SOS 23 April 2010. DTT is digital versus analogue transmission Terrestrial rather than satellite Compresses channels so can fit more on one frequency.

SOS 23 April 2010

DTT is digital versus analogue transmission

Terrestrial rather than satellite Compresses channels so can fit more

on one frequency Multi-channel Digital not analogue – means can have

electronic programme guide, e-government, different languages turned on

DTT is digital versus analogue transmission

Terrestrial rather than satellite Compresses channels so can fit more

on one frequency Multi-channel Digital not analogue – means can have

electronic programme guide, e-government, different languages turned on

ProductionSTB

TV

International Telecommunications Union has resolved that in this region analogue television frequencies will not be protected anymore after 2015

This is to free up frequencies for new services

Both more channels for SA and other broadband services

The Digital DividendThe Digital Dividend

Multi-channelBetter quality pictures and soundPossibilities of high definition tvInteractivity (with or without return path)

PROS• More channels•More choice for public•Better able to meet mandates •Bouquets for specific interests •Quality can be controlled per channel or per event

CONS • No signal in marginal areas • More channels means less viewers per channel?• Complexity of decoders• Migration is expensive – STBs for public, new transmitters/upgrades, new equipment in broadcasters (compression technology, multiplexing)

Content Production, Packaging and Programming

Signal Distribution and Transmission

Signal Reception and Devices

Broadcasters need to digitize archives, studios, and production networks

Broadcasters will need to develop and test new DTT channels

Transmitter Network rollout

During migration double transmission costs

All viewers will need STB to be able to watch

DTT migration therefore requires the co-operation of multiple stakeholders

2005: 2005: Minister sets up Digital Migration

Working Group (DMWG) Includes all industry players

20062006DWMG submits recommendations to

Minister

“That government should establish a joint body with industry to develop an

action plan for the switch-off of analogue television broadcasting, to monitor the switchover process and

promote consumer awareness”.

20072007 Cabinet announces in Feb digital signal will

be switched on 1 Nov 2008 – switched off 1 Nov 2011

Dual illumination – when both Dual illumination – when both signals are running at same signals are running at same time to give audiences time time to give audiences time

to get STBs and switchto get STBs and switchThree year “dual illumination period”

2007 cont…2007 cont… April: Govt issues draft policy and strategy doc - Asks for April: Govt issues draft policy and strategy doc - Asks for

comment within two weeks as comment within two weeks as urgenturgent

May Budget speech Minister announces Digital Dzonga and appoints chairperson (But…only in next budget speech details other players who will sit on Council)

Includes broadcasters, signal distributors, unions, consumer bodies….

Responsible for “consumer awareness and education, liaison with the regulator and monitoring of implementation “

August (almost 18 months after urgent draft policy is launched)….

Digital Migration policy is announced

Nov – DTT is “launched” – but

actually a pilot to about 1 000 viewers

June: Digital Dzonga launched and conformance scheme (digital tick)

July: STB standards set by SABC DoC issues digital content draft strategy DoC issues draft STB manufacturing

strategy and holds conference July: ICASA issues regulations (outlining

what broadcasters will be required to do)

ICASA withdraws regulations after challenge (e-tv and Nafcoc)

ICASA issues frequency plan

DG says still switch off 1 Nov 2011 Says STB manufacturing strategy will be

issued Says subsidy scheme before Cabinet Digital Dzonga dissolved and calls for

nomination for new members Says are reviewing standard (DVB-T or

Brazilian/Japanese model) Feb: ICASA issues new regulations Minister calls for nominations for SA

Broadcast Production Advisory Committee

Repeats switch on 1 Nov 2008 Switch off 1 Nov 2011Phased increase in transmission

coverageOn 1 Nov major urban centres (50%

of population)By 2010 80% coveragePromised by switch off everyone will

be able to receive

All existing terrestrial tv channels will be accommodated during dual illumination period SABC E-tv M-Net

No new players licensed during dual illumination

Digital Content Generation Hubs will be developed

Recognises need capacityBut When?

Any financial support?

STB’s : R700 5 million will not be able to afford

thisGovernment subsidy “Scheme for

Ownership Support (SOS): 70% of cost for those on government

grants Estimated 5million people

One multiplex for SABC (with 10% for Trinity Broadcasting Network)

E-tv and M-Net will share other multiplex

ICASA will decide on date when broadcasters must go digital

Analogue will be switched off 3 years after that date

Says will be public hearings on applications

Does not state how many channels each broadcaster will get – BUT allocates space on multiplex

SABC 100% of Multiplex 1 (about 10)E-tv 50% of Multiplex 2M-Net 40% Multiplex 2Will simulcast existing channels –

plus have digital incentive channels3/4s of SABC channels must be

public (not public commercial)

ICASA says will review SA content policies

In interim abide by existing – but can apply for exemption for niche channels

Need clear rules on subsidy systemNeed to know how will roll-outNeed massive awareness campaignNeed to have campaigns to show

how to use STBNeed policies to ensure

affordability…

Need to review entire broadcasting policy and legislation (Bill???) laws – SABC public and public commercial Says certain channels? Is that what we

want? Don’t licence channels anymore – but Bill

muddles Need to review funding for public

broadcasting

Local content – but no difference between digital content and tv content

Need more!Must carry rules for public

broadcasting

“There are numerous standards for digital broadcasting in use across the world. After significant technical evaluation and specific consideration of South Africa's unique market requirements, this Policy adopts the following technical standards for type approval by ICASA and for use by industry:

5.1.3.1 DVB-T (EN 300 744) is adopted as the national standard for terrestrial digital television broadcasting in South Africa. DVB is reported to be the fastest growing DTT platform in Europe and other parts of the world. Many governments have started to plan for analogue switch-off and DVB- T has become the de facto standard, which has been adopted by the whole of the ITU Region 1 comprising Europe, Middle East and Africa.”

Latin America …..Due to the low cost of DVB-T set-top boxes (STBs), the standard was expected to achieve near ubiquitous deployment across the region. However, Brazil's SBTVD-T standard and Mexico's use of ATSC have spearheaded a movement away from DVB-T.

Given that a DVB-T STB can be purchased for as little as $30 and an ATSC STB for around $40, Brazil's and Peru's use of SBTVD-T with its $120 STBs is surprising, considering the price sensitive nature of Latin America.

Screen Digest – Global Media Intelligence May 2009

During Dual illumination During Dual illumination – SABC 1,2,3 plus up to seven more channels

Radio Can better meet mandate – language,

specialist channels… Funding????

After dual After dual illumination illumination - ?????????- ?????????

Costs?Funding?Less advertising per channel?Fragmentation of audiences?