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Ding Dang Doo
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A TV viewers' group is calling for a free-to-air independent satellite service for households in Wales that can't get a clear reception for stations like S4C and Channel 5.
Digital terrestrial TV was launched in the UK with the promise that many viewers in Wales unable to get the standard five channels would finally be switched on.
But there are many households that even if they used this technology would still be deprived of access to the five basic channels.
The only way they can improve their reception is to sign up to Sky's free-to-air digital satellite service for around £150.
But the Voice of the Listener and Viewer (VLV) says it's time to break up Sky's monopoly of satellite services so other firms can provide cheaper deals.
The group says free-to-air digital satellite services should be offered to viewers for around the same cost as digital terrestrial boxes - these can now be bought for around £50.
By 2012 analogue TV signals, which currently provides the vast majority of viewers with their terrestrial TV images, will be switched off and the five main channels provided through digital services.
VLV chairman Jocelyn Hay says Welsh viewers face several more years with substandard TV receptions until the analogue switch-off, unless they opt for Sky's package.
When the analogue switch-off occurs many more viewers will be able to access all five channels through digital terrestrial boxes because frequencies will be freed up and there won't be the same interference between them.
Mrs Hay said, "Television and radio signals need a clear line of sight. You don't have that in the valleys and you need several local relay transmitters to get the signal down there.
"The transmitter network for FM, analogue and digital terres-trial is very poor for all broadcasters in Wales.
"The only alternatives are satellite or cable, but cable only exists in major urban areas. Wales is worse off than anywhere else in the UK for the quality of its reception because of its geo-graphical nature.
"We want an independent free-to-air digital service for people who cannot get an analogue signal and who will not be able to get a digital signal until analogue is switched over."
Sky free-to-air service is encrypted and to access it users must obtain a "solus" viewing card, which guarantees access only for the next five years.
Viewers who sign up today could face the risk of Sky withdrawing its card, or of a change in its terms, just at the time that switch-over is completed, says the VLV.
A spokesman for Sky said it launched its free-to-air service last October precisely for viewers such as those in Wales who cannot access terrestrial and other channels with a digital terrestrial box.
The company has no intention of changing the terms of its free-to-air deal after five years and there is nothing to stop other companies launching a satellite digital service, said the spokesman.
"Our product makes more choice available to thousands of households without a subscription fee. If others wish to launch products that is up to them," said Sky.
Source: ic wales
Digital terrestrial TV was launched in the UK with the promise that many viewers in Wales unable to get the standard five channels would finally be switched on.
But there are many households that even if they used this technology would still be deprived of access to the five basic channels.
The only way they can improve their reception is to sign up to Sky's free-to-air digital satellite service for around £150.
But the Voice of the Listener and Viewer (VLV) says it's time to break up Sky's monopoly of satellite services so other firms can provide cheaper deals.
The group says free-to-air digital satellite services should be offered to viewers for around the same cost as digital terrestrial boxes - these can now be bought for around £50.
By 2012 analogue TV signals, which currently provides the vast majority of viewers with their terrestrial TV images, will be switched off and the five main channels provided through digital services.
VLV chairman Jocelyn Hay says Welsh viewers face several more years with substandard TV receptions until the analogue switch-off, unless they opt for Sky's package.
When the analogue switch-off occurs many more viewers will be able to access all five channels through digital terrestrial boxes because frequencies will be freed up and there won't be the same interference between them.
Mrs Hay said, "Television and radio signals need a clear line of sight. You don't have that in the valleys and you need several local relay transmitters to get the signal down there.
"The transmitter network for FM, analogue and digital terres-trial is very poor for all broadcasters in Wales.
"The only alternatives are satellite or cable, but cable only exists in major urban areas. Wales is worse off than anywhere else in the UK for the quality of its reception because of its geo-graphical nature.
"We want an independent free-to-air digital service for people who cannot get an analogue signal and who will not be able to get a digital signal until analogue is switched over."
Sky free-to-air service is encrypted and to access it users must obtain a "solus" viewing card, which guarantees access only for the next five years.
Viewers who sign up today could face the risk of Sky withdrawing its card, or of a change in its terms, just at the time that switch-over is completed, says the VLV.
A spokesman for Sky said it launched its free-to-air service last October precisely for viewers such as those in Wales who cannot access terrestrial and other channels with a digital terrestrial box.
The company has no intention of changing the terms of its free-to-air deal after five years and there is nothing to stop other companies launching a satellite digital service, said the spokesman.
"Our product makes more choice available to thousands of households without a subscription fee. If others wish to launch products that is up to them," said Sky.
Source: ic wales