Set-top box options
It could cost consumers anywhere between R210 and R3 000 to join the digital TV revolution in South Africa.
Consumers have two options when it comes to switching to digital TV: a set-top box that will convert the digital signal into an analog one, so an old analog set could be used; or the viewer could purchase a new digital television, which could set you back a few thousand rand.
An entry-level box converter will retail for R700, according to department of communications estimates.
An entry-level digital television, the 48cm Hisense, retails at Hi-Fi Corporation for R3 000 – more than four times the price of the entry-level analog television, a 37cm Wharfdale at R750.
The department estimates that of the 7,5-million South African households with television sets, 4,5-million will not be bale to afford the R700 for the entry-level set-top box.
It is proposing a 70% subsidy programme for the poorest five million households, which would see them forking out R210 for their set-top boxes.
This proposed subsidy will cost the government R2,45-billion.
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