British Digital Broadcasting announces £200 million transmission plans
5th August 1997
British Digital Broadcasting (BDB) has selected Castle Transmission International (CTI) to supply its transmission and distribution services. Test transmissions are planned for the end of this year.
CTI will be responsible for setting up and running the network of transmitters needed to bring BDB's 15 new digital channels to the public next year.
CTI is one of Britain's most experienced transmission operators, transmitting all of the BBC's analogue television services. In addition, it recently established a new network for the BBC's digital radio services.
This announcement, which is subject to contract, follows on from the ITC's recent award of three digital terrestrial television licences to BDB - a joint venture between Carlton and Granada, the two largest commercial terrestrial broadcasters in the UK.
Commenting on this announcement, Nigel Walmsley, Director of British Digital Broadcasting, said:
"This is an important step for BDB. Over the next 12 years BDB expects to spend approximately £200 million on transmission as part of the advanced systems required to bring digital terrestrial television to people's homes.
"All viewers will need is a set-top box that plugs into their existing television set and aerial socket - no dish, no cable. There is a lot more to do, and we look forward to working with CTI to get the job done."