Inquirer: GMA bats for European digital TV standard

Broadcast giant GMA Network Inc. has urged the government to adopt in the Philippines the widely used digital television standard developed in Europe. 

“Based on the comparison and available technical information, GMA Network recommends the DVB-2 as the digital terrestrial television standard to be adopted in the Philippines,” the company said in a letter to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). 

The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and rival network ABS-CBN Corp., on the other hand, are pushing for the adoption of Japan’s Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting (ISDB) standard for digital TV services. 

The ISDB and the second-generation Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB-2) from Europe are the two leading platforms around the world. 

Switching to digital TV broadcasting will mean more channels and better signal reception for Filipino viewers. 

The government’s choice on which platform to roll out in the Philippines will mean big business for companies that build equipment that support the different technologies. 

In its letter, GMA said presentations by proponents of the DVB-2 and ISDB platforms showed that the former could broadcast more channels while using much less power, resulting in lower costs for networks. 

These savings, the company said, would more than make up for the costs of set-top boxes that support the DVB-2 standard. 

Set-top boxes are devices that convert digital signals into viewable images for older television sets. 

ISDB proponents, led by the Japanese Embassy in Manila, argued that costs of their set-top boxes were much lower, with the Japanese technology being more mature. 

Last month, the agency’s TWG recommended the ISDB standard, citing the availability of cheaper set-top boxes, which would make the new technology easier to accept for low-income Filipino households. The NTC’s three-member commission is expected to make a decision based on this recommendation this month. 

“[But] the technical superiority of DVB-2 transcends even to the commercial viability on the part of the operators by virtue of the significant savings that can be generated. The inherent signal robustness of DVB-2 over ISDB is the key driver to this advantage,” GMA said. 

GMA said companies should also be given ample time to conduct their own tests to verify claims of technical superiority made by European executives of the second-generation Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB-2) platform. - Paolo G. Montecillo, dated 02 September 2011, 12:19 AM.

Source: Inquirer

Business World: More tests on digital TV rules urged

We heard again some breaking news, that even broke our hearts with the continuing support of others for the European Digital Video Broadcast - Terrestrial 2 (DVB-T2), pertaining to GMA Network, in lieu with the majority support and final (and official) proclamation of the Japanese ISDB-T as the Philippines' sole digital terrestrial television standard. Read more after the break.

BROADCASTER GMA Network, Inc. has urged the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to test the two types of digital television standards for itself before choosing between the Japanese and European variants. 

This comes as an NTC technical working group has recommended the country adopt the Japanese Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) standard, contrary to GMA Network’s preference of using the European standard. 

“GMA Network recommends DVB-T2 (Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial 2 or the upgraded European standard) as the DTT (digital terrestrial television) standard to be adopted in the Philippines,” the firm said in a position paper, copies of which were e-mailed to the press yesterday. 

“However, it behooves us in the exercise of prudence, to conduct a comprehensive trial to determine to a certain degree, the validity of the published specifications and comparative performance of both standards side-by-side under identical conditions,” the firm added. 

GMA Network warned that the lack of a “visible, measurable and concrete” data as bases may allow for “subjective or theoretical” assessment of the two standards. 

“We therefore strongly recommend the conduct of an actual trial,” GMA Network said. 

Sought for comment, NTC Commissioner Gamaliel A. Cordoba said that GMA Network’s position paper, along with the other stakeholders’ are all being noted during the ongoing review. 

“We’ll take everything into consideration,” Mr. Cordoba said in a text message yesterday, noting however that the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas has recommended the Japanese standard. 

Despite the technical working group’s recommendation, NTC has yet to decide which standard to go by, Mr. Cordoba said. 

He added that the publication of implementing rules and regulations for the digital TV technology will soon follow after a decision on the standard is made. 

Asked when the NTC is expected to come up with a decision on the standard, Mr. Cordoba reiterated that it will be before the year ends. 

