2.4TV uses four frequencies in the licence exempt 2.4GHz band to provide television channels over a small area. Using transmitters, receivers and relays the services typically reach a seven kilometres radius. The signal is transmitted in FM with video, stereo audio and teletext. This signal can be converted to UHF for TV reception via SCART or for distribution on communal UHF systems.

In neighbourhood applications the 2.4TV receiving equipment is sited close to the existing communal terrestrial TV aerial systems. The new 2.4TV signal is piped on a spare channel into the cabled flats or apartments.

In other applications - in villages and in educational buildings - reception is focused on public buildings. Such outlets include pubs, hotels, community halls, schools or colleges including halls of residence.

The programming output on these small-scale TV channels is generally characterised as 'community television'.

2.4TV is based on equipment built for licence exempt video senders and receivers. These were designed for the home market and for CCTV applications. Our engineers rebuild the transmitters and receivers adding high-gain receiving aerials to provide a robust TV transmission and reception system. We build these systems for not-for-profit small-scale TV broadcasting operations.

In the year long Field Trial run in Highland Perthshire the transmitter was connected to a computer based server. Built to our own specification the 2.4TV 'video juke-box' runs video as MPEG2 files with the picture signal picking up the teletext signal en route to the transmitter. We can also supply the 2.4 video juke-box.

The schedule of programming from the juke-box can be intercepted and changed by the viewer using a premium rate phone number. This lets the viewers select individual programmes and offers the operator an alternative revenue stream to TV commercials.

The Institute of Local Television provides a design and build service to each location. Combined with a training programme - often run in conjunction with local training agencies - each community is invited to extend and develop their own service at an appropriate pace. The Institute runs on-site and residential courses in TV production, teletext and graphics, including training in 2.4TV service design, surveying, engineering/system build and service management. In short, the design, build & training courses amounts to a 'social franchise' through which each broadcasting community progressively takes control of setting-up, running and managing its own TV services.

In the UK 2.4TV is an interim technology and is being introduced by the Institute to encourage greater participation and self-management of broadcasting while awaiting community access on digital terrestrial frequencies. These will not be available until analogue terrestrial TV is switched off after 2010.

In remote, rural or less developed television environments 2.4TV may provide a longer-term solution for distance-learning, local broadcasting and communications.