CONFIDENTIAL
機密:
XCC(72)91
Wired relay systems
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In Hong Kong, conditions are such that even when a satisfactory wireless signal can be received on the top of a building (and sometimes none can), a usable signal may not be obtainable inside it. Television coverage often thus depends on the installation of further translators or on a wired relay system. There is a limit to the extent to which wireless television licensees can be expected to provide addi- tional translators, shortage of frequencies being one limiting factor. So the Working Party considered that the future of wired television lay in its value as a relay system.
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Moreover it will reduce the number of individual aerials required. These are unsightly and can be potentially dangerous: their proliferation in Resettlement and Government Low Cost Housing Estates is a matter of some concern.
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Wired relay systems here are classified either as ADS (aerial distribution systems) or CATV (community antenna tele- vision). An ADS is simply an aerial on top of a building which receives a wireless television signal, boosts it, and conveys it along a wire to individual units within that building. CATV does the same thing, but over a larger area. The receiving aerial in a CATV system can be situated either on the roof of a building or on a prominent feature. In either case buildings some distance away can be served by underground wires which may be supplemented by micro-wave links. The wires may have to cross streets or be ducted along them.
The future of ADS
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A distinction between ADS and CATV systems was originally made in Hong Kong because it was thought that ADS should not be subject to copyright law, being only sophisticated aerials, whereas CATV might threaten the copyright in television broadcasts. The question of copyright is discussed further in paragraph 16 of this memorandum. Whatever decision may be taken about it, there are other reasons why the distinction between ADS and CATV should be retained, though it will then need defining in law. The main reason is that strict control has to be exercised over CATV (both on technical grounds and because wires may have to be laid along or across streets) but not over ADS.
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It will, as explained in paragraphs 5 and 6, be in the public interest to keep restrictions on ADS to a minimum - provided that electrical equipment is properly installed and that ADS relays but does not originate programmes.
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It is thus recommended (subject to the point made in paragraph 19 below) that the Telecommunication Ordinance (Chapter 106) should be amended to exempt ADS from the licensing provisions of this Ordinance and that separate consideration should be given to the need for legislation to ensure it is used solely for relay purposes and is installed with due regard for public safety.
CONFIDENTIAL
機密