Annual Reports - RTÃ

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RADIO TELEFÍS ÉIREANN Operational Review RTÉ Network Competitive Issues RTÉ’s Broadcast Transmission Network (RTÉNL) is an RTÉ subsidiary company which also provides ancillary mast and tower rental services to a range of telecommunications service providers and operators. There is little growth in Analogue Television Transmission services as very few suitable frequencies are available and the switchover of frequencies to digital transmission is anticipated. In overall terms the market for mast and tower rental services is growing, but remains very competitive due to the increased number of mast sites becoming available. RTÉNL’s infrastructure is primarily situated at high and remote locations that are not appropriate for some modern digital technologies, such as 3G, which require compact cell sizes local to the consumer. Commercial Revenue The expansion of revenue from existing customers is limited, with growth driven by a steady overall increase in services provided across all markets. In 2007 a number of new customers were secured in the regional and local radio market. Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld (DVB-H), which is TV on mobile phones, made an entry to the Irish market with some positive tests and trials in 2006. These trials continued throughout 2007 and the outlook for the technology in Ireland is positive. At this early juncture, however, it presents only limited revenue generating impact. Operational Issues Overall system availability in coverage areas for television and radio broadcasting is again comparable with previous years running at 99.9%. The detailed examination of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) that RTÉ and RTÉNL commenced in 2006 was expanded and continued throughout 2007. Two multiplexes carrying 20 radio channels were broadcast from RTÉNL’s Three Rock and Clermont Carn sites to provide a digital radio service to Louth, Meath and the greater Dublin area. The replacement transmitter for Long-Wave 252 was switched on in early 2007. The new unit is also Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) compatible, an open standard digital radio system for short-wave, AM/medium wave and long-wave usage which is capable of delivering higher quality sound and has the option of adding two side channels and data. Currently DRM receivers are not widely available in Ireland. Digital Terrestrial Television DCENR has continued its Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) trial service from the RTÉNL transmission sites at Three Rock and Clermont Carn. The system carries a compelling number of channels including all the national television and radio services. In addition to transmission the system has been used throughout the year to test conditional access arrangements, different compression standards, high definition television and modulation variations. The introduction of DTT and the switchoff of analogue television services are being implemented across Europe. New legislation enacted in Ireland in 2007 paves the way for Ireland to also migrate to DTT. DTT offers the following advantages over the traditional Analogue television system: • Extra TV channels as standard Within each multiplex it will be possible to deliver a number of television and radio services. It is expected that two High Definition (HD) television services or up to eight Standard Definition (SD) television services will fit in a multiplex (and/or various combinations of HD and SD). • Subscription channels It is likely that a number of subscription services will be available in addition to Free-To-Air services. If a viewer chooses to take out a subscription, it will be possible to access dedicated television services including sport, films, music channels, and also access to services that allow viewers to watch what they want, when they want. • Improved quality Digital TV will improve the quality of television picture and sound. • New features Will include television listings on-screen, true widescreen picture, enhanced teletext and red-button interactivity. • Access services DTT incorporates the potential to make special features for people with visual and hearing impairments available, such as audio description and subtitling. DCENR has continued its Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) trial service from the RTÉNL transmission sites at Three Rock and Clermont Carn. In 2007 RTÉ Radio and RTÉNL continued tests of digital audio broadcasting (DAB) on a singlefrequency network with coverage in Leinster. 20
ANNUAL REPORT & GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2007 RTÉNL is prepared for digital radio. Currently six Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) channels are being piloted and the replacement transmitter for Long-Wave 252 is Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) compatible. 21
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Annual Reports - RTÃ