buy equipment that is compatible with the new technologies, such as a new set-top-box.