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Free-To-Air Channels to Receive DVB-T2 Upgrade by 2013

By Andy Sim - on 18 Jul 2012, 10:48am

Free-To-Air Channels to be Upgraded to DVB-T2 by 2013

Image credit: DVB Project

Local free-to-air (FTA) television channels will make the switch to the new DVB-T2 digital platform next year, according to the Media Development Authority's press release. As part of the migration process from analog to digital TV, MediaCorp will transmit all of its seven FTA channels digitally by 2013, with Channel 5, 8, Suria, and Vasantham to be made available in the High-Definition format within the same time frame as well. Channel U, okto, and Channel NewsAsia, on the other hand, will only make the jump to DVB-T2 in the latter half of 2013, with HD broadcasts to follow suit in 2016. Presently, local terrestrial transmissions are being broadcast simultaneously in analog and digital (DVB-T) standards, apart from cable and IPTV formats.

As for the DVB-T2 switchover, consumers who are currently watching MediaCorp channels via Singtel's mio TV or Starhub's set-top boxes need make any technical changes on their part. Non-pay TV subscribers, however, will require a TV equipped with a DVB-T2 digital receiver (internally or externally) plus an antenna to receive digital TV signals on their TV sets. To ensure a smooth switchover, analog and digital FTA television signals will be broadcast within a simulcast period to ensure all users have time to make the necessary preparations to receive digital TV signals. The full press release from MDA is appended below if you'd like to find out more about Singapore's DVB-T2 adoption. 


Singapore, 19 June 2012 - The Media Development Authority 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.

With Singapore’s migration to digital TV, free-to-air broadcaster MediaCorp will transmit all its seven free-to-air channels digitally by end 2013. Channels 5, 8, Suria and Vasantham will be available in High Definition by end 2013. The remaining three channels - okto, Channel U and Channel NewsAsia will first be broadcast in Standard Definition from end 2013, before being broadcast in High Definition in 2016.

“The world is switching from analogue to digital TV broadcasting as digital TV not only offers better image and sound quality, but also frees up scarce spectrum for other services, such as wireless broadband,” said Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Dr Yaacob Ibrahim at the opening ceremony of Infocomm Media Business Exchange (imbX) on 19 June 2012 at the Marina Bay Sands.

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.

To ensure a smooth switchover, there will be a simulcast period, where both digital and analogue free-to-air television signals will be broadcast to ensure all households have time to get accustomed to receiving their free-to-air TV signals digitally. Singapore will complete the switchover from analogue to digital broadcasting by 2020, in line with ASEAN’s agreed timeframe for making the switch1.

Benefits for consumers

Once DVB-T2 broadcasting begins, consumers can enjoy an enhanced viewing experience when watching MediaCorp’s free-to-air digital television channels. This includes sharper and clearer images, cinematic surround-sound effects, and new content and services such as an electronic programme guide.

Consumers will have different options to tune into digital free-to-air broadcasts. Those who are currently watching MediaCorp channels via a StarHub or SingTel pay TV service are already receiving digital channels. Thus, no action is needed on their part2.

Consumers who are non-pay TV subscribers will need a DVB-T2 digital receiver and an indoor or outdoor antenna to receive digital TV signals on their current TV sets. MDA is working with manufacturers to develop the technical specifications suitable for Singapore’s digital TV receivers. These digital TV receivers are expected to be available in Singapore from early next year before MediaCorp starts transmitting the free-to-air channels digitally at the end of 2013.

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.

Source: Media Development Authority

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