Experts study options for digital TV

THE Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Mr Higgins, has said decisions on Ireland's digital television future could…

THE Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Mr Higgins, has said decisions on Ireland's digital television future could be made long before any new legislation, Michael Foley, Media Correspondent reports.

He has confirmed that a committee of three experts is studying the options open to Ireland in the face of developments elsewhere, especially Britain, where more than 200 digital television services will be available before the end of the year.

It is understood that RTE's technical experts are not involved in the committee.

The original draft of his broadcasting legislation had stated that Ireland would have digital terrestrial television, which is delivered via aerials. That statement is not included in the heads of the Bill published yesterday. The committee was looking at all delivery systems, satellite, cable as well as terrestrial, he said.

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As well as BSkyB's satellite digital plans, the Independent Television Commission is currently studying applications from two consortia seeking to control Britain's terrestrial digital television, which is expected to go on air next year.

Some cable companies here are interested in digital television as it will deal with the problem of shortage of capacity. Cablelink has capacity for only nine channels on its Dublin system. Digital technology instantly increases that to 90.