DigiTAG

Web Letter

February 2009

DigiTAG seeks to inform members and non-members about important developments in the digital terrestrial television market. Each month, DigiTAG distributes its web letter with news updates and further exploration of one topic.

To subscribe to the DigiTAG Web Letter, send an email to the DigiTAG Project Office.

DTT services in Hungary

The launch of DTT services in Hungary took place on 1 December 2008 following nearly 8 years of preparation. Technical issues, such as the compression format to be used, needed to be confirmed while the legislative framework needed to be updated to allow for the launch of DTT services.

Following significant DTT trials in the regions of Budapest and Kabhegy since 2004 using the MPEG-2 compression format, the government ultimately decided to opt for the use of the more efficient MPEG-4 AVC compression format, and further thus allow for the possible launch of HDTV services on the DTT platform.

In March 2008, the National Communications Authority of Hungary (NHH) invited candidates to tender for the right to operate five DTT multiplexes for a twelve year period. The NHH awarded the license to broadcast network operator Antenna Hungaria which subsequently launched DTT services on 1 December 2008 at three transmission sites. Services are currently available to 60% of the population.

Service offering

Known as MinDigTV, the DTT service offering from Antenna Hungary provides viewers with access to two free-to-air television programme services from the public service broadcaster - Duna TV in high definition (HD) and Duna II Autonómia in standard-definition (SD). Both services had previously only been available on the cable and satellite platforms. Two further services from the public service broadcaster, m1 and m2, are also expected to join the platform soon. These services had been tested on the DTT platform from December until the end of February in HD quality.

The free-to-air DTT platform currently lacks content from the two leading commercial broadcasters, TV2 and RTL Klub. This is due in large part by the lack of the necessary media legislation with clear “must carry” rules for the DTT platform. Without these rules, commercial broadcasters with services on the analogue terrestrial platform do not need to make their services available on the DTT platform.

In addition to the free-to-air offer from MinDigTV, viewers can also access two pay-DTT services from Terra+. Both services, ATV and HirTV, are offered in standard-definition. However, as the services are encrypted with a Conax CAS7 module, viewers will need to purchase a suitable receiver sold with a pre-paid card, identified by the Terra+ logo, as well as to activate the service by calling their customer service centre.

DTT coverage

A total of five multiplexes will become available for DTT services after analogue switch-off, of which three have already been launched. Of these, two multiplexes provide DVB-T services and one multiplex provides DVB-H services.

At the time of launch, DVB-T coverage was approximately 60% of the population and will increase to reach 86% of the population by the end of this year. The full 96% population coverage, as required by law, will be reached at the end of 2011, at which time it will be possible to proceed with analogue switch-off. The two multiplexes that will be launched after analogue switch-off will provide services to 90% of the population.

The multiplex providing DVB-H services will have a maximum coverage of 50% of the population by the end of 2011. It launched in December 2008, with services available in the immediate region of Budapest.

DTT receiver market

Antenna Hungaria has developed a logo to help consumers recognize which receivers will enable them to access DTT services. The MinDigTV logo ensures that viewers can receive the basic, free-to-air DTT services. These receivers must include an MPEG-4 AVC compression decoder function to be able to decode content in both standard- and high-definition.

These receivers are available in the retail market. Manufacturers that have signed an agreement with Antenna Hungaria for the use of the MinDigTV sticker operate under the following brands: P-Sat, Infopatika, Strong, eBolt, Sony Bravia, and Bétacom.

Receivers with a futher Terra+ logo are able to access the pay-DTT platform and include a Conax CAS7 module.

Analogue switch-off

The government has confirmed that analogue switch-off will take place by 31 December 2011. As part of its license agreement for the operation of the DTT platform, Antenna Hungaria will help to manage the digital switchover process.

To facilitate this obligation, it has set up the so-called Digital Organisation which will provide viewers with information on the digital switchover process. It is Antenna Hungaria’s aim that the members of this organization include all representatives from the DTT market such as regulators, broadcasters, and manufacturers.

