http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/04...t_green_light/

This could make things a lot easier for expats all over Europe. Should offer increased choice without stupid Sky prices.

Indeed worthy of it's own thread purely for the fact that BBC and ITV see this as the best way to get HD to the customer.

HD. F-r-e-e

Hi all,

Saw this: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/04...t_green_light/

Seems interesting especially since it includes HD offerings. Now, I wonder if they'll put obstacles in the way of non-UK residents who want to use this service?

RS

I can't see how this could negatively impact expats except that they might have to buy a new satellite box if encryption was introduced on all the free channels.

But this would have a positive side too - no need to put the channels on Astra 2D (targetted on the UK) any more so much better coverage over Europe. Plus, getting a box/card would be pretty trivial for anyone with UK connections.

All in all this can only be good news for expats. Most probably very bad news for Sky though as I imagine they have quite a few expat subscribers who got onto their service in order to receive English telly in Europe. I've seen estimates of up to a million 'illegal' Sky subscribers - With a widely publicised 'free' UK satellite network I can see Sky losing a lot of lucrative subscriptions abroad.

The use of STANDARD boxes and if not FTA of CAMs would be a victory for the consumer.

I believe it will be FTA and they will use this to support the deployment of HD within 2008. It MUST be using Astra2 (Eurobird) as so many dishes in the UK are pointing in that direction now.

I am ready for it

Lob, your right, it's on Astra2 : http://www.ukfree.tv/fullstory.php?storyid=1107051023

It's obviously going to be on Astra 2 - however, if they go for some form of encryption on the regular channels they don't have to be on Astra 2D, which will open up reception for a hell of a lot of people and make it easier for everybody.