Re: [backstage] A familiar face...
Still do. I had to prove I could draw a weather map from a single listen to the shipping forecast (after being awake for nearly 36 hours) just last weekend. http://www.yachtingmonthly.com/fileBank/PDF/met-map.pdf Yet to be on a boat that doesn't listen religiously to the Shipping Forecast. Simon On 18/05/2011 16:46, Ant Miller wrote: Back in the day we used to have photocopies sheets with the areas listed and you'd jot in the forecast off the radio. I have just recalled that day was 20 years ago. Bugger. On Wed, May 18, 2011 at 3:21 PM, Gareth Davis <mailto:gareth.da...@bbc.co.uk>> wrote: If I'm out on the water I'd listen via the coastguard MSI bulletin on VHF, rather than tune in to Radio 4. But it's still the shipping forecast either way. > -Original Message- > From: owner-backst...@lists.bbc.co.uk <mailto:owner-backst...@lists.bbc.co.uk> > [mailto:owner-backst...@lists.bbc.co.uk <mailto:owner-backst...@lists.bbc.co.uk>] On Behalf Of Tom Scott > Sent: 18 May 2011 15:00 > To: backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk <mailto:backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk> > Subject: Re: [backstage] A familiar face... > > Every boat I've be a crew on always tunes in. Although the > 1979 Fastnet Race is often mentioned... > Tom > > > On 18/05/2011 14:35, "Dirk-Willem van Gulik" > mailto:di...@webweaving.org>> wrote: > > > > > On 18 May 2011, at 14:23, Robert Binney wrote: > > > >> I have been told that "no sailors listen to the Shipping > Forecast" - > >> can this be true? > > > > Well - if you have the money (and enough battery power and ample of > > pricey thermal paper) - you get it off your navtex(1) or from the > > met-office feed of immarsat(2). But I've found myself in a > situation > > more than once where knowing that you could be having _reliable_ > > warnings with just a simple battery & radio independent of > it all was very reassuring. > > > > Dw. > > > > 1: > > > http://www.frisnit.com/cgi-bin/navtex/view.cgi?NAVAREA=1&action=browse <http://www.frisnit.com/cgi-bin/navtex/view.cgi?NAVAREA=1&action=browse> > > &TYPE=24 > > H - the MET ones. > > 2: http://www.opc.ncep.noaa.gov/shtml/UKMHSFAT > > > > > > - > > Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk <http://backstage.bbc.co.uk> discussion group. To unsubscribe, > > please visit > http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html. > > Unofficial list archive: > > http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/ > > - > Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk <http://backstage.bbc.co.uk> discussion group. To > unsubscribe, please visit > http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html. > Unofficial list archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/ > - Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk <http://backstage.bbc.co.uk> discussion group. To unsubscribe, please visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html. Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/ -- Ant Miller tel: 07709 265961 email: ant.mil...@gmail.com <mailto:ant.mil...@gmail.com> -- *Simon Thompson MEng(Hons) MIET* R&D Engineer <mailto:simon.thomp...@rd.bbc.co.uk>
Re: [backstage] Internet Standards role
9 is the pay grade, not the number of days - 9D means a grade 9 person on days conditions. It may be a continuing or fixed term contract. On 7 September 2010 10:23, Richard P Edwards wrote: > This is why I find the 9 days bit intriguing. In the "old" days I used to > put in 120 hour weeks, so I know exactly what you mean by addiction... the > interesting part is that the UK seems to have gone to part time contracts > where, as Simon says, you can work an 80 hour week with no overtime. > OK, you get days off in lieu, but in that kind of job I suspect that > finding the free days to take off could be pretty difficult... unless you > take a long holiday every summer... in which case the BBC office effectively > "closes" for that time. > I think that I can see this ending is all sorts of chaos. :-) In my case, > we did not get paid days off in lieu... so if you needed to sleep you had to > swallow the financial inconvenience. Neither way is perfect, but calling for > a contractual 9 day week seems somehow unsettling for me. > Looks like a great job though, they'd also prefer someone "uncompetitive" - > now that made me smile. > Regards > RichE > > -- Simon Thompson GMAIL Account
Re: [backstage] Internet Standards role
Nope, on days condition you get paid for each day you work - overtime is only available if you work more days than you should in a week. So you could work 80 hours over 5 days and get 0 overtime. (Overtime is paid in days off in lieu - except in special circumstances) On 7 September 2010 09:20, Richard P Edwards wrote: > Is that a 56 hour week with overtime only after that point then? > RichE > > On 7 Sep 2010, at 10:06, Ant Miller wrote: > > > it sort of makes sense, in that we still have some operational support > > roles that are shift based, and some part time. having days and hours > > terms for role grades ensures these peoples pay and conditions are > > always part of the collective terms of employment. > > > > On 9/7/10, Gordon Joly wrote: > >> On 07/09/2010 08:40, Ant Miller wrote: > >>> and that's "days" as opposed to "hours" in case anyone was wondering > >>> if there was going to be a nocturnal equivalent role. > >>> > >> > >> How very quaint... and out of sync with modern employment practices (bar > >> the Post Office). > >> > >> Gordo > >> > >> -- > >> > >> Gordon Joly > >> gordon.j...@pobox.com > >> http://www.joly.org.uk/ > >> Don't Leave Space To The Professionals! > >> > >> - > >> Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group. To unsubscribe, > please > >> visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html. > >> Unofficial list archive: > >> http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/ > >> > > > > > > -- > > Ant Miller > > > > tel: 07709 265961 > > email: ant.mil...@gmail.com > > - > > Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group. To unsubscribe, > please visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html. > Unofficial list archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/ > > - > Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group. To unsubscribe, please > visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html. > Unofficial list archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/ > -- Simon Thompson GMAIL Account
Re: [backstage] Is this BBC "Homeplug" product legal?
Oops, same team did look into internal systems, but the noise problem is similar. I'll see if I can find their report. Mo McRoberts wrote: On 15-Dec-2009, at 10:33, Simon Thompson wrote: The RF noise generated by these technologies is quite bad, it's in a band where noise can propogate worldwide via the ionosphere. It can prevent receivers locking to, or demodulating a signal. http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rd/pubs/whp/whp-pdf-files/WHP116.pdf Is that not a four and a half year old report into a trial of a PLT system which delivered broadband access via power supply lines, rather than a product which makes use of internal power cabling to provide home networking? (I realise the underlying tech is similar, though things have moved on a bit in that time, but context is somewhat important, no?) M. -- ---- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET* Research and Development Engineer PRINCE2^TM Registered Practitioner *BBC Research and Development* A209, Kingswood Warren, Woodland Way, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 6NP *T:* 01737 839818 *E:* simon.thomp...@rd.bbc.co.uk <mailto:simon.thomp...@rd.bbc.co.uk>
Re: [backstage] Is this BBC "Homeplug" product legal?
Wasn't encryption an option on Homeplug 1.0? I thought it came with either a default password or the option to switch it on. Stephen Jolly wrote: On 15 Dec 2009, at 10:33, Simon Thompson wrote: Also, it's very easy to demodulate the Ethernet traffic radiated from your house wiring from one of these systems - it's not very secure! I think the Homeplug AV standard uses 128-bit AES traffic encryption, which should be enough to foil the casual attacker, assuming it's competently implemented. S - Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group. To unsubscribe, please visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html. Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/ -- ---- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET* Research and Development Engineer <mailto:simon.thomp...@rd.bbc.co.uk>
Re: [backstage] Is this BBC "Homeplug" product legal?
The RF noise generated by these technologies is quite bad, it's in a band where noise can propogate worldwide via the ionosphere. It can prevent receivers locking to, or demodulating a signal. http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rd/pubs/whp/whp-pdf-files/WHP116.pdf Also, it's very easy to demodulate the Ethernet traffic radiated from your house wiring from one of these systems - it's not very secure! Simon PS Single wire telephone extensions? Alan Pope wrote: 2009/12/14 Brian Butterworth : As someone who has been responsible for installation of enough cat5 to Why would you want to use a HomePlug? Because it's easier than flood wiring the whole house. People used to have landline phones upstairs, and everyone was happy with wires for that. Usually one wire, singular. With HomePlug I can have ethernet wherever there is a power point, and I do move them around now and then. HomePlug is not just pointless, it is expensive and is to radio hams as light pollution is to astronomers. I must say I'd never heard of the radio interference at all. Cheers, Al. - Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group. To unsubscribe, please visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html. Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/ -- ---- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET* Research and Development Engineer <mailto:simon.thomp...@rd.bbc.co.uk>
Re: [backstage] iPlayer on Freesat in November.