In an e-mail on Monday night, Peter Siebert, executive director of the DVB Project Office, said that his office wrote NTC last month asking for the reconsideration of the European standard. 

The DVB Project Office handles the marketing, logistics and communications of the industry-led consortium DVB Project. 

“[W]e have as recently as the 11 August wrote to NTC… seeking their consideration of the standard. As yet we have not received any feedback or requests from NTC arising from our communications,” Mr. Siebert said. 

Mr. Siebert reiterated that the upgraded European standard is superior to the Japanese standard due to technical points and even on socioeconomic considerations. 

In June last year, NTC, had chosen Japan’s standard. But a House committee in March this year called for a fresh review. The NTC, since then, has been weighing pros and cons between the Japanese standard and the upgraded European standard. - Kathleen A. Martin, dated 01 September 2011, 10:15 PM.

Source: Business World 

Business World: Decision on digital TV standard expected ‘before the year ends’

In the interview, both ABS-CBN and GMA failed to answer the queries of the switch to digital TV this year, a TV5 official warmly expressed their decision on going digital maybe before this year ends. Read the post after the jump.

THE GOVERNMENT sees completion of the country’s shift to digital television taking place beyond 2015, as the regulator expects to take more time to decide with finality on which standard to use and release the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the adoption of this technology. 

"At present, the target is still 2015. But this will most likely be changed as we are already pressed for time," Gamaliel A. Cordoba, commissioner of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), said in a telephone interview on Friday last week. 

Broadcast firms have been waiting for NTC’s decision on which standard to adopt and for the IRR in order to roll out their systems. 

Mr. Cordoba said that while an NTC technical working group last week had recommended the adoption of the Japanese standard over the rival European counterpart, "the commission has still to review this and come up with our own decision to recommend to Malacañang." 

In June last year, NTC, citing industry preference, announced it had chosen Japan’s Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) standard as the country’s platform over the European Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) technology. 

Last March, however, the House of Representatives Committee on Information and Communication Technology, pressed NTC to review its decision, noting the upgraded European standard, DVB-2, was not assessed. 

In a last-ditch attempt to convince NTC as it conducted a review, representatives of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines and of the industry-led DVB Project briefed regulators in late-June on the DVB-2 upgrade. 

At about the same time, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas issued a statement voicing preference for the Japanese standard, citing cost concerns. 

"We will definitely…[arrive at a decision] before the year ends," Mr. Cordoba said on Friday. 

He admitted that this decision is what has been holding up the issuance of the IRR. 

At the same time, Mr. Cordoba noted that "completing the shift to digital TV is really dependent on the broadcasters and the public," hence, more time may be needed to complete the adoption of the new technology. 

"The rollout of signals will be dependent on broadcasters since they may need time to invest, put in place the equipment, etc.," Mr. Cordoba explained. 

"The adoption of the technology on the public’s part is dependent on their purchase of digital TV technology-ready sets or set top boxes for their analog TV sets." 

While officials of ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network, Inc. did not reply to queries last week, Ray C. Espinosa, TV5 president and chief executive officer, said via text that his network is just awaiting NTC’s decision as it has already been putting up infrastructure to support a digital TV system. 

"We await the implementing rules of the NTC. We have been building…a digital broadcast infrastructure," Mr. Espinosa said last week. 

He added that capital expenditure needed to complete such infrastructure "will not be very substantial." 

As TV5 itself supports the Japanese standard, the firm welcomes the recommendation of NTC’s technical working group, Mr. Espinosa added. 

Motohiko Kato, minister and deputy chief of mission from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, said in a telephone interview last Friday that his country is "ready to provide full support [to the Philippines] as we did in countries in Latin America." 

Aside from Japan, the ISDB-T system has been widely adopted in South America. 

"We are glad to know that the NTC technical working group decided on the Japanese system," Mr. Kato said. 

"We’re keeping an eye on the final decision," he added. - Kathleen A. Martin, dated 29 August 2011, 09:39 PM.

