digital migration in south africasos2010 1

8/12/2019 Digital Migration in South Africasos2010 1

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SOS

23 April 2010


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DTT is digital versus analogue transmission Terrestrial rather than satellite

Compresses channels so can fit more on onefrequency

Multi-channel Digital not analogue means can have

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


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Production

STB

TV


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International Telecommunications Union hasresolved that in this region analogue televisionfrequencies 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


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

path)

PROSMore channels

More choice for publicBetter able to meet mandatesBouquets for specific interestsQuality can be controlled perchannel or per event

CONSNo signal in marginal areasMore channels means lessviewers per channel?

Complexity of decodersMigration is expensiveSTBsfor public, newtransmitters/upgrades, newequipment in broadcasters(compression technology,

multiplexing)


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Content Production,

Packaging and

Programming

Signal Distribution

and TransmissionSignal Reception

and Devices

Broadcasters need todigitize archives, studios,

and production networks

Broadcasters will need to

develop and test new

DTT channels

Transmitter Network rolloutDuring migration double

transmission costs

All viewers will need STB to be

able to watch

DTT migration therefore requires the co-operation ofmultiple stakeholders


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2005: Minister sets up Digital Migration Working

Group (DMWG) Includes all industry players

2006DWMG submits recommendations to Minister


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That government should establish a

joint body with industry to develop an

action plan for the switch-off ofanalogue television broadcasting, to

monitor the switchover process and

promote consumer awareness.


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

comment within two weeks as urgent

May Budget speech Minister announces Digital Dzonga andappoints chairperson (Butonly 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


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June: Digital Dzonga launched and conformancescheme (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


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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


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Repeats switch on 1 Nov 2008 Switch off 1 Nov 2011 Phased increase in transmission coverage On 1 Nov major urban centres (50% of

population) By 2010 80% coverage

Promised by switch off everyone will be ableto receive


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All existing terrestrial tv channels will beaccommodated during dual illuminationperiod SABC

E-tv

M-Net

No new players licensed during dual illumination


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Digital Content Generation Hubs will be developedRecognises need capacity

But WhenAny financial support


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STBs : R700

5 million will not be able to afford this

Government subsidy Scheme for OwnershipSupport (SOS):

70% of cost for those on government grants

Estimated 5million people


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One multiplex for SABC (with 10% for TrinityBroadcasting 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


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Does not state how many channels eachbroadcaster will get BUT allocates space onmultiplex

SABC 100% of Multiplex 1 (about 10) E-tv 50% of Multiplex 2 M-Net 40% Multiplex 2

Will simulcast existing channels plus havedigital incentive channels 3/4s of SABC channels must be public (not

public commercial)


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ICASA says will review SA content policies In interim abide by existing but can apply

for exemption for niche channels


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Need clear rules on subsidy system Need to know how will roll-out

Need massive awareness campaign Need to have campaigns to show how to use

STB Need policies to ensure affordability


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Need to review entire broadcasting policyand legislation (Bill???)

laws SABC public and public commercial Says certain channels? Is that what we want?

Dont licence channels anymore but Bill muddles

Need to review funding for publicbroadcasting


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There are numerous standards for digital broadcasting inuse across the world. After significant technical evaluationand specific consideration of South Africa's unique marketrequirements, this Policy adopts the following technical

standards for type approval by ICASA and for use byindustry: 5.1.3.1 DVB-T (EN 300 744) is adopted as the national

standard for terrestrial digital television broadcasting inSouth 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 analogueswitch-off and DVB- T has become the de facto standard,which has been adopted by the whole of the ITU Region 1comprising Europe, Middle East and Africa.


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Costs? Funding?

Less advertising per channel? Fragmentation of audiences?


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digital migration in south africasos2010 1

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