Clarification on DTT responsibilities
23 January 2008
News
The success of South Africa's migration to digital terrestrial television (DTT) is dictated by a number of factors and industry players. While Sentech says it is on track to meet deadlines, a multiparty, multifactor engagement can lead to market confusion, particularly on player responsibilities.
Clarifying its role, Frans Lindeque, executive digital services at Sentech commented, "Sentech is responsible for the upgrade and provisioning of the main signal distribution infrastructure for the DTT rollout. The project is driven by various phases of which the first two will be completed by March 2008. Digital switch-on is scheduled for 1 November 2008 and the switch off date for analog is set for 1 November 2011. Although Sentech is involved as a member of the DMWG (Digital Migration Work Group), it is however not responsible for the specification or the distribution of the set-top boxes (STB)."
Decisions on pricing, specifications, distribution, licensing and programming are made by parties such as the broadcasters, The Department of Communications, industry as well as ICASA.
Sentech also serves as a member of the STB advisory work group, which has made recommendations to government regarding the framework and technical specifications of the STBs.
Looking at the digital switch-on, the first phase will cover the country's main metropolitan areas while the second phase will ensure coverage of 80% of the population by 2010, enabling people to view the FIFA 2010 World Cup games in digital format.
The success of the digital migration process is also based on financial commitment by government. "We have received the necessary funding for the first two phases and are confident that further funds will be granted," says Lindeque. "However, Sentech will require additional operational funding during the three-year dual illumination period which will see analog and digital transmissions running at the same time, in order to allow viewers to acquire suitable digital receiving equipment."
Further reading:
From the editor's desk: Exciting times ahead?
Technews Publishing
News
There are many subjects that excite me in this world, but two of the larger technical subjects are, firstly, renewable energy, and secondly, the idea of artificial intelligence as it continues to evolve
...
Read more...
Microchip expands partnership with TSMC
News
Microchip Technology has announced it has expanded its partnership with TSMC to enable a specialised 40 nm manufacturing capacity at Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing.
Read more...
Huge SA grid battery project
News
A standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) has won preferred bidder status under South Africa’s Energy Storage Capacity Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (ESIPPPP).
Read more...
Mouser sponsors NCP Cup 2024
News
The NXP Cup is an EMEA-based autonomous car competition, presented by NXP Semiconductors, which is designed to provide students with real-world experiences in autonomous vehicle programming and building.
Read more...
TrinaTracker brings its smart solar tracking to SA
News
The Vanguard 1P is designed to provide customers with trackers that combine suitability for flat terrain, together with outstanding system stability and reliability, quick installation, and flexible external compatibility.
Read more...
Nordex adding 830 MW of wind generation
News
Nordex Energy South Africa will be adding 830 MW of wind energy generation capacity to the company’s already-installed 1 GW base.
Read more...
Invertek produces its three millionth drive
iTek Drives
News
Invertek Drives Ltd, a global manufacturer of variable frequency drive (VFD) technology, has celebrated producing its three millionth VFD, just three years after its two-million milestone.
Read more...
Analog Devices’ digital storefront is live
News
Analog Devices has designed an improved digital experience with users in mind – a new analog.com website and eShop.
Read more...
Vicor Powering Innovation podcast
News
The episode explores electrification with Lightning Motorcycles, a company that produces the fastest electric motorcycle on the planet.
Read more...
ModusToolbox Workshop 3
News
This workshop will focus on enabling a PSoC development kit, connected over Wi-Fi and leveraging MQTT, to create the framework of an IoT application.
Read more...
printer friendly version