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SIA Baltkom TV, one of the largest cable broadcasters in Latvia, has recently started broadcasting in digital format. In May 2004 the company had launched already digital broadcasting programs in its cable networks in Riga. On 24 September 2004 the company switched its MMDS (Multichanel Multipoint Distribution System) broadcasting technology to the digital format. Digital television can be received within a 50 km range of Riga, where the television broadcasting tower is located. The offer includes 49 television channels and 6 radio channels. In order to access the new service consumers must become...

The current Latvian Constitution, in the version of 23 September 2004, is based on the Latvian Constitution of 15 February 1922. This was adopted on 1 July 1993 and has been amended several times since. The entire Chapter VIII, which lays down fundamental human rights, was added in 1998. Freedom of expression is enshrined in Article 100, which states that everyone has the right to freedom of expression, which includes the right to freely receive, keep and distribute information and to express their views. Censorship is prohibited. However, freedom of expression is not an absolute right. Article...

On 16 September 2004 the National Broadcasting Council of Latvia (the Council) adopted a decision to approve the Concept of the introduction of digital terrestrial television (DVB-T) in Latvia. The Concept had been drafted by a working group including the representatives of major broadcasters of Latvia, as well as government officials and NGOs. The Concept outlines three phases of the introduction of DVB-T in Latvia, taking into account that terrestrial television is the major provider of national television broadcasting in Latvia. In the first phase, the programs in DVB-T standard shall be distributed...

On 22 April 2004 were adopted new amendments to the Copyright Law (hereinafter: the Law), which came into force on 1 May 2004. The amendments made the law more precise, as well as ensured its full compliance with European Union directives 91/250/EEC, 92/100/EEC, 93/83/EEC, 93/98/EEC, 96/9/EC, 2001/29/EC, and 2001/84/EC. Some of the amendments clarify important matters for the audiovisual field as well. Before the amendments the Law did not make it explicit that the exclusive property rights of the author include the broadcasting of the work. The amendments include this right in the catalogue of...

On 1 May 2004, changes in VAT rates in Latvia came into force, harmonizing them with regulations of the European Union. The price of cinema tickets will be affected. An 18% VAT on film distribution and a 5% VAT on cinema tickets have been introduced. Exceptionally, for screenings of films of an erotic or pornographic character the standard rate ­ 18% of VAT ­ is applicable on the sale of tickets. Small distributors, dealing mainly with European films, have criticised the move, as it is expected that the VAT on cinema tickets will actually have the effect of increasing the price of tickets.