Transition Procedures Jan-Peter Bengtsson, Chapter 6 Rapporteur

Transition: The process of going from analogue to all-digital broadcasting AD

Challenges Viewers to receive programmes without disruption Analogue services will remain for quite a long time in many countries Enough digital services needed already in the introductory phase to stimulate consumer uptake Allowing for different time scales in different countries or areas, safeguarding equitable access Ensure appropriate protection of analogue services while allowing digital broadcasting to be introduced in viable conditions

Compatibility during transition Constraints imposed by analogue services may cause limitations on digital stations Any incompatibilities within a country is a national issue At the end of the transition period in a given country all its analogue transmitters will be switched off

Approaches to transition Simulcast -the same service simultaneously in analogue and digital form -additional frequencies needed, not feasible everywhere -the simulcast period should be rather short Analogue switch-off -analogue services instantaneously replaced by digital -digital receivers must be available -may be possible if limited number of analogue viewers

Planning scenario 1 Easy transition but limited number of digital services A D Full protection and compatibility New digital services added Analogue services retained

Planning scenario 2 Each administration can decide for itself when to bring digital services into operation A D Full compatibility with existing services D New digital services added Analogue assignments converted to digital

Planning scenario 3 Co-ordination during the implementation phase required A Protection of neighbours analogue services may be needed during transition Additional digital requirements D No protection of analogue in the planning process Analogue assignments converted as appropriate

Planning scenario 4 Complex transition process Suitable where free channels can be made available Protection of existing analogue services generally needed during transition Digital requirements D No account of analogue services is taken in the planning process

Associated Procedures Principles and criteria to be applied in coordination of transitional arrangements In particular needed for planning scenario 3 and 4 Conversion of an allotment into assignment(s) If the digital Plan is based on allotments Addition or modification of digital entries in the Plan For future development and, if needed, temporary channels Addition or modification of analogue assignments in the Plan E. g. for re-channeling of (low power) analogue services in order to facilitate the digital introduction

Stepwise transition A stepped approach via interim plans agreed at multilateral level could be used during the transition phase Ultimately the digital Plan, as agreed at the Conference, is implemented Interim 2Final PlanInterim 1Analogue