Clarification on DTT responsibilities

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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."

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