Fresh news that Tandberg Television have developed an advanced MPEG2 encoder for DVB.
New encoder cuts SD bitrate requirements
Now here lies the quandry. In the US where they intelligently decided to go HD over DTT this will likely mean further improvements to picture quality.
But what for the UK? Common sense would argue that we need to improve the picture quality on Freeview – but common sense never really provails when the regulators get involved.
So they’re likely to use it to squeeze more channels onto Freeview, to get more licence revenues from broadcasters.
But then, wait a moment, MPEG2? Why are we still messing around with such an old standard?
Surely the push should be to move onto MPEG4, especially with a need for HD services on Freeview?
So perhaps the 3rd, most logical option is to install the new encoders, squash more old MPEG2 services together to free up existing multiplexs. And then convert those multiplexes over to MPEG4 and HD.
It seems the logical approach. It helps OFCOM get around the broadcasters demands for extra spectrum for HD services, and also should help ease costs for existing operations (after upgrading).
Cross your fingers, wish on a falling star, whatever good luck you can will, let’s get those encoders to the UK sharpish!?
[DigitalSpy]
