The switch from analogue to digital
MediaCorp will be transmitting all free-to-air channels in digital format come December 2013 under the DVB-T2 television standard. It is necessary as the world is moving away from analogue to digital broadcasting. Going digital will allow the government to free up frequency spectrum which can be used for new services like mobile, wireless broadband and potentially more TV services and channels.
For more information, please visit Media Development Authority website on Singapore's roadmap to digital TV here: www.mda.gov.sg/digitaltv
About DVB-T2
DVB-T2 stands for Digital Video Broadcasting – Second Generation Terrestrial. It is the extension of the television standard DVB-T, created for the broadcast transmission of digital terrestrial television. DVB-T2 is adopted as the industry standard in key European and Asian countries. It offers higher efficiency, robustness and flexibility, enabling efficient use of valuable terrestrial spectrum for the delivery of audio, video and data services to fixed, portable and mobile devices.
Benefits of digital TV
- Better quality pictures (e.g High Definition TV and even 3 Dimensional TV)
- Superior sound (e.g. surround sound)
- Electronic programme guides where you can find out more information about the TV programmes
Come December 2013, while all seven MediaCorp channels will be broadcast in digital, four channels will also be in HD – Channel 5, Channel 8, Suria and Vasantham. The remaining three: Channel NewsAsia, Channel U and okto will be upgraded to HD by 2016.
Do I have to do anything now?
The switchover to digital broadcasting will begin in December 2013. The existing analogue TV signals will continue to be broadcast alongside the digital TV signals, for at least another two years until Singapore and ASEAN complete the switchover to digital broadcasting. This will give you enough time to migrate to digital TV. However, you may wish to switch to digital TV early to enjoy an enhanced viewing experience.
After the current analogue channels are switched off, you will not be able to receive or watch MediaCorp TV channels if 1.you do not have the right equipment to receive digital TV or 2. You are not a pay-TV subscriber.
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