Was the Netgem ever awarded a Digital Tick? Paul Webster wrote: Freeview with Ethernet - yes Netgem iPlayer (yes - they had been using the name for ages before BBC iPlayer). Lots of advanced features - for it's time. (Ethernet via USB dongle) Paul -- Sent from my phone On 4 Nov 2009, at 09:35, Brian Butterworth <mailto:briant...@freeview.tv>> wrote: Can you name a single Freeview box with an Ethernet port? 2009/11/4 Nico Morrison <mailto:microni...@gmail.com>> http://www.trustedreviews.com/home-cinema/news/2009/11/04/BBC-iPlayer-Hits-Freesat-in-November/p1 Does that mean we'll get it on Freeview as well? Nico M -- Brian Butterworth follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/briantist web: http://www.ukfree.tv - independent digital television and switchover advice, since 2002 -- ---- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET* Research and Development Engineer <mailto:simon.thomp...@rd.bbc.co.uk>
[backstage] Re: Sky hits out at Project Canvas
Mo McRoberts wrote: Canvas has also announced a “position of alignment” with the HbbTV initiative: http://www.iptv-news.com/iptv_news/october_09/project_canvas_cooperating_with_hbbtv_initiative And frankly, looking at the website: http://www.hbbtv.org/ …it doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence, especially as it doesn’t appear to have publicly released ANYTHING yet except a list of participants. Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HBBtv) is a service like Canvas being implemented by Institut fuer Rundfunktechnik. Hybrid Broadcast Broadband (HBB) is a group at the European Broadcasting Union looking at the harmonisation of Canvas, HBBtv, MHEG-5 IPTV, MHP, OIPTV and commercial offerings from the likes of Samsung and Panasonic. There's a brief write-up here http://tech.ebu.ch/docs/tech-i/ebu_tech-i_001.pdf -- ---- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET* Research and Development Engineer
Re: [backstage] Free as in 'Freedom'
David Tomlinson wrote: I am not alone: http://ssrn.com/abstract=976733 "It is not surprising that such broad criticism, from such a diverse group of critics, has now emerged. Intellectual property products form the core of today’s "New Economy" of high technology, communications, and entertainment" [...] "We need at least some voices to remind the courts and policy makers of the costs of monopoly and the view that competition has a vital role to play in incentivizing innovation" A quote from the abstract of an accepted paper to a non-peer reviewed journal edited by second year law students about US intellectual property law does not prove the case the argument. -- ---- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET* Research and Development Engineer <mailto:simon.thomp...@rd.bbc.co.uk>
Re: [backstage] "free london's data" event
Richard Smedley wrote: Ian Forrester wrote: Ah London's got no chance :) I think theres something bubbling up which is similar but with support from the local and regional government agencies in Greater Manchester. Like they say, Manchester does today what London does tomorrow ;) In the case of the co-operative movement, or of vegetarian restaurants, it's more like "Manchester did 150 years ago, what London's beginning to do now..." ;-P - Richard I suppose Rochdale is in Greater Manchester, but the Rochdale co-operative came after Ayshire, New Lanark, Glasgow, Indiana, Hampshire and Brighton -- ---- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET* Research and Development Engineer <mailto:simon.thomp...@rd.bbc.co.uk>
[backstage] Compatibility challenges for Broadcast Networks and White Space Devices
A Colleagues paper from the recent IBC conference has been made available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bbcinternet/2009/09/compatability_challenges_for_b.html Interested to see what people think. -- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET* Research and Development Engineer <mailto:simon.thomp...@rd.bbc.co.uk>
Re: [backstage] The BBC is encrypting its HD signal by the back door
Scot McSweeney-Roberts wrote: On Wed, Sep 30, 2009 at 19:07, Nick Reynolds-FM&T mailto:nick.reyno...@bbc.co.uk>> wrote: that's why there's a public consultation Where? There doesn't seem to be anything related on ofcom's site http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/?open=Yes§or=Broadcasting%20-%20TV <http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/?open=Yes§or=Broadcasting%20-%20TV> You'd think they'd be the ones doing the consulting. They were, you've missed the consultation cut-off date. The outcome will be posted in due course. -- -------- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET*
Re: [backstage] License to Kill Innovation: the Broadcast Flag for UK Digital TV?
Poor choice of words by me. Multiplex B is having the SD channels removed from it and is being converted to MPEG4 part 10 and DVB-T2 to allow HD channels to be transmitted. 2009/9/18 Brian Butterworth > Multiplex B aka PSB3 aka BBCB is not VACATED by the BBC, BBC FTV Ltd still > owns the multiplex. It is being used for Freeview HD carrying three (soon > four) public service HD channels. > > 2009/9/17 Simon Thompson > > Ofcom is going to use Multiplex B (vacated by the BBC) to provide DVB-T2 HD >> services. First region on air is Granada later this year. >> >> 2009/9/17 Alun Rowe >> >> >>> Will we ever see HD freeview though? The bandwidth requirement would >>> be enormous. >>> >>> >>> On 17 Sep 2009, at 16:53, "Frankie Roberto" >>> wrote: >>> >>> >>> 2009/9/17 Christopher Woods < >>> chris...