Aerial Empire swops thousands of analog decoders to digital
26 Jan 2000
News
Phillip Austen
The first batch of conversions in Sentech's analog to digital satellite TV swop-out have been successfully completed. Aerial Empire, Sentech's installation contractor has installed more than 4000 digital satellite decoders across the country. The swop-out is taking place in the wake of the SABC's intention to halt broadcasting via its analog satellite system by the end of October 2000.
Aerial Empire was contracted by Sentech to handle the first 15 000 swop-outs. The program entails swopping analog satellite receivers for Sentech's state-of-the-art VIVID digital decoders. Sentech is subsidising the project with R30 million, more than half of which was expended towards the end of November 1999. Aerial Empire is able to execute 400 job cards a day and approximately 3600 a month.
Although Sentech had undertaken to subsidise the first ±20 000 conversions that fell within its swop-out criteria, only 12 900 applicants out of 17 300 qualified. Sentech has therefore decided to extend the campaign; the only swop-out requirement will be a valid TV licence.
Sentech's VIVID digital decoder offers superior technology and ease of installation. Customers are also finding them extremely user-friendly. Should a DSD be switched off due to power failure or bad weather, it will automatically reprogram itself when switched on. This decoder is made by UEC and uses a NagraVision encryption, a system used widely in Europe.
Sakkie Redelinghuys, project consultant for Sentech says VIVID's digital platform will also allow consumers the possibility of tuning into Pay TV. This option offers an extra bouquet of channels by simply inserting a smartcard into a slot. A second smartcard option has been designed to facilitate other interactive features such as electronic banking. These optional features will be introduced by Sentech as and when there is a demand for them.
For further information contact Phillip Austin, (011) 402 1166.
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