Multiplexes

A multiplex is a bundle of TV services that have been digitised, compressed and combined into a single digital data-stream for transmission to the consumer over a single channel. A receiver separates each service from this compressed data-stream and turns it into a form which can be viewed.

Anything that can be digitised can be contained in a multiplex.  This includes: sound, video, text, computer applications, electronic programme guide information, receiver upgrades and conditional access (descrambling).

The UK has six terrestrial multiplexes, the three public service multiplexes (BBC A, BBC B and D34) and three commercial multiplexes (SDN, ARQA and ARQB).  Channel Five and S4C will move to a public service broadcaster multiplex at digital switchover.  After digital switchover, the public service broadcaster multiplexes will provide coverage to 98.5% of households, while the commercial multiplexes will reach 90%.

The proposal is to move TV region by TV region to a 64QAM (2/3) transmission mode, and subject to regulatory approval, 8k transmission mode on all multiplexes.

Post digital switchover multiplexes

At digital switchover the line up of channels on each multiplex may change. Channel line ups are reported on by the Digital Multiplex Operators Limited (DMOL). To see further information on this please click on the link below
http://www.dmol.co.uk/.