Free-to-air TV channels in Singapore to go fully digital by 2013

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20120619-353877.html

The Media Development Authority (MDA) announced today that Singapore's free-to-air (FTA) TV channels will go fully digital by the end of 2013.

They will be using the DVB-T2 (Digital Video Broadcasting - Second Generation Terrestrial) broadcasting standard.

By the end of 2013, all seven of MediaCorp's free-to-air channels will have migrated to digital TV.

Channels 5, 8, Suria and Vasantham will be available in High Definition (HD) by end 2013 while the remaining three channels - okto, Channel U and Channel News Asia will first be broadcast in Standard Definition from end 2013, before switching over to HD in 2016.

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.

By 2020, Singapore will complete the switchover from analogue to digital broadcast, in line with ASEAN's agreed time frame for making the switch.

The DVB-T2 will allow viewers to enjoy sharper and clearer images, cinematic surround-sound effects, and new content and services such as an electronic programme guide.

However, 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.