"JPG" wrote in message
news
On Thu, 10 Jul 2003 17:01:38 +0100, "Jack Harrison"
wrote:


"Mark S" ...

From today, all BBC Nations and Regions will broadcast free-to-air.

I have never understood what that peculiar phrase "free-to-air" means. I
have managed so far in total ignorance, so it can't be that important.

I only need one reply!

It means you don't have pay 7/6d for a licence for your wireless
anymore.

Seriously, all it means is that you can get TV to your aerial (much
like you do now) without having to pay any extra over and above the TV
licence; ie. monthly subscription.

I'm surprised with your young family that you haven't been pressured
to subscribe to myriads of sports channels, shopping channels and
channels purporting to broadcast "music".

On an even more serious note, some of the "Discovery" science
documentary channels are worthwhile - including one dedicated to
aviation.

JPG (family-battered to subscribe to such things)


Not quite.

Free-to-air means the programmes are transmitted entirely witout encryption.
Previously they were free-to-VIEW meaning that although you didn't have to
pay a subscription (above the license fee) the programmes were encrypted and
you needed a viewing card to receive them. Also - until today you could only
receive the BBC region in which you were located - now you can see any
region/nation you like.