Latest developments in accessible digital television in Ireland
US delays switchover because consumers not ready
Thursday, 05 February 2009 10:11
In a move backed by President Obama, the US House of Representatives has voted to delay the nationwide transition from analogue to digital broadcast television by nearly four months. Many consumers are still not prepared for the switchover and the Government has run out of subsidy coupons for the purchase of digital converter boxes.
UK spends less than expected on help scheme, US spends more
Friday, 16 January 2009 15:58
The BBC has said that of the £803m allocated to the digital switchover help and assistance scheme, £250m may remain unspent due to lower than expected takeup of the scheme. However, in the US, higher than expected takeup has outstripped the $1.34bn that was set aside for similar assistance.
Read more: UK spends less than expected on help scheme, US spends more
UK updates requirements for accessible DTT equipment
Friday, 05 December 2008 13:29
The UK has revised its Core Receiver Requirements for the Digital Switchover Help Scheme. These are used to evaluate bids from companies wishing to provide equipment to older or disabled people who are eligible to receive free or subsidised equipment under the scheme. The revised requirements include many usability and accessibility features but fall short of guaranteeing full accessibility.
Read more: UK updates requirements for accessible DTT equipment
Eircom, Magnet and RTÉ to introduce Internet-based TV
Friday, 14 November 2008 12:07
In addition to cable, satellite and the soon to be launched digital terrestrial television, a new technology is set to take a slice of the market – IPTV, which means TV over the internet. Companies like eircom and Magnet which have not previously operated in television are now planning to provide IPTV services alongside the traditional providers such as RTÉ. To make these new choices available to older people and people with disabilities it will be essential to ensure that the delivery channels and consumer equipment are fully accessible.
Read more: Eircom, Magnet and RTÉ to introduce Internet-based TV
TV Access makes submission on the Broadcasting Bill
Monday, 03 November 2008 10:23
The TV Access coalition has made a submission on the Broadcasting Bill, recommending changes that will ensure the representation of older people and people with disabilities within the organisations and structures that will regulate broadcasting in the future.
Read more: TV Access makes submission on the Broadcasting Bill
Minister and manufacturers adopt targets for equipment accessibility
Friday, 03 October 2008 16:10
Both the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the European digital technology industry have made clear statements setting out 2009 targets for accessibility of digital television equipment.
Read more: Minister and manufacturers adopt targets for equipment accessibility
Publicising the digital switchover
Friday, 05 September 2008 14:58
The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan, has announced a public information campaign about the digital switchover, to begin in March 2009, in advance of the first launch of digital terrestrial television (DTT). The Minister is right in describing this information campaign as "central to the success of national rollout". A lack of proper information in the UK has caused confusion amongst older and disabled TV viewers, resulting in many of them not availing of the financial help to which they are entitled.
BCI National Conference 2008
Thursday, 04 September 2008 13:27
The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland’s National Conference, entitled "Does the Medium Matter?", will take place on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th of September, in the Croke Park Conference Centre, Dublin 3. The conference will address the themes of digital and new media from a variety of standpoints and explore the challenges of content delivery across increasingly diverse platforms and will examine the implications for providers and consumers. To register or receive a conference brochure, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 01 6441200.
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