Activities to communicate to viewers about digital switchover include television and newspaper advertisements, information leaflets, and an information centre. The Digital Organisation has also set up a website with information on digital switchover (www.mindigtv.hu) as well as a call centre to handle viewer queries. Already, the MinDigTV logo and sticker is available in the market and is expected to become a familiar feature to viewers during the transition period.

Next steps

It can be expected that the DTT platform will provide viewers with access to predominantly free-to-air services until analogue switch off is completed. While the platform currently offers a combination of standard- and high-definition services, it is likely that the number of HD services will increase and eventually serve as a key draw for the DTT platform.

However, only when a greater number of services are offered, including the commercial services from the analogue terrestrial platform, will the DTT platform be able to provide viewers with an alternative to other television delivery platforms.

Source: Natalie Mouyal, DigiTAG Project Office

About DigiTAG

DigiTAG aims to encourage and facilitate the implementation and introduction of digital terrestrial television services using the Digital Video Broadcasting Project's Standard (DVB-T). It has some 60 members from broadcasting, network operators, regulatory, and manufacturing organisations throughout Europe and beyond.

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DTT NEWS ROUND-UP

For access to the full articles archive, please go to DigiTAG News

Italy - 37% DTT penetration

According to figures published by DGTVi, 7.8 million television households relied on the DTT platform for their primary television services at the end of 2008.

The sale of DTT receivers proved strong in 2008 with 5 million receivers sold. In the month of December, 884,000 receivers were sold, of which 77% were iDTVs.

A total of 12.2 million DTT receivers have been sold since the launch of DTT services in 2004.

Source: DGTVi newsletter

Portugal - ASO confirmed for 26 April 2012

Council of Ministers adopted a resolution calling for the completion of analogue switch-off by 26 April 2012. The process will be led by the communications regulator Anacom.

The DTT operator, Portugal Telecom, has announced that it will unofficially launch DTT services at the end of April. Services are expected to be available to 80% of the population by the end of the year.

Source: Publico

United Kingdom - DTG issues sixth edition of D-Book

The DTG has issued the sixth edition of the D-Book, the DTT specification used in the United Kingdom. The D-Book has been updated to include the DVB-T2 standard which will be used for the launch of HD services on the DTT plaform.

D-Book 6 is available to DTG members via the members area of the DTG website.

Source: DTG website

Macedonia (fyr) - Three DVB-T multiplexes to be launched

It is expected that Telekom Slovenije will be allocated a license to operate three DVB-T multiplexes in Macedonia. The license will be officially allocated on 30 March.

Telekom Slovenije was the only company to bid for the DVB-T license by the 4 February closing date.

Source: Agency for Electronic Communications

United States - Broadcasters appeal FCC decision on white spaces

Broadcasters, major sports leagues, and theatre owners are challenging the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) decision to allow for the introduction of non-licensed devices in the so-called "white spaces". They are calling on judicial authorities to rescind the FCC's decision.

NAB and the Association for Multiple Service Television have filed a similar suit.

Source: Multichannel News

Poland - DVB-H license awarded to Info TV FM

The license to operate a DVB-H service has been awarded to the broadcast network operator Info-TV-FM. It was one of two contenders for the license.

DVB-H services will be available in 31 cities across Poland until 2015 when it will be possible to provide full national coverage. The license will be valid until 2023.

A consortium of mobile telecom operators, including Orange, Era, Plus, and Play, had also bid for the DVB-H license.

Source: Telecom Paper

South Africa - Regulator withdraws invitation to tender for DVB-H licenses

The communications regulator ICASA has withdrawn its invitation for candidates to tender for DVB-H licenses. This withdrawal has taken place three days prior to the initial application deadline.

According to the initial invitation, two DVB-H multiplexes would have been available in the cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban.

The reason for the withdrawal of the invitation is not known although there is some speculation that it may be due to pressure from broadcasters.