In the United Kingdom, there are several different ways to broadcast television. These various methods are terrestrial, satellite, cable and also via the Internet. Each method has its own drawbacks and advantages.
Terrestrial broadcasting is the most traditional and widely used method in the UK. A terrestrial signal is transmitted via large transmitters located on the ground. Radio waves are sent from these transmitters to the surrounding areas. The signal transmitted is often reliable but may encounter issues with signal strength when the relief of the land is particularly hilly, causing problems for signals to travel effectively. Issues may also be encountered during particular weather conditions interfering with the radio signal when analogue is used. Also, a limitation with analogue is that the signal uses a large bandwidth so less channels and no additional services can be transmitted. Yet, terrestrial broadcasting is free for the viewer, compared to methods such as satellite television. Examples of services that use terrestrial broadcasting are Freeview, BBC, Virgin etc.
Satellite television is another method of broadcasting used within the UK, provided by companies such as Sky, Virgin Media and BT Vision. This type of television can offer a much wider selection of channels for the viewer, as well as a more reliable service. For example, an HD service can be provided via satellite due to it being digital. Examples of these HD services include BBC HD, Sky HD, Freesat and nearly all other major broadcasting companies. A satellite service works by transmitting a signal from the ground and up into space to a satellite where the signal is then transmitted back to earth. Due to the satellite being in space, the range for the signal is very large and significantly better than that from a terrestrial transmitter. Also a larger number of channels can be transmitted on one bandwidth through the use of a multiplex using digital signals, either via satellite or terrestrial methods. This is since digital signals have the ability to be compressed. Yet, this service comes at a cost that some people may not be able to afford, especially the HD and future 3D packages.
A multiplex can be used on a digital signal and allows several channels to be transmitted on one bandwidth and this can have several benefits. The most major examples of this are the Freeview services. Having more channels provides more airtime for advertising but because there are more channels, the concentration of viewer is lower on individual channels and means a company cannot charge as much to show these adverts. But a larger variety of channels can increase the attraction for an audience to use the company for their television service, also increasing the income for the company. On the other hand, a larger number of channels means a larger amount of television needs to be made; this is a very expensive process, especially for ‘niche’ channels which may not get a high amount of views anyway. Another advantage in digital is the reduced susceptibility to interference because the signal is transmitted in pulses of 0 or 1, and not in waves. Due to the spare bandwidth, other interactive and TV listing services can be provided through this form of broadcasting.
Television can also be broadcast through a cable system. Cables are laid in many housing areas for the properties. Some examples of cable companies are Virgin Media, TalkTalk, Plusnet and AOL. The TV signals are transmitted through optical fibres or the coaxial cable. Often there is only one opportunity for a cable to be laid into a road. This means that only one TV service provider can offer its service. This is an advantage for the company since a customer will have to choose a particular cable company whereas a potential customer for a satellite television company can select what they want. This is because the signals for this type of broadcasting are available in most areas. Signal interruptions are also less likely since there are no issues regarding a signal not reaching properties because it is directly routed to a household. This then also rules out problems such as weather conditions and interference caused by this. Cable allows high quality pictures, but this may be compromised if there are cable issues or the cable length stretches very far from the central hub of where the service is provided. Other services available from this type of service are phone and broadcast facilities as these are also transmitted via cable. On the other hand, cable television is not available everywhere e.g. rural countryside areas with low populations. If cable companies lay wires in all locations then a large amount of money would be wasted since many households may not desire the service. Also the low populations of the areas make it not worth installing even if everyone did want it. For many, the cost of cable can also be a large drawback. Further disadvantages are the maintenance issues involved. Installing or maintaining cable involves digging up a road, which is likely to lead to disruptions. This makes terrestrial and satellite services appear more convenient.
A final transmission method is Internet television. This is the most recent and developing method of broadcast. This type of television is popular due to the availability and cheaper costs of broadband compared to 10 years ago. Broadband allows the audience to stream programs at an excellent rate (in most areas of the country), whereas dial-up Internet could not have provided the same quality service. Examples of this include BBC iPlayer, 4oD etc. These types of services stream the programs onto a website where the viewer can then watch their chosen program on demand. Issues with this type of service may include over popularity and result in an overtake in Internet TV from regular TV broadcast. Many people are likely to abandon TV and simply watch online, largely the younger generation who use the internet more than the older generation. This may then lead to restructuring in the way TV companies get their funding. People are likely to choose Internet television over regular methods since the audience can pick and choose their program and at any time they decide. This may be preferred to regular TV, where most services provide a schedule that is followed.
No comments:
Post a Comment