Basel: 13 analog TV stations to be switched off
Thirteen analog channels will be taken off the air on the Basel cable TV network at the end of February; they must make way for digital offerings. However, all of these channels will be available for free as part of a basic digital package, as was announced at a press conference on Monday.
The capacity problem of cable networks in view of the large number of television channels is nothing new. Digital channels require less space than analog channels, but "high definition" (HD) channels require more. Swiss Television (SF) is now broadcasting its six main channels in HD quality from February 29, putting network operators in a tight spot.
The Basel Cable Network Foundation, as the owner of the Basel television cable network, has negotiated with UPC Cablecom as the leased network operator to make space by moving 13 channels from analog to digital and at the same time to make the new SF-HD channels available to all customers - free of charge.
However, access to digital television will only be permanently free for customers with a newer TV set with a "CI+" digicard connection and DVB-C tuner. Anyone who needs an HD receiver for their older television will only receive it free of charge for two years; after that it will cost CHF 4 per month. The basic package includes 57 channels (analog: 56).
The foundation hopes that the free digital replacement service will avoid the waves of protest that have been triggered by previous analog TV station switch-offs. Incidentally, free in this context means at no extra charge on top of the previous monthly connection fee. (SDA)
(Image: Keystone)