@infinitus.co.uk> >>> >>> Moreover, you just *know* that within months of any broadcast flag >>>> implementation, the more creative technological tinkerers will have >>>> subverted the flag entirely using commonplace/free equipment and software. >>>> Like region coding, broadcast flags really are an exercise in stupidity and >>>> corporate backslapping. >>>> >>> >>> By the sounds of it, the main 'enforcement' mechanism of the metadata >>> compression/encryption isn't so much technological, as the fact that you >>> won't be able to use the "Freeview HD" logo, or be listed on the Freeview >>> website, without signing for a free licence (which requires you to implement >>> some as-yet-unspecified restrictions). Which won't really stop free software >>> from existing - but may stop it from being a commercial success. >>> >>> That said, I wonder how many people will really bother to upgrade from >>> Freeview to Freeview HD anyway - standard definition Freeview seems good >>> enough for most people (especially those with non-enormous tellies). So the >>> migration to Freeview HD will happen slowly, as people upgrade their >>> televisions as part of their natural lifecycle. (Assuming that the signal >>> doesn't get switched off). >>> >>> Frankie >>> >>> -- >>> Frankie Roberto >>> Experience Designer, Rattle >>> 0114 2706977 >>> <http://www.rattlecentral.com>http://www.rattlecentral.com >>> >>> >>> >>> This message (and any associated files) is intended only for the use of >>> the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain >>> information that is confidential, subject to copyright or constitutes a >>> trade secret. If you are not the intended recipient you are hereby notified >>> that any dissemination, copying or distribution of this message, or files >>> associated with this message, is strictly prohibited. If you have received >>> this message in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the >>> message and deleting it from your computer. Messages sent to and from us may >>> be monitored. >>> >>> >>> >>> Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free >>> as information could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late >>> or incomplete, or contain viruses. Therefore, we do not accept >>> responsibility for any errors or omissions that are present in this message, >>> or any attachment, that have arisen as a result of e-mail transmission. If >>> verification is required, please request a hard-copy version. Any views or >>> opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily >>> represent those of the company. >>> >>> >>> >>> *Alun Rowe* >>> >>> *Pentangle Internet Limited* >>> >>> 2 Buttermarket >>> >>> Thame >>> >>> Oxfordshire >>> >>> OX9 3EW >>> >>> Tel: +44 8700 339905 >>> >>> Fax: +44 8700 339906 >>> *Please direct all support requests to >>> **it-supp...@pentangle.co.uk* >>> >>> Pentangle Internet Limited is a limited company registered in England and >>> Wales. Registered number: 3960918. Registered office: 1 Lauras Close, Great >>> Staughton, Cambridgeshire PE19 5DP >>> >> >> >> >> -- >> Simon Thompson >> GMAIL Account >> > > > > -- > > Brian Butterworth > > follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/briantist > web: http://www.ukfree.tv - independent digital television and switchover > advice, since 2002 > -- Simon Thompson GMAIL Account
Re: [backstage] Re: Freeview HD vs existing "HDMI upscaling" freeview boxes (was RE: [backstage] License to Kill Innovation: the Broadcast Flag for UK Digital TV?)
Last time I checked the Blue book it didn't mention bitrates: http://www.dvb.org/technology/standards/a122r1.tm3980r7.DVB-T2.pdf And the last time I saw the chairman of the DVB-T2 technical module speaking he mentioned 36 Mbps: 2009/9/18 Brian Butterworth > Wikipedia is wrong (that's a suprise). The carrying capacity is 30Mbps, > according to the specification. > > 2009/9/18 Simon Thompson > > 30 Mbps is a bit of a low estimate for T2. >> >> Wikipedia suggests at least 35. >> >> 2009/9/18 Brian Butterworth >> >> Briefly, DVB-T2 uses MPEG4 delivered in a 30Mbps (compare 18Mbps and >>> 24Mps) multiplex using 256QAM (compared with 16QAM and 64QAM) with LDPC/BCH >>> error correction (not FEC) and 32k carriers (compare 2k and 8k). >>> http://www.ukfree.tv/fullstory.php?storyid=1107051377 >>> >>> Basically, this is not a software upgrade! >>> >>> 2009/9/17 Brendan Quinn >>> >>> Alan wrote: >>>> > I assume my topfield HD will be out of date with these proposed >>>> > changes? >>>> >>>> Ant replied: >>>> > You'll need to retune, but the services you currently get on Freeview >>>> > should still be available. Think of Freeview + as an optional >>>> > upgrade. >>>> >>>> To which Alun wrote: >>>> > I meant in terms of the HD element if they are changing the spec? If >>>> there is a >>>> > decryption requirement I doubt the Topfield will have it? >>>> >>>> I would say you're right, your box wont' receive HD freeview signals. >>>> But that's not (only) because of any encryption, it's because the spec >>>> for encoding HD over freeview [1] was only agreed last week and the >>>> first box was announced five days ago, to be released "in the first half >>>> of 2010": >>>> >>>> http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2009/09/12/pace-unveils-dvb-t2-freeview-h >>>> d-box/<http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2009/09/12/pace-unveils-dvb-t2-freeview-h%0Ad-box/> >>>> >>>> I guess you have this box [2]: >>>> >>>> http://www.topfield.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1 >>>> 0&catid=2&Itemid=3<http://www.topfield.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1%0A0&catid=2&Itemid=3> >>>> >>>> It uses "HDMI upscaling" to work with your HD TV. But it's not actually >>>> processing the real freeview HD signal and never can -- your box needs >>>> different chips to be able to do that. So to actually see Freeview HD in >>>> HD, you will need to buy a new box :-( >>>> >>>> HTH, >>>> >>>> Brendan. >>>> [1] known as DVB-T2. The DVB are the standards committee for most TV >>>> standards in Europe, India, Australia etc. The BBC is a member. DVB-T >>>> was the standard for regular freeview, so DVB-T2 is the standard for >>>> next-gen freeview: the "T" is for terrestrial. You can guess that DVB-C >>>> is for cable and DVB-S is for satellite... They also have C2 and S2 >>>> standards for HD over those platforms. >>>> [2] URL edited for brevity -- yes it was much longer than that before -- >>>> but it seems to work... >>>> >>>> - >>>> Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group. To unsubscribe, >>>> please visit >>>> http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html. >>>> Unofficial list archive: >>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/ >>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> >>> Brian Butterworth >>> >>> follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/briantist >>> web: http://www.ukfree.tv - independent digital television and >>> switchover advice, since 2002 >>> >> >> >> >> -- >> Simon Thompson >> GMAIL Account >> > > > > -- > > Brian Butterworth > > follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/briantist > web: http://www.ukfree.tv - independent digital television and switchover > advice, since 2002 > -- Simon Thompson GMAIL Account
Re: [backstage] Re: Freeview HD vs existing "HDMI upscaling" freeview boxes (was RE: [backstage] License to Kill Innovation: the Broadcast Flag for UK Digital TV?)
