Singapore – The Media Development Authority (MDA) today announced that Singapore’s free-to-air (FTA) TV channels will go fully digital by the end of 2013 using the DVB-T2 (Digital Video Broadcasting – Second Generation Terrestrial) broadcasting standard.
As per the MDA mandate, FTA broadcaster MediaCorp will transmit all of its channels digitally by end 2013. Channels 5, 8, Suria and Vasantham will be available in HD by end-2013. The remaining three channels – okto, Channel U and Channel NewsAsia – will first be broadcast in SD from end-2013, before being broadcast in HD in 2016.
The adoption of DVB-T2 standard comes after a successful trial conducted last year with MediaCorp and Pay-TV operator StarHub. The trial, which involved some 500 households in Ang Mo Kio and Bedok housing estates, showed that DVB-T2 was suitable for deployment in Singapore’s urbanised environment.
Once DVB-T2 broadcasting begins, consumers can enjoy an enhanced viewing experience. This includes sharper and clearer images, cinematic surround-sound effects, and new content and services such as an electronic programme guide.
MDA will work closely with MediaCorp, as well as major manufacturers and electronics stores on an educational campaign to help consumers prepare for the digital switchover.
