Where are the Channel 5 transmitters Why is the reception so bad over most of the country

Asks Ginbottle

A. The reason Channel 5 reception is bad in some areas is because we use the 625-UHF television system in the UK, which only has space for four channels (BBC1, BBC2, ITV and Channel 4), with some gaps in the frequency for non-broadcast services. It was decided (by the Government) that another channel could be squeezed into this gap if the non-broadcast services were moved out. It was always known that some areas of the UK would not be covered.

�

Channel 5 now uses a mixture of frequencies in this gap, as well as other transmitters (known as non co-sited transmitters because they are not shared by the other terrestrial channels). As Channel 5 has to employ additional frequencies a different or additional aerial is needed to pick up the signal in some areas. Added to this is the fact that some Channel 5 transmitters are operating at lower powers than the other channels, which means that some receiving equipment has to be adjusted (or was re-tuned at the launch of the channel). Channel 5 is broadcast on two unused UHF frequencies known as Channel 35 and Channel 37.

�

It has several transmitters; they are located at the following locations:

�

Angus (Dundee), Beacon Hill, Belmont, Black Hill, Black Mountain (Co. Antrim). Blaenplwyf (Dyfed), Bilsdale (N.Yorks), Blaen Plwyf, Bluebell Hill, Brougher Mtn (Co. Tyrone) Burnhope (Tyne & Wear) Caldbeck, Cambret Hill, Chatham (Kent), Chelmsford (associated to Sudbury and Crystal Palace), Churchdown Hill, Craigkelly, Croydon (associated to Crystal Palace); Darvel (Kilmarnock area), Durris, Emley Moor, Fawley (associated to Rowridge); Fenham, Fenton (Stoke on Trent), Hannington (Berkshire/N. Hampshire), Huntshaw Cross, Kilvey Hill (Swansea), Lichfield (associated to Sutton Coldfield), Londonderry, Madingley (Cambridge), Mendip, Mounteagle, Norwich, Nottingham, Oliver's Mount, Oxford, Perth, Peterhead, Plympton, Presely, Redruth, Ridge Hill (Hereford/Worcester), Sandy Heath, Selkirk, Sheffield, Storeton, Sudbury, Tacolneston, Tay Bridge, Waltham (serves Leicester, Nottingham, Peterborough and Boston) Winter Hill, The Wrekin (Telford).

�

You can view a great map of Channel 5 transmitters at http://www.blake-aerials.co.uk/c5map.htm and its digital transmissions map at http://www.blake-aerials.co.uk/digmap.htm

�

Q. What percentage of the population does Channel 5 hit

A. Eighty per cent of the population of the UK should be able to receive Channel 5 without satellite, cable or digital terrestrial connection.

�

Q. When did Channel 5 launch

A. Channel 5 launched on 30 March 1997 (Easter Sunday), and was the first new terrestrial channel in the UK for 15 years (since Channel 4 launched). It was the first terrestrial channel available via satellite (broadcasts on the Astra satellite began on 23 April 1997). On its launch night it received more viewers than Channel 4, representing more than 5% of the population, its initial target.

�

Q. Why was Channel 5 the first channel to be carried on satellite

A. The ITC stated that Channel 5 had to achieve full coverage of the UK no later than five years on from its licence being granted in 1995. As its transmitters only reached 80% of the population it had to be carried on other mediums. In addition to being carried via satellite (on a free Astra channel initially and then via SkyDigital from 1998) it is carried by all UK cable operators, and is available via digital terrestrial (DTT).

�

Q. I recall that the initial launch was delayed, why was that

A. Initially, Channel 35 was available for Channel 5, and then it was withdrawn by the DTI, only to be reinstated again once the licence was granted in 1995. As part of its licence agreement, Channel 5 had to begin broadcasting by the end of 1996. It agreed to start its broadcasts on 1st January 1997, which was accepted by the ITC. Channel 5 then stated that it would need an extra six weeks before it launched to ensure that all the Channel 35 transmitters were working (allowing an extra 4 million homes to be reached) and that all homes were re-tuned to receive the channel. A launch date of 30 March was then agreed.

�

Q. Why did the channel launch, did we need another terrestrial channel

A. The Broadcasting Act of 1990 required the Independent Television Commission to establish a�fifth terrestrial channel, and it was required to award the licence on the basis of a competitive tender. In 1992 when the ITC invited applications for the licence, it only received one application and as this was not competitive, it decided not to grant it. Eventually four bids were received at the second round of bidding in 1995, the licence was granted to C5 Broadcasting Ltd for ten years.

�

Q. Where did C5 Broadcasting Ltd come from

A. It was company set up by Pearson (then owners of Thames TV, Grundy TV, the Financial Times Group, Future Publishing, Penguin Books), United News & Media PLC (then owners of Meridian Broadcasting, Anglia TV, Daily Express and Daily Star), CLT/UFA (owns TV channels in Europe) and Warburg, Pincus & Co a US investment company.

�

If you have any other Internet & Technology related questions, please click here

�

By Karen Anderson