Almost two years of Freeview TV reception disruption is almost over for viewers in North Yorkshire, Teesside and parts of County Durham. The new replacement transmitter mast at Bilsdale officially went live on Monday 22nd May, initially carrying the core Freeview channels in standard definition. Other channels will follow later. No action was, nor will be, required for most viewers, but they were urged to try retuning their TV or box if they experienced any loss of signal from 22nd May. Additionally some viewers who previously received help from “Project Restore” to restore their TV reception have received letters with further instructions on what to do from next week.

The UK is set to campaign to protect the frequencies currently used for digital terrestrial television at this year’s World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC).  The Conference, taking place this November and December in Dubai, will make internationally binding decisions on how frequencies used for telecommunications can be used. Mobile network operators are campaigning for another tranche of spectrum to be made available for mobile services.

Currently, Freeview frequencies are only safe until 2030, although the UK government has authorised the extension of broadcasting licences until 2035. These do however have a break clause that can be triggered from 2030, in the event the UK fails to secure ongoing use of broadcast spectrum for terrestrial TV services.

Viewers in six regions will be able to watch their regional news on BBC One from this Wednesday, with remaining regions due by the end of April.

Messaging has begun to appear on Freeview channel 101 in the affected regions, which includes London, East and West Midlands and Yorkshire.

Owners of a Freesat 4K box could face a major problem if they reset their box.  Freesat says it has become aware of a problem if viewers reset their 4K box: it can result in the complete loss of satellite signal. This means viewers can’t receive any channels.  This only affects viewers using Freesat’s most recent series of receivers, manufactured by CommScope. These went on the market in early 2020 and are sold by all major electrical retailers.  However, older Freesat boxes, manufactured by Humax aren’t affected. Anyone needing to reset their Manhattan Freesat box or TV with built-in Freesat are also not affected by this gremlin.

CAI are pleased to announce the inaugural CAI Trade Counter of the Year Award. This new award, to be presented at the CAI Gala Awards Dinner on Wednesday 22 March 2023, is designed to recognise a Trade Counter whose customers feel go out of their way to offer good service, value and support.

EVERYONE TV is born today, the new name for Digital UK, the organisation that brings free British television to everyone and the platform operator of Freeview, the biggest platform in the UK, and of its satellite twin, Freesat.

We are pleased to announce that following much effort by the CAI Technical Committee and a period of consultation with Members,

Fleet & Commercial have reported to us that they have seen an influx of “Theft of Tools” claims recently, not just from CAI members but from across their commercial client base.

As “Theft of Tools” is one of the biggest areas insurers are seeing claims on, they do apply quite strict terms and conditions, to enable companies to make a valid claim, and if they are not strictly adhered to then the claim may be rejected. Many policies will exclude claims from vehicles overnight, from a vehicle without added security or if the vehicle is not kept in an overnight compound.

Once again CAI have become the Association Partners for EI Live!

Thanks to a show floor full of the perfect solutions for just about every project, EI Live! is a must visit for those in the domestic or light commercial smart building and AV markets. The show is also a perfect opportunity for those looking to move into the sector, with plenty of information available to find out how to get started.

Whyte has successfully submitted further dSCR multi-switch products to the European IRS Certification Scheme (EICS).
 
Developed through an industry collaboration of satellite/DTT platforms and major equipment manufacturers, DTG Testing and CAI’s European-wide assurance scheme for TV and Satellite distribution equipment provides reassurance of end-to-end device compatibility, interoperability and robust RF performance within satellite and DTT distribution systems.