Shift to digital TV to take 5 yrs

MANILA, Philippines – It will take at least 5 years for the Philippines to complete the migration to digital terrestrial television (TV) using the cheaper Japanese standard over the European system, a National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) official said.

NTC commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba told reporters this timeframe involved in phasing out the analog system after the government decides to implement the much delayed shift to digital format.

Both the NTC and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) have endorsed to Malacañang the adoption of Japan’s Integrated Service Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial or ISDB-T standard, which is cheaper than Europe’s Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial 2 or DVB-T2.

“When we reach a final decision that is when we put up the IRR. We are just awaiting the final decision on that,” Cordoba said.

He noted the difference between the two formats:

• Japan’s ISDB-T standard has integrated early warning mechanism in times of natural disasters such as tsunami, typhoon, earthquakes, among others unlike the European technology.
• Mobile phones that could receive Japanese digital broadcast are worth $32. Phones that could function using the European digital broadcast technology is valued between $400 to $600 per unit.
• Dongles that could receive the Japanese technology are priced at $11 vs European units cost $30 and $40.

He added that the commission has consulted major stakeholders, including broadcast companies led by ABS-CBN Corp. and rival GMA Network Inc., the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), appliance makers and distributors, and various consumer groups.

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He said the regulator is prepared to issue the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) on the adoption of the new digital terrestrial TV. – Rappler.com