More HD DTT for France
October 19, 2011
By Colin Mann
France’s broadcasting regulator, the Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel (CSA), has issued a call for applications to broadcast six HD channels in DVB-T MPEG-4 on the R7 and R8 DTT multiplexes.
Applications are to be submitted by January 3 2012, with hearings for qualified candidates between March 5 and 9 and selection of successful candidates scheduled for the middle of the month. Licensing of successful bidders is timetabled for the end of May.
The CSA is keen for quick deployment of the new channels with a launch in Autumn 2012 at least 25 per cent of urban France, including the cities of Paris, Bordeaux and Marseilles.
The deployment of two new networks will be completed by 2014 to achieve coverage equivalent to the R1, R2, R4 and R6 networks.
The CSA suggests that the addition of six new HD channels via DTT will give fresh impetus to the platform while enriching the supply of programmes to viewers across the country.