process. In fact, by the time you read this, we will have attended a reception at the House of Commons, where we hope to make more useful contacts and potentially get the opportunity to make our case. We will continue to lobby at every opportunity to try
issue, and additionally in a few more cases the developer is opting for a MATV system alongside the data network, instead of an IRS system. In fact, we know of developments of apartments where some blocks still have IRS specified, some MATV only and some, no TV system. Clearly the spread of these decisions by developers is worrying at several levels. From the CAI Member perspective there’s the potential loss of work, or the “down- valuing” of work, from our manufacturer and distributor members there’s the loss of IRS equipment and associated sales, but there are also many potential problems for the purchasers or renters of these properties – if nothing else the developer is, by default, putting the PSB’s behind a broadband pay wall, something that is obviously against the spirit of the licence fee and decades of Public Service broadcasting in the UK. Additionally, some sectors of society really don’t want to, or struggle to use only streaming services. We also think it is yet to be discovered exactly how some developments of several hundred homes or apartments will cope with multiroom streaming, UHD services, game playing and all the other uses of the internet, simultaneously. CAI is taking a 2-pronged approach to this issue. Firstly, we’re working with manufacturers and distributors, and other interested parties, to provide installers with key facts and information they can use to try to persuade developers that they’re making a mistake when they don’t specify a TV system for a new development. Secondly, we’re working with the same group, but also lobbying at a national level to try to get pressure applied to developers who look to take these decisions. We’ve also joined Broadcast 2040+ - a lobby group trying to ensure the future of DTT beyond 2034 – and have been in discussions with many other potential friends in this
to get developers to postpone these decisions for several more years to come.
As well as holding Evolving Connectivity in March 2024, we’ll also be holding our annual Gala Awards Dinner, where I also hope to see many of you. The awards have always included the Terrestrial Installer of the Year and CAI Company of the Year but 2024 will see the second ever Trade Counter of the Year Award presented. This is voted for by you, our members, and proved to be very popular, with many members voting. Congratulations again to Eurosat London for winning the inaugural award, and, in advance, to whomever picks up the prize in 2024. Technical Progress As with every year, since the last time I wrote the work of the Technical Committee and sub-committees has continued. The Code of Practice Sub-Committee and the main Technical Committee have continued to put considerable time and effort into rewriting the Codes of Practice. The update of CoP1 – Installation of Terrestrial and Satellite TV Reception Systems (MDU & Commercial) – was published in early 2022, and then in late 2022 the updated version of CoP2 – Aerials, Antennas and Receiving Equipment in the Single Dwelling Unit – was also published, after being distributed for consultation. The committee is currently working on updating CoP3 - Electrical Safety Requirements for Signal Reception Systems (Excluding CATV) -
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CAI Feedback Spring 2024
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