RT╔ has asked the telecoms regulator to make broadcasting, satellite and cable companies adopt common technical standards to enable consumers to access a wider range of content. The proposals, which are opposed by most cable and satellite firms, include the adoption of a single set-top box that would enable consumers to change television programme suppliers more easily.
RT╔ supports the use of an open architecture for multimedia information called Multimedia Home Platform, which is based on Java software. This platform is expected to form the basis of a type of third-generation digital set-top box that would be capable of decoding signals from all television programme suppliers.
The European Parliament is currently trying to mandate the adoption of Multimedia Home Platform in the Electronic Communications directive, which will have its second and final reading in September.
Proponents of the system believe the platform would give consumers more choice and enable them to switch suppliers without having to purchase a new set-top box. State broadcasters across the European Union are expected to support the proposal to mandate the use of the new platform. This would cut down the cost of supplying their content in different technical formats
RT╔'s submission to the telecoms regulator, which has been seen by The Irish Times, strongly supports the Multimedia Home Platform proposal and asks the regulator to put in place specific regulations.
"It is only when specific regulations with set time frames are adopted (e.g. unbundling the local loop) that industry compliance can be ensured," says the submission.
RT╔ also says that, unless open technical standards are adopted, it may face problems in the production of interactive content.
"If Irish content providers, have to develop technology solutions, content storage and management systems for every different platform because of closed non-standard proprietary systems, it may be uneconomic to provide indigenous interactive services for Irish audiences," says the submission.
But cable and satellite companies such as NTL and Sky, which have spent millions subsidising set-top boxes for consumers, strongly oppose the mandatory introduction of the Multimedia Home Platform.
"No Multimedia Home Platform-compliant set-top boxes are on the market yet and it could be several years before the majority of operators will be able to deploy them," according to Ms Patricia Galvin, director of regulatory affairs at NTL.
The adoption of the standard could also be negative for consumers, as cable and satellite firms would not subsidise set-top boxes, according to NTL.
"Consumers would have to pay the full price for this Multimedia Home Platform set-top box themselves," says Ms Galvin. "This could slow the roll-out of digital television."
Both the cable and satellite industries will lobby the European Commission next month against the Multimedia Home Platform proposals before the second and final readings of the Electronic Communications Directive.
According to Mr Gary McCloskey, telecoms consultant with Mason Communications, there is not likely to be a market for this new technology until significant numbers of subscribers are willing to pay for the set-top boxes. However, he said, in an ideal world the Multimedia Home Platform would lower costs for content providers and could lead to the introduction of more powerful set-top boxes with better applications.
In its submission, RT╔ also warns of the threat posed by the dominance of global broadcasting giants and increasing Americanisation. "The increasing control of distribution and content industries by global media giants is making it more difficult for RT╔ to ensure carriage of their service," says the submission.
RT╔ also warns that indigenous content industries need to be supported or domestic production industries and craft skills will not be sustained. These skills would be difficult to recreate once lost and, without quality home content, the world will globalise or Americanise, says RT╔.
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