Date   : Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:22:08 +0100
From   : rs423@... (Mick Champion)
Subject: Fw: Fwd: ITV Teletext to shut down in January

Anders Carlsson wrote:
> If the teletext service really is *completely* dumped, I wonder why. Are 
> they saving as much bandwidth as possible for digital HDTV broadcasts? 
> Generate a 40x24 text display and attach digitally to the picture can't rely 
> on obsolete equipment, it must be doable even with a modern computer.
>   

They won't be saving any bandwidth as teletext is transmitted as some of 
the 625 lines of the picture. Where ITv will save money is the sacking 
sacking of  around 70? staff. Makes more sense than the CEO and board 
taking a wage cut!  Teletext page 888  is still used for subtitles here, 
so I doubt the technology will be removed until the terrestrial 
transmission has itself gone. Mind you, if it breaks down, will there be 
anyone left to fix it?. I'm assuming subtitles will remain? I'm also 
guessing that after termination of Teletext UK's services, we will be 
shown a "goodbye" page, but no further content.

<OT>
What else will ITV do to save money I wonder? How much extra does it 
cost to transmit in NICAM? That's another technology that will be lost 
following the 2012 analogue shutdown? Do any other countries use NICAM?



All the best,


Mick