richms: I think its the wrong direction. We were looking like fully ethernet delivered content.
If you want fully ethernet delivered content then can't you simply use the existing on-demand services? I mean the broadcaster services (eg. TVNZ OnDemand) as well as other stand-alone services (eg. NetFlix).
richms: Then this comes along which needs a broadcast carrier signal be piped to the TV inorder to initiate this.
Well, with HbbTV the degree of "need" for the "broadcast carrier signal" varies from application to application. Some applications may simply be a link to an internet address that any old internet-connected device can access. In those cases there isn't much need for the broadcast carrier signal at all.
At the other end of the spectrum it is possible to have applications which use data that is delivered by a broadcast carousel, and/or refer to broadcast services ("channels"), and/or are meant to activate at particular time(s) in a broadcast program (ie. a "second screen" or interactive application). These applications are enhancements for the broadcast service. They don't make much sense as stand-alone applications. Therefore it makes sense that they're "linked" to the broadcast carrier signal.
richms: Perhaps if you can put a URL into a TV/Stb that is online but not connected to a piece of wire to the roof and get the same access to content then it would be passable, but IMO the model of apps delivered over the internet is a better one other than the guide being split up.
I have the feeling that HbbTV (FreeviewPlus) isn't intended to address/solve the short-comings you are thinking of.
What do you mean by "guide being split up"?
...and when you say "...model of apps delivered over the internet is a better one...": better for who and/or which scenarios?
richms: If each app was able to deliver its guide data to the freeview EPG, or they collated it into a single app that then would spawn the broadcasters app when you choose a program it would be better IMO.
I don't think any of us know exactly how FreeviewPlus will look and function. The service isn't live yet. As far as I know they're still implementing it. Who's to say it won't work like you describe?
Disrespective: You're right, that does sound like a much better option. Essentially all that Freeview becomes is an EPG provider, and maybe a channel streaming service for smaller channels, at which point it would surely become a paid service due to bandwidth requirements over the internet for the channel streaming. I have no idea how much they paid for the TV spectrum and other ongoing costs so it might come out cost neutral to stream rather than broadcast.
Freeview is and has always been similar to what you've described as an "EPG provider". They're a brand. Loosely: a co-operative that has agreed on standard broadcasting formats, conventions etc. (including EPG etc.) for the advancement of free-to-air digital TV and radio in NZ. They didn't pay anything for TV spectrum, and they don't have anything to do with the transmission control. Channel/content owners have to sort out their own transmission. In practice that usually involves a contract with a company like Kordia or JDA who [I think] do own spectrum rights.
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