30 Mbps is a bit of a low estimate for T2. Wikipedia suggests at least 35. 2009/9/18 Brian Butterworth > Briefly, DVB-T2 uses MPEG4 delivered in a 30Mbps (compare 18Mbps and 24Mps) > multiplex using 256QAM (compared with 16QAM and 64QAM) with LDPC/BCH error > correction (not FEC) and 32k carriers (compare 2k and 8k). > http://www.ukfree.tv/fullstory.php?storyid=1107051377 > > Basically, this is not a software upgrade! > > 2009/9/17 Brendan Quinn > > Alan wrote: >> > I assume my topfield HD will be out of date with these proposed >> > changes? >> >> Ant replied: >> > You'll need to retune, but the services you currently get on Freeview >> > should still be available. Think of Freeview + as an optional >> > upgrade. >> >> To which Alun wrote: >> > I meant in terms of the HD element if they are changing the spec? If >> there is a >> > decryption requirement I doubt the Topfield will have it? >> >> I would say you're right, your box wont' receive HD freeview signals. >> But that's not (only) because of any encryption, it's because the spec >> for encoding HD over freeview [1] was only agreed last week and the >> first box was announced five days ago, to be released "in the first half >> of 2010": >> >> http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2009/09/12/pace-unveils-dvb-t2-freeview-h >> d-box/<http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2009/09/12/pace-unveils-dvb-t2-freeview-h%0Ad-box/> >> >> I guess you have this box [2]: >> >> http://www.topfield.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1 >> 0&catid=2&Itemid=3<http://www.topfield.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1%0A0&catid=2&Itemid=3> >> >> It uses "HDMI upscaling" to work with your HD TV. But it's not actually >> processing the real freeview HD signal and never can -- your box needs >> different chips to be able to do that. So to actually see Freeview HD in >> HD, you will need to buy a new box :-( >> >> HTH, >> >> Brendan. >> [1] known as DVB-T2. The DVB are the standards committee for most TV >> standards in Europe, India, Australia etc. The BBC is a member. DVB-T >> was the standard for regular freeview, so DVB-T2 is the standard for >> next-gen freeview: the "T" is for terrestrial. You can guess that DVB-C >> is for cable and DVB-S is for satellite... They also have C2 and S2 >> standards for HD over those platforms. >> [2] URL edited for brevity -- yes it was much longer than that before -- >> but it seems to work... >> >> - >> Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group. To unsubscribe, >> please visit >> http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html. >> Unofficial list archive: >> http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/ >> > > > > -- > > Brian Butterworth > > follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/briantist > web: http://www.ukfree.tv - independent digital television and switchover > advice, since 2002 > -- Simon Thompson GMAIL Account
Re: [backstage] License to Kill Innovation: the Broadcast Flag for UK Digital TV?
Ofcom is going to use Multiplex B (vacated by the BBC) to provide DVB-T2 HD services. First region on air is Granada later this year. 2009/9/17 Alun Rowe > > Will we ever see HD freeview though? The bandwidth requirement would be > enormous. > > > On 17 Sep 2009, at 16:53, "Frankie Roberto" > wrote: > > > 2009/9/17 Christopher Woods < > chris...@infinitus.co.uk> > > Moreover, you just *know* that within months of any broadcast flag >> implementation, the more creative technological tinkerers will have >> subverted the flag entirely using commonplace/free equipment and software. >> Like region coding, broadcast flags really are an exercise in stupidity and >> corporate backslapping. >> > > By the sounds of it, the main 'enforcement' mechanism of the metadata > compression/encryption isn't so much technological, as the fact that you > won't be able to use the "Freeview HD" logo, or be listed on the Freeview > website, without signing for a free licence (which requires you to implement > some as-yet-unspecified restrictions). Which won't really stop free software > from existing - but may stop it from being a commercial success. > > That said, I wonder how many people will really bother to upgrade from > Freeview to Freeview HD anyway - standard definition Freeview seems good > enough for most people (especially those with non-enormous tellies). So the > migration to Freeview HD will happen slowly, as people upgrade their > televisions as part of their natural lifecycle. (Assuming that the signal > doesn't get switched off). > > Frankie > > -- > Frankie Roberto > Experience Designer, Rattle > 0114 2706977 > <http://www.rattlecentral.com>http://www.rattlecentral.com > > > > This message (and any associated files) is intended only for the use of the > individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information > that is confidential, subject to copyright or constitutes a trade secret. If > you are not the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any > dissemination, copying or distribution of this message, or files associated > with this message, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message > in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and > deleting it from your computer. Messages sent to and from us may be > monitored. > > > > Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as > information could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or > incomplete, or contain viruses. Therefore, we do not accept responsibility > for any errors or omissions that are present in this message, or any > attachment, that have arisen as a result of e-mail transmission. If > verification is required, please request a hard-copy version. Any views or > opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily > represent those of the company. > > > > *Alun Rowe* > > *Pentangle Internet Limited* > > 2 Buttermarket > > Thame > > Oxfordshire > > OX9 3EW > > Tel: +44 8700 339905 > > Fax: +44 8700 339906 > *Please direct all support requests to > **it-supp...@pentangle.co.uk* > > Pentangle Internet Limited is a limited company registered in England and > Wales. Registered number: 3960918. Registered office: 1 Lauras Close, Great > Staughton, Cambridgeshire PE19 5DP > -- Simon Thompson GMAIL Account
Re: [backstage] The Final Digital Britain report
