The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is hoping that by 2023, the Philippines has fully transitioned to digital TV.
The Philippines has adopted Japan?s Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) standard for the delivery of digital terrestrial television broadcasting (DTTB) in the country. It will replace the analog TV system which the country started using in 1953.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Feb. 14, DICT secretary Rodolfo Salalima said the ISDB-T platform will not only improve TV viewing experience through better picture quality and sound but would also facilitate the establishment of an Emergency Warning Broadcast System (EWBS).
The EWBS, he said, would allow sending of early warnings for disaster preparedness and disseminate advisories and guidance on evacuation, food provisions, and medical assistance in times of disasters.
At the 2017 Digital TV Summit held in Quezon City, the DICT launched its DTTB Migration Plan consisting of comprehensive policies and regulations, as well as technical and fiscal considerations necessary for the country?s migration to digital TV broadcasting.
The plan will ensure smooth transition from analog to digital that will eventually lead to a complete Analog Switch Off (ASO), the agency said.
?A comprehensive implementation of the DTTB Migration Plan shall ensure the reception of digital TV broadcast nationwide taking into consideration the financial assistance and needs of the vulnerable sectors of the society and guarantees universal access and reception of information,? the DICT said in a project brief.
The agency said it will roll out a public communications strategy and information campaigns to facilitate a smooth migration process and implementation. For its part, the Japanese government has vowed to provide technology transfer and competencies on digital TV broadcasting.
The DICT expects the release of the plan will encourage broadcasters to complete their digital rollout and for citizens to procure digital TV receivers. — PNA
