Tech-Me – Blogging my thoughts on gadgets, techology and web based media – chapmanmania

On November 22, I suggested that after the analogue signals have been turned off in 2012 then we should begin to turn off the AM and FM signals and more recently OFCOM have actually considered phasing them out to free up the bandwidth for better stuff and to relieve the bandwidth for DAB and Freeview signals which currentlly broadcast at lower qualities so that there are more channels. My only problem now is that at this slow rate of progression, by the time High Definition Freeview broadcasts are available (projected 2012) the High Def services available from the likes of Telewest and Sky right now might be upped to even better super-hi-def resolutions while the Freeview camp will be cheering we’ve (finally) got High Definition.

Well, it could all be true. A review for AM bandwidth is expected for 2009. And if digital uptake exceeds 50%, it could happen even before then. Ofcom think that the bandwidth could be better used for mobile TV, more digital and community radio, and other new technologies. I’m inclined to agree, since I predicted this a while back (see above) but have to wonder about people that still use AM/FM. Cars , for example, usually only have AM/FM tuners so would be redundant. But an increasing number of drivers want to listen to their own music, like their iPod, so will this actually make a difference? I wake to FM radio, but this station is available on DAB too so maybe this is the beginning of the end of analogue. Things like this take time though, Ofcom have predicted that it won’t be until 2017 when 90% of the population use only digital. But that leaves the question, what will the other 10% of the population do without their beloved, poor quality, analogue streams? Who cares. Give us more cool services like HD freeview and I won’t be standing up for them then.