Brian Butterworth wrote: *132. "Another missing infrastructure link for digital terrestrial TV is a return path for interactive services - a capability already provided on satellite, DSL and cable networks."* That's because it's a broadcast, not a peer-to-peer network. And this "return path" would be - oh yes, the internet. Not necessarily, DVB-RCS and DVB-RCT are two return channel standards issued by DVB recently offering Return Channels via Satellite and Terrestrial transmissions *101 ... higher mobile termination rates applied to T-Mobile and Orange have provided some compensation for the higher costs associated with poorer propagation properties.* Or, in English, "T-Mobile/Virgin and Orange (1800Mhz) phones don't work as well as Vodafone and O2 (900 MHz) ones, but cost more to call. " I think they mean that to get similar coverage, more base stations are needed, which incurs a greater cost. -- ---- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET* Research and Development Engineer PRINCE2^TM Registered Practitioner *BBC Research and Development* <mailto:simon.thomp...@rd.bbc.co.uk>
Re: [backstage] The Final Digital Britain report
Some of the language is odd. "Filesharing for profit" - what about web piracy that is for personal use, but which circumvents residual payment? "Digital Radio Upgrade" - re-worded from the interim report, where switchover was used. 2009/6/17 Rob Myers > 2009/6/17 Ian Forrester > >> I got to say I'm also with ukfsn.org and not really had any major >> problems > > > Thanks guys. > > I'll take a look. > > - Rob. > > -- Simon Thompson
Re: [backstage] video cameras + sailing dingies
Tim Dobson wrote: Tim Dobson wrote: I'll get some video up soon, Here is some of the video I took, feel free to take a look: http://files.tdobson.net/sailing240509/SANY0004.MP4 (700mb) Is that from a Xacti? Has it had any filters applied or post-processing, e.g. been graded? They're excellent cameras for the price. Have you manually white-balanced the camera? There's a shot where the sky's chrominance changes suddenly as you tack onto port and I'm wondering if there's some sort of automatic thing going awry. Depth-of-field is huge, although you're losing some of the background (maybe camera optics). Really good effort - you're going to have fun trying to get that perfect shot with sailor, boat, water and surroundings in, but it's worth the effort. Will be nice to see a finalised clip from the rushes you're making -what sort of system are you using for editing? Simon -- ---- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET* Research and Development Engineer *BBC Research and Development* <mailto:simon.thomp...@rd.bbc.co.uk>
Re: [backstage] video cameras + sailing dingies
Dirk-Willem van Gulik wrote: Tim Dobson wrote: So basically I've just acquired a small waterproof HD video camera and I'm looking for the best way to mount it onto my Laser EPS[1] sailing dinghy. It has a standard tripod mount so I was wondering about tying it on with desk tripod near the mast foot or something but I wondered if anyone had any prior experience or thoughts on how they'd do this. There are a few issues with mounting cameras on boats. 1. Mounting the camera unit high up has it's difficulties 1. by adding weight to the top-hamper (camera, mount and cabling) you decrease the stability of the boat 2. the fixing point can weaken the spar section 3. the higher up, the greater the arc of movement 2. If you're talking a dinghy, then you don't want the camera or mount to impede your exit from the boat in event of a capsize 3. The dinghy will probably have class rules - by adapting it, you may not be allowed to enter any events with it. 1. Contact the Principal Race Officer and the Scrutineer/Measurer 4. Make sure the camera is waterproof first. 5. HD video played an a large-ish screen is more immersive than SD on a box in the corner - you may feel motion sickness http://www.hqda.army.mil/ari/pdf/RR%201832.pdf Best I've seen is the Horizon True system http://www.youtube.com/v/s67s7ZHbsi0 http://www.horizontrue.com/sections/order.php but they're expensive for non-broadcast purposes. A colleague has also experimented with OpenGL motion-stabilising - perhaps an area for backstage to look at? If you're really interested, there's an Olympics test event at Portland in September called Sail for Gold http://www.sailracer.co.uk/events/event-v2.asp?eventid=18401 where I'm sure there'll be mounting systems in action. -- ---- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET* Research and Development Engineer *BBC Research and Development* <mailto:simon.thomp...@rd.bbc.co.uk>
Re: [backstage] Shower Radios
Lee Ball wrote: Hello folks, Sorry to post this here but I know there are lots of people who know a lot about Radio/TV so it was the first place I thought of. The background: I'm looking for a Shower Radio for my girlfriends birthday (its not the ONLY thing I'm getting her). Ideally it would have support for MP3 built in but I can't find any of those. Which is odd, how cool would it be to upload songs to it. Anyway, I digress. The one I've just found is this the Sony ICFS79V (Amazon link http://snipurl.com/ge5xk) It mentions VHF and TV channels. Suggesting it can listen to the audio from TV channels. Now for my question, is this likely to stop working once the digital switch over happens? I don't fancy spending nearl £50 on something that half of it will stop working after a while. Any other suggestions welcomed. I've seen lots of shower radios, I have a cheap one but its not very good. MP3 isn't a must but would be pretty cool to have it on there. The other option is these MP3 shower enclosures, but it essentially locks off the buttons whilst showering. Many thanks Lee Hi, The listing for the radio seems to suggest that TV audio for VHF Channels 2-13 is available, unfortunately this is not used in the UK anymore (part of it is where DAB now resides) - it is used elsewhere in the EU and in the USA for TV still. Also, the radio suggests it can decode Weather Band - this is a North American service. If this is a radio designed for North America, you may find that it has 10kHz steps for the MW band, rather than the European standard 9kHz. This will mean you can't tune a lot of the EU stations like Radio 5. Simon -- ---- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET* Research and Development Engineer *BBC Research and Development*
Re: [backstage] So Long and Thanks For All The Fish?