Source: Business World

Inquirer: European firms make last push for DVB platform

Now, they are telling two words. “Disastrous Consequences”. Read post after the break.

Proponents of the second-generation European Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB2) digital TV platform say government may have been misled into choosing a rival platform made in Japan, which would lead to “disastrous consequences” for Filipino consumers.

Switching to digital TV broadcasting will mean more channels and better signal reception for Filipino viewers. The government’s choice on which platform to roll out in the Philippines will mean big business for companies that build equipment that support the different technologies.

Earlier this month, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said its technical working group (TWG) had recommended that the regulator pick the ISDB standard from Japan.

NTC Deputy Commissioner Carlos Martinez said the regulator’s three-member commission would likely issue an order next month in line with the TWG’s recommendations.

The TWG, made up of industry experts, said the ISDB technology was cheaper, making it easier for consumers to accept. The TWG’s findings were largely in line with the position of industry group Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).

“I believe it would be negligent of DVB Project if it did not correct what clearly is wrong information which is being provided by KBP,” said Peter Siebert, executive director of the European standard’s proponent, the DVB Project.

Siebert noted that KBP’s findings recognized the DVB-2 standard, which was an improved version of the original DVB platform used in all of Europe and parts of Asia, as technically superior.

The KBP noted that the DVB-2 standard could transmit more data while using less energy, making it cheaper for networks to run.

However, the industry group, taking its lead from network giant ABS-CBN Corp., said equipment to support Japan’s ISDB standard, particularly set-top boxes that convert digital signals into viewable images, were cheaper since the technology was more mature.

The KBP claimed that there are only a few electronics manufacturers in the world that sell DVB-2 set-top boxes, making them expensive due to the lack of competition.

“This is totally false and indeed there are many manufacturers. Additionally, integrated receivers from such companies as Sony, LG, Panasonic, Samsung, etc., are all available with DVB-T2 decoders,” Siebert said.

Siebert also noted that in Brazil, which uses ISDB technology, shop prices of receivers are significantly higher than those for the DVB-2 standard.

Despite the presence of government subsidies in the Latin American nation, set-top box prices were still sold at $120 each, whereas European set-top boxes cost only $45 each.

The KBP earlier said Japanese companies have committed to sell set-top boxes at around $30 each in the Philippines, but a member of the TWG who requested anonymity said, “Those were just promises but actual prices are much higher.”

“We believe that both on the basis of technical and socioeconomic considerations, DVB-2 is far superior to ISDB and would bring the Philippines innumerable benefits now and in the future,” Siebert said.

Last year, the NTC issued a memorandum circular that said the ISDB technology would be used in the Philippines.

However, this has been put under review following calls by GMA Network Inc., which is not a member of the KBP.

GMA said the DVB-2 standard may be worth a second look due to its operational advantages. – Paolo G. Montecillo, dated 28 August 2011, 09:46 PM.

Source: Inquirer

Business Mirror: NTC chooses Japan’s ISDB for PHL digital TV standard

THE National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has concluded its review on the preferred standard for the digital terrestrial television (DTT) broadcast service in the country. 

It recommended, with finality, Japan’s Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting (ISDB) standard over Europe’s DVB-T2. 

The NTC heads the technical working group (TWG) formed to craft the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the transition to digital broadcasting. 

“The TWG has recommended ISDB technology. We will inform the economic team about this and we will wait for their feedback. If their feedback is to proceed then we will issue the IRR already and schedule the signing of the memorandum of agreement with the Japanese,” said NTC Deputy Commissioner Carlo Jose Martinez. 

The team is composed of agency heads from the Department of Finance, National Economic and Development Authority, and Department of Trade and Industry. The NTC awaits their comments on the economic implications of its decision to shift to digital TV and its chosen DTT standard.

The TWG consists representatives from the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), Commission on Information and Communications Technology, NTC, ABC Development Corp., ABS-CBN Corp., Aliw Broadcasting Corp., