SA's Digital TV live test channels revealed
South Africa officially started the migration from Terrestrial Television (ATT) to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) on 1 November, promising more efficient use of spectrum and additional channels to all South Africans.
One of the primary benefits of digital television is spectral efficiency. The SABC has estimated that a digital multiplex using the same bandwidth as a single analogue channel can carry up to eight digital video channels.
In July 2009 Lara Kantor chairperson for the Digital Dzonga, the advisory council for DTT migration, said that broadcasters would potentially carry additional channels for local viewers upon launch. She added that “some additional channels are already being broadcast on the DTT trial.”
Some of the details behind this migration remain sketchy, but more information is starting to emerge regarding the channels being tested. MyBroadband recently viewed a live preview of the SABC and eTV test channels which are currently broadcasted.
The channels currently on the DTT trial are:
- SABC 1
- SABC 2
- SABC 3
- eTV
- eClassics – dedicated primarily to movie broadcasts
- SABC Movies
- SABC Sport
- SABC NI (News International)
- SABC Knowledge
- SABC Tots
- SABC Junior
In addition to this the trial is also broadcasting several radio stations including Radio 2000, Metro FM, Good Hope Radio, 5fm, Lesedi and Lotus FM. MultiChoice is also trialing a number of channels from its DStv bouquets.
Although it has not yet been confirmed if television owners will have access to the DTT channels during the dual illumination period, it seems likely.
DTT rollout delay
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) recently confirmed that South Africa’s switch over to DTT will be delayed until 2013 at the earliest. This is over a year and a half later than cabinet had initially envisaged.
The time frame for dual illumination will be communicated to broadcasters by the Regulator at least 60 days prior to the intended start date for dual illumination. The dual illumination period will terminate three years after the commencement date.
ICASA has not yet given official notice to DTT players to prepare for the dual illumination process.
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