Brian Butterworth wrote: lb-force is (was) an imperial measure of force, so they're perhaps half-right. Newtons are m·kg·s^-2 ^Which is distance x mass / time squared , lbs is just mass, unless "of force" is a magical way of saying distance / time squared? No, in imperial measurements the term pound can be used as a unit of force or mass, they are different measurements, and their meaning is derived from context. Sometimes pounds-force and pounds-mass if both are being discussed simultaneously. If you're talking about force, the imperial unit of mass becomes the slug. -- ---- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET MIEEE* Research Engineer (Electronics) PRINCE2^TM Registered Practitioner <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Re: [backstage] HD Videocamera advice please...
Jim Tonge wrote: IMHO, plus points for the Sony include no-light nightshot for your Blair Witch-style fun, and a (albeit low-rent) Carl Zeiss lens. The audio jack is the main selling point for me though. "...the GOP length will affect the ability to edit the output." I've never really understood GOP (I know it's to do with interlacing, right?) - could you point me in the direction of a clear explanation please? No, nothing to do with interlacing (i.e. you have a GOP with any MPEG interlaced or progressive video) It is the Group of Pictures. In MPEG you can encode each frame as I-Frames, P-Frames or B-Frames. I-Frames have the complete image, P-Frames are predicted based upon changes from an I-Frame or previous P-Frame. B-Frames are similar to P-Frames, but bi-directionally predicted (n.b. this implies out of order frame encoding in the encoder) from I, P and B-Frames. A GOP is a sequence of I, P and B-Frames e.g. IBBPBBPBBPBB The GOP length is the number of frames between successive I-Frames. A long GOP length will, for example, cause a delay on video appearing on changing channels on a STB or, as editing cuts can only start from an I-Frame will mean you can't do frame accurate editing. Broadcast contributions e.g. DV, use I-Frame only codecs to allow frame accurate editing. -- ---- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET * Research Engineer (Electronics) PRINCE2^TM Registered Practitioner *BBC Future Media and Technology*
Re: [backstage] HD Videocamera advice please...
Ian Forrester wrote: If I was buying one now, I would get the Sanyo Xacti HD1010. But I love flash media and am not so bothered about the quality of the actual footage. I also love the 300fps mode. http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/05/sanyos-xacti-hd1010-1080i-camcorder-shoots-300fps-slow-mo/ Cheers Ian Forrester Presumably the resolution is greatly reduced when shooting at 300fps? Also, it's recording to h.264 video files - the GOP length will affect the ability to edit the output. -- ---- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET * Research Engineer (Electronics) PRINCE2^TM Registered Practitioner *BBC Future Media and Technology* <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Re: [backstage] erik huggers on open standards
Tim Dobson wrote: 2 mins of googling: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aware_Electronics Yes so that's the "A-View", the "AW-300" and the "AW-150" subnotebooks for starters. All of which use Aday super486 CPUs. So these will be x86 compatible -- -------- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET* Research Engineer (Electronics) *BBC Future Media and Technology* Kingswood Warren <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Re: [backstage] Soundcloud
Brian Butterworth wrote: "*Kingswood innovations* *Freeview Playback* Due to launch in 2009 - with this you can record a whole series with one instruction and, if you want to record two programmes that clash, it will find one of the shows on a repeat broadcast and record it instead." A PVR? Surely not? Freeview Playback launched in April 2007... and it has already been renamed Freeview+ http://www.ukfree.tv/fullstory.php?storyid=1107051227 Freeview+ phase 2 is currently on air. The demo this lady was given was the phase 3 functionality - trailer selection. unfortunately this didn't come across in the article. From phase 3 launch, you'll be able to set a recording for a programme when you see a trailer for it on air. -- ---- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET* Research Engineer (Electronics) PRINCE2^TM Registered Practitioner *BBC Future Media and Technology* Kingswood Warren
Re: [backstage] BBC iPlayer - why the missing TV channel?
