SOS 23 April 2010

DTT is digital versus analogue transmission Terrestrial rather than satellite Compresses channels so can fit more on one frequency Multi-channel Digital not analogue means can have electronic programme guide, e-government, different languages turned on

Production
STB

TV

International Telecommunications Union has resolved that in this region analogue television frequencies 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 Dividend

The Digital Dividend

Multi-channel Better quality pictures and sound Possibilities of high definition tv Interactivity (with or without return path)
PROS More channels More choice for public Better able to meet mandates Bouquets for specific interests Quality can be controlled per channel or per event CONS No signal in marginal areas More channels means less viewers per channel? Complexity of decoders Migration is expensive STBs for public, new transmitters/upgrades, new equipment in broadcasters (compression technology, multiplexing)

Content Production, Packaging and Programming

Broadcasters need to

Signal Distribution and Transmission

Transmitter Network rollout During migration double transmission costs

Signal Reception and Devices

All viewers will need STB to be able to watch

digitize archives, studios, and production networks Broadcasters will need to develop and test new DTT channels

DTT migration therefore requires the co-operation of multiple stakeholders

2005:

Minister sets up Digital Migration Working Group (DMWG) Includes all industry players

2006
DWMG submits recommendations to Minister

That government should establish a joint body with industry to develop an action plan for the switch-off of analogue television broadcasting, to monitor the switchover process and promote consumer awareness.

Cabinet announces in Feb digital signal will be switched on 1 Nov 2008 switched off 1 Nov 2011

2007

Three year dual illumination period

Dual illumination when both signals are running at same time to give audiences time to get STBs and switch

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 and appoints 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

August (almost 18 months after urgent draft policy is launched). Digital Migration policy is announced

Nov DTT is launched but actually a pilot to about 1 000 viewers

June: Digital Dzonga launched and conformance scheme (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 (etv and Nafcoc) ICASA issues frequency plan

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

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 able to receive

All existing terrestrial tv channels will be accommodated during dual illumination period
SABC E-tv M-Net

No new players licensed during dual illumination

Digital Content Generation Hubs will be developed Recognises need capacity But When? Any financial support?

STBs : R700 5 million will not be able to afford this Government subsidy Scheme for Ownership Support (SOS):
70% of cost for those on government grants Estimated 5million people

One multiplex for SABC (with 10% for Trinity Broadcasting 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

Does not state how many channels each broadcaster will get BUT allocates space on multiplex SABC 100% of Multiplex 1 (about 10) E-tv 50% of Multiplex 2 M-Net 40% Multiplex 2 Will simulcast existing channels plus have digital incentive channels 3/4s of SABC channels must be public (not public commercial)

ICASA says will review SA content policies In interim abide by existing but can apply for exemption for niche channels

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

Need to review entire broadcasting policy and 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 public broadcasting

Local content but no difference between digital content and tv content Need more! Must carry rules for public broadcasting

There are numerous standards for digital broadcasting in use across the world. After significant technical evaluation and specific consideration of South Africa's unique market requirements, this Policy adopts the following technical standards for type approval by ICASA and for use by industry: 5.1.3.1 DVB-T (EN 300 744) is adopted as the national standard for terrestrial digital television broadcasting in South 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 analogue switch-off and DVB- T has become the de facto standard, which has been adopted by the whole of the ITU Region 1 comprising Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Latin America ..Due to the low cost of DVB-T set-top boxes (STBs), the standard was expected to achieve near ubiquitous deployment across the region. However, Brazil's SBTVD-T standard and Mexico's use of ATSC have spearheaded a movement away from DVB-T. Given that a DVB-T STB can be purchased for as little as $30 and an ATSC STB for around $40, Brazil's and Peru's use of SBTVD-T with its $120 STBs is surprising, considering the price sensitive nature of Latin America. Screen Digest Global Media Intelligence May 2009

During Dual illumination SABC 1,2,3 plus up to seven more channels Radio Can better meet mandate language, specialist channels Funding????

After dual illumination ?????????

Costs? Funding? Less advertising per channel? Fragmentation of audiences?