Analogue Switch-off: Digital dividend and TV services

Published by: IDATE

Published: Jun. 1, 2007

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

2 International switch-off method overview

France - Germany - United Kingdom -

Italy - Spain - United States - Japan

2.1 General switch-off framework

Legal provisions

DTT launch

Digital penetration and DTT equipment

2.2 Attendant measures for switch-off

Public initiatives

Legal obligations

Communication plan

2.3 Solutions for shadow regions?

2.4 Pre-emption of future channels released for television services

2.5 Switch-off calendar for other European countries

2.6 Overview of various switch-off approaches

DTT launch date

Switch-off calendar

Switch-off roll-out

Dominant TV service reception methods

Switch-off difficulties and issues

Attendant measures for switch-off

Digital dividend predetermined uses

3 Key questions surrounding switch-off

3.1 Will the transition to digital be a success?

What will the networks look like after the switch-off battle?

Where will analogue be compared to digital?

Which networks will consumers excluded from DTT choose?

3.2 Digital dividend issues

Various approaches to digital dividend management

The debate about payment for frequencies by television operators

Should we prepare for a second switch-off?

Countries heavily involved during the transition phase and basically neutral when it comes to post switch-off spectrum management

3.3 Possible switch-off winners and losers

Consumers

Audiovisual service broadcasters

Audiovisual transmission operators

Abstract

The gradual cut-off of analogue broadcasting, to be replaced by Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), started several years ago in the major developed market economy countries, most of which have already set the date for complete switch-off in their countries. Nevertheless, the rollout and implementation of this cutover have proven to be very different from one country to the other and present various approaches to the arrival of digital broadcasting.

Two goals are driving analogue signal cut-off to make way for digital transmission alone. The most important is to take advantage of digital signal compression technologies to release spectrum resources and optimise spectrum use. Each nation will make the decision to reallocate released frequencies but, already, audiovisual and telecom players are positioning themselves to gain a share in this digital dividend. The second essential objective is migration to digital: improve audiovisual equipment for all households so they can benefit from a more enriched, diversified and extensive television experience.

This study first of all presents an overview and perspective on the various switch-off methods in Europe, the United States and Japan. It then highlights the cutover's major issues. Finally, it analyses the magnitude of repercussions on changes in the audiovisual sector, especially in terms of frequency management and new service launches, far beyond just the cutoff phase.

Key Questions

• What are the various types of national switch-off approaches?
• What are the major issues for cutting over to all digital?
• What will the network landscape look like the day after switch-off?
• Where will the consumer be when switch-off happens?
• How will the digital dividend be managed?
• Who will be the switch-off winners and losers?

Who should read this report?

Telecom Operators

- Analyse the telecom operators’ role in DTT development
- Identify digital dividend operational potential for telecom services

Media groups

- Get a general overview of switch-off methods
- Understand the implications of switch-off on the audiovisual ecosystem

Regulators

- Identify the issues on digital dividend utilisation
- Understand the characteristics of national market in digital spectrum reallocation

Investors and analysts

- Evaluate the DTT development outlook
- Analyse new audiovisual services

Get Full Details About This Report >>

About MarketResearch.com
MarketResearch.com is an online aggregator selling over 160,000 market research reports, company profiles and country profiles from over 600 research firms. Our reports will provide you with the critical business and competitive intelligence you need for strategic planning and marketing research. Coverage includes the US, UK, Europe, Asia and global markets.