Simon Thompson wrote: 25fps, 1280x720, 16:9 (0.87 megapixels) is what is going to be in "Freeview HD", the DVB-T2 service. It's an option being considered. oops - I misread that - 720p50 is an option in the Ofcom licence conditions - not 720p25 -- -------- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET * Research Engineer (Electronics) PRINCE2^TM Registered Practitioner *BBC Future Media and Technology* *E:* [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
[backstage] Open-Source DTV
At Mashed we ran an end-to-end DVB-T Broadcast chain which comprised: 1. An SD encoder - taking just about any video file/encoding format 2. Metadata Generator 3. Programme Scheduling 4. Playout 5. Multiplexing We're dipping our toe in the water about Open-sourcing our efforts. We have licensing issues with one part - but have ideas for getting round it - but were wondering: 1. Would anyone be interested? 2. What use cases can you forsee? 3. What changes would you make? -- ---- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET* Research Engineer (Electronics) PRINCE2^TM Registered Practitioner *BBC Future Media and Technology* *E:* [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Re: [backstage] BBC iPlayer - why the missing TV channel?
Brian Butterworth wrote: 1080i25), or is the compression lower? Yes. They are going to squeeze three HD channels into the 30Mb/s. Four, according to the OFCOM plan. It's based on a report by Zetacast which shows large improvements going to occur in MPEG4 coders and stat-muxing between now and 2020. http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/dttfuture/report.pdf 25fps, 1280x720, 16:9 (0.87 megapixels) is what is going to be in "Freeview HD", the DVB-T2 service. It's an option being considered. -- ---- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET * Research Engineer (Electronics) PRINCE2^TM Registered Practitioner *BBC Future Media and Technology* A14, Kingswood Warren, Woodland Way, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 6NP *T:* 01737 839818 *E:* [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Re: [backstage] BBC begins DVB-T2 test transmissions in preparation for HD on Freeview
Brian Butterworth wrote: This is great news! What is the UHF channel number that this test service is being broadcast on from the Guildford transmitter? I'm presuming that this is in 256QAM mode, with about 30Mb/s with a few MPEG-4 (part 10) video streams? Will any of the existing DVB-T USB dongles will work in 256QAM mode? Are the other broadcast parameters now fixed, or will this test service be used with varying power levels and error correction levels to determine the best possible ones for UK broadcast? Is the BBC going to do some tests to see if the service is really going to work in domestic properties like it did with WHP056? http://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/pubs/whp/whp056.shtml Unfortunately DVB-T2 is more complicated than that. Each service within a multiplex can have its own transmission parameters, and there are a lot more parameters to choose from. Additionally, there are two input formats (i.e. you don't have to use Transport Stream) I believe the broadcast uses a single set of parameters with H264 video in MPEG2-TS - but will check for you. Also, I doubt any dongles will work. Simon -- ---- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET * Research Engineer (Electronics) PRINCE2^TM Registered Practitioner *BBC Future Media and Technology*
Re: [backstage] BBC begins DVB-T2 test transmissions in preparation for HD on Freeview
David Johnston wrote: I thought DVB-T2 was still a work-in-progress? Don't think any consumer boxes support it yet. (Or I may be horribly out of date.) -d 2008/6/27 Matt Barber <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: Anyone had any luck picking this up? I have a HDTV with a Freeview tuner, but have no idea if this is capable of picking up HD over the air... is it ATSC? I'm unsure of the specifics. --Matt DVB-T2 physical layer specification was ratified yesterday - and was on-air this morning (admittedly by the guys who were working on the specification). The RF specification does differ from Freeview (DVB-T), as does the physical layer and the signalling - so no, I doubt anyone has hacked it yet* and no, it isn't ATSC. Simon * although please feel free - the spec will be available on the ETSI website, free of charge, soon -- ---- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET* Research Engineer (Electronics) PRINCE2^TM Registered Practitioner *BBC Future Media and Technology* <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
[backstage] More for Mashed
Seeing as we've got Arduino, ARM, Microsoft Robotics and Goddard Space Flight Centre all turning up to Mashed, we've got you some electronics kit to play with. Expect to find capacitors, resistors, op-amps, 74 series logic, voltage regulators, breadboards, batteries, solder, wire, tools, soldering stations for some good honest sparky fun. It's a bit of a random selection so do feel free to bring your own stuff too. See http://mashed08.backnetwork.com/event/?articleid=31 for more info :-D We'll also be radiating a DVB-T (aka "Freeview") signal for you guys to hack around with. We've got some USB DVB-T sticks, some software links and a talk on how to hack DVB-T and MHEG interactive stuff. -- -------- *Simon Thompson MEng MIET* Research Engineer (Electronics) PRINCE2^TM Registered Practitioner *BBC Future Media and Technology* <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
