ASIA-PACIFIC BROADCASTING

MANILA – The digital terrestrial TV (DTT) transition has been set in motion in the Philippines, after local broadcaster ABS-CBN announced plans to launch five premium channels in digital format on free-to-air TV.
With the purchase of an “affordably priced” DTV Digibox set-top box (STB) that can be connected to any TV set, viewers can gain access to the new channels developed by ABS-CBN to cater to the preferences of viewers’ segments, including children, youths as well as parents.
According to Miguel Mercado, head of marketing for ABS-CBN DTV, the network is ready to launch its DTV operations within the year, pending final approval from the Nation­al Telecommunications Commission (NTC) of the Philippines.
The directive for the Philippines to go digital comes as the analogue switch-offs (ASOs) begin to gain momentum across the Asia-Pacific. Countries in the region that have already begun some form of digi­tal transmission include Japan, South Korea, Australia and China.
ABS-CBN expects the NTC to provide the go-ahead for the broadcaster to go digital by next month. The commission will also decide on the transmission standard to be used, although it is widely expected that the ISDB-T standard will be chosen. ISDB-T is the Japanese technical standard for DTV broadcasting and is widely adopted by a host of Latin American countries.
“With Philippine broadcast companies going digital, the viewing public will be able to enjoy digital-quality viewing on any TV as DTV addresses the issues of poor reception, grainy pictures and choppy audio … Once the NTC gives the ‘go signal’, we are sure that the other stations will be ready to broadcast their current channels on DTV as well,” added Mercado.
In addition to the five new channels offered, ABS-CBN’s existing channels, Channel 2, Studio 23, GEM TV and NBN will also be broadcast in digital once the station’s DTV operations commence.
Ultimately, compared to the existing analogue system, ABS-CBN believes that viewers stand to benefit from the shift to DTV — that means more free TV to choose from — while enjoying clearer picture and sound.
Although charges for the DTV Digibox is yet to be finalised, an ABS-CBN spokesperson told APB that “ABS-CBN plans to bring the DTV box to the Filipino people in a very affordable and convenient package” and is “positioned specifically towards those who cannot afford cable TV”. The ABS-CBN DTV Digibox will be available for a one-time purchase, without the need for future monthly fees.
Meanwhile, current subscribers to cable TV in the Philippines will have access to ABS-CBN’s five new channels, without having to install the DTV Digibox.
In addition, the DTV Digibox will also be able to receive both SD and HD signals from other terrestrial channels in the Philippines, as long as they are broadcast via digital transmission.
ABS-CBN has recently conducted DTV trials in more than 1,000 households across the Philippines, generating “very positive” feedback. While the initial launch will only be available in selected areas, plans are in place for an eventual nationwide roll­-out, ABS-CBN told APB.

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