[jfman]

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

I know it’s not, Hugh, but I can’t remember where I saw that statement. It was a newspaper, I think.

Nevertheless, the research carried out on this and other sites show the popularity of streaming in no uncertain terms.

And in a binary world that might be relevant.

Odd how you’ve went from “freeview over IP” back to solely streaming and the end of linear television. Perhaps why nobody is in any rush!

---------- Post added at 21:12 ---------- Previous post was at 19:15 ----------

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

Well, let’s cut the sarky comments Chris or I’ll remind everyone that just a few years ago you claimed that there was not enough electricity to extend the current system to on demand only - oops, sorry, I just did!

Have you got any evidence that it’s not true?

https://www.nationalgrideso.com/news...ectricity-grid

A significant amount of planning goes into the power grid and keeping the lights on. Would the networks cope with an effective doubling of consumption in terms of hours, but all of those set piece “live” events being streamed instead of live on terrestrial, satellite or cable television? What makes you think the broadband networks have the capacity to move around that much data?

Again the evidence from the pandemic shows OFCOM working with the gaming industry to ensure large downloads weren’t released at peak times causing spikes and capacity issues.

Let’s stick to what we know. Firstly, you will surely be aware that a proposal to devote the broadcast spectrum to 5G mobiles is being considered globally, and that may well lead to the whole of the current bandwidth being so designated. If that happens, and a decision is expected soon, then converting to IP delivered TV will happen, no matter what you or anyone else says.

Proposal, considered, may and if.

The government is already thinking in that direction anyway. The BBC has been instructed to prepare for an IP onl future. To wit:

https://rxtvinfo.com/2023/bbc-told-t...lacement-plan/

I am well aware that there are challenges, but what is it that makes you think they are insurmountable?

The thing is, OB, nobody says these are insurmountable challenges. What we don’t believe is that anyone will devote the time, money or effort required given the significant commercial interests at sake.

And for God’s sake, it is not my desired outcome. I’m just setting out how I see TV being delivered in the future. I’ve been saying this for eight years now, and bit by bit, we are still edging along to the very outcome that I have thought would come about all along. It is incredible that you are still fighting this notion, despite what you can see happening in front of your own eyes.

If it’s not a desirable outcome - from your own point of view - why are you wasting time consistently parroting the same message against the overwhelming evidence and views of almost everyone else on the forum - some of whom have expertise in either the television or telecommunications industry!

There is the linear channels/on demand debate, and we’ll see what happens there. I believe that the broadcast channels will be looking at going on demand only, because it is easier and less costly. If the linear channels are retained as now but via IP, it will only be because the government/OFCOM have decreed that it must happen. I don’t believe the broadcasters themselves will make that decision.

I think the FAST channels may be short lived because people will tire of them. They are not really proper channels and don’t provide the range or standard of viewing of the main channels we have today - even in their existing dumbed-down state. You make a point about the cost for smaller operators. Well, it seems that very small enterprises can and do add their limited content on platforms like Roku, so I’m sure that a new Freeview IP site could be set up to accommodate them if required. There is no reason why Freeview cannot be replicated on the internet, although I think that rather than the existing linear channels, each broadcaster will have their on demand services listed as we do under the ‘Apps’ section of our set top boxes.

I’m entertained that Freeview over IP has gone from the solution to undesirable in a mere few hours.

A majority of the population already access their programmes on demand and say they prefer it. Which way are we going? I think it’s a no-brainer.

Aside from being not true, a not insignificant amount of television consumption remains live and linear broadcast. And before you throw around accusations of not being able to see the wood from the trees I’m currently streaming Arsenal v Chelsea from a legitimate subscription to overseas broadcaster. But I can objectively look at the whole marketplace and see not everyone would do the same as me. 50 seconds behind live according to my bookmaker of choice for those rare occasions I might place a small wager.

Nobody wants to watch live sport and hear their neighbour cheer a goal almost a full minute ahead of them. Or have to avoid social media for the duration.