Tasmanian Digital Television
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Tasmanian Digital Television (TDT, callsign TDT-11) is a digital television station in Tasmania, Australia, jointly operated by WIN Television and Southern Cross Broadcasting.
Introduction
In Australia, the major capital cities, and a majority of the regional areas, are served by three commercial broadcasters. However, some less populated areas are only granted two licenses (and until the early 00's, one in some cases). This is because the Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) believes that there is not enough advertising revenue in some areas to keep three broadcasers afloat.
In 2002, WIN Television, who had a Nine Network affiliation in Tasmania, and Southern Cross Broadcasting, who held dual Seven and Ten Network affiliations, lodged a joint application under the Broadcasting Services Act (1992) to establish a third commercial broadcaster in Tasmania. The application, by TasTV Pty Ltd (not to be confused with the former name of WIN Television in Tasmania) was successful.
TDT was the first digital-only commercial channel in Australia. It's effect on the digital television market in Tasmania was widely antincipated. It's success or failure would strongly guide the digital plans of other broadcasters.
TDT began broadcasting on VHF channel 11 from Mount Wellington in Hobart in late December 2003, and on UHF to and north-east Tasmania (including Launceston) in August 2004.
It was a resounding success. Sales of set-top-boxes and tuner cards exploded.
Further expansion around the state will occur at the same time the existing analog FTA broadcasters start digital services. This is expected to include the Devonport area in mid-2005, and gradually expand to other areas, ending with Strathgordon in 2008.
As part of the joint venture, Southern Cross Broadcasting is responsible for handling playout (from their Canberra facility), and transmits this signal via satellite to WIN Television transmission facilities in Tasmania. WIN Television handle the business administration and advertising sales for TDT.
Programming
There was significant public speculation about what programming the new station would carry. One of two options was suggested; Southern Cross would drop one of its affiliations (either Seven or Ten) and TDT would pick it up; or TDT would also become a dual Seven and Ten affiliate, and carry the programs that Southern Cross didn't broadcast.
Southern Cross didn't want to disrupt its existing programming, so the agreement TDT signed with the Ten Network still allows Southern Cross to have 'first pick' of Ten programming. If both networks wish to broadcast a program, Southern Cross must broadcast it at the same time as TDT. If Southern Cross wishes to broadcast a Ten program at a different time, TDT will often show repeats or substitute programming instead.
From its initial broadcast in late December 2003, to late January 2004, TDT showed a direct feed of ATV-10 in Melbourne. Southern Cross has dropped the popular Ten Network show Rove Live in 2004.
It is expected that Southern Cross will not modify its programming until at least two years after TDT commences broadcasts in Hobart and Launceston; this would be mid-2006 at the earliest.