Television the latest news

Taken from the Round Town News 7th November 2008
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Is This the Return of Telmicro?


Residents throughout the Costa Blanca were sent into a frenzy once again, when they clicked on their television sets this week and were surprised to receive a picture! Twelve channels are suddenly available in the majority of areas, which although do not include the popular ‘Sky’ viewing channels, do incorporate ITV, ITV2, ITV3, BBC news and CBBC. There is also an information channel announcing, “Welcome to Simulsat TV - For information please wait for a few days.” The notice goes on to inform clients that viewing will be free of charge during the ‘Test Transmission’ period up until the 31st December, with normal programming commencing from this date. However, clients were rapidly brought back down to earth when they attempted viewing. Both the picture and sound quality are poor in the majority of areas, although most said that they persevered as it was easier than trying to follow the Spanish terrestrial alternatives and better than nothing.

FREE VIEWING?
Nonetheless, readers remain weary that if they submit to the idea of ‘Free Viewing’ now then they may be faced with extortionate monthly charges later on as the company attempts to claw back lost revenue. On their website www.simulsattv.com which is currently under construction, it was allegedly previously stated that a new installation will be 400 euros once normal programming has commenced or 400 euros for the transfer of an existing micromesh system. That is, for majority of viewers, 400 euros that they have already paid to Telmicro and they fear that the new company is simply a spin-off from this. The suggestion was also raised that as former Telmicro clients are receiving the signal now, why would any transfer costs be required, and would transfer really be as costly as an entirely new installation?

Speculation on local discussion forums has suggested that this is merely an opportunist who has captured a crossover signal from another broadcaster as a short term money making scheme, which will be scrambled once again as soon as encryption is introduced. Indeed evidence is clear that it is not Telmicro as we know it, in that their previous broadcasting outlets are still deserted, with no antennas or equipment to be seen. It would appear that Simulsat is a Spanish company which is based in Santa Pola, and is registered in the name of Gines Garcia Martinez of Santa Pola TV. The Round Town News made several attempts to contact her by telephone and email, but had received no response at the time of going to press.

REBROADCASTING
Confusion over the rebroadcasting of British channels was also rekindled with these latest developments in the British television saga, and the question of why Simulsat have been allowed to recommence provision of a proclaimed ‘illegal’ service. A section of registered Digital Television companies have warned that viewers take advantage of the free viewing whilst it lasts, but not to perceive it as a long term solution, as the authorities are still investigating the act of rebroadcasting. The Round Town News is not at liberty to question how long Simulsat will be allowed to broadcast, but would like to take this opportunity to remind readers that the only reliable ways to gain access to British television in Spain are to invest in a satellite dish, either as a community or individual, which will provide a broad spectrum of channels and the highest quality reception.