Digital migration on track

In a statement released on Thursday, 21 February, the DOC said: “The DOC would like to assure the South African public that the process of migrating television broadcasting from analogue to digital signal is on track and ahead of most countries in the world.

“The department has noted media reports that raised concerns about our state of readiness to meet Cabinet's decision for digital broadcasting to be switched on.”

The process of migrating to digital broadcasting is being spurred on mostly by the advent of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Analogue vs. digital

Digital transmission has a number of advantages over its inferior analogue transmission including improved television signal, improved interactivity and possibility to broadcast specialised channels, as well as the ability to broadcast a wider variety of channels than at present.

In 2007, Cabinet announced that the digital signal will be switched on 1 November 2008 while the analogue signal will be switched off on 1 November 2011, allowing for a three year dual-illumination period when both will be received at the same time.

Migration of the broadcasting system to digital is an international imperative brought on by technological developments in broadcasting, which will see the end of analogue broadcasting by 2015.

The department reiterated that no South African household will be without a television broadcast signal on 1 November 2008.

“All South Africans households will be able to receive their television signal until November 2011 when the analogue signal is switched off. By that time, all households should be enabled to receive a digital signal.

“The Department remains committed to President Thabo Mbeki's State of the Nation announcement that digital broadcasting will be provided to 50% of households by the end of the year, and 80% by 2010.”

TV compatibility

For those South Africans whose television sets are not compatible with the latest digital broadcasting technology, they will have to purchase Set Top Boxes which harnesses the improved digital signals.

“This will enable them to use the current TV sets,” said the DOC, adding, "The department is working with the Department of Trade and Industry, National Treasury; and the Set Top Boxes manufacturing industry as part of the country's Industrial Policy Framework which prioritises advanced local manufacturers.

“In this way the Digital Migration process will also contribute to the increase in local content, job creation and Small Medium and Micro Enterprises' development (SMMEs).

The department indicated it will soon start a public awareness campaign to inform and educate the general public about the broadcasting digital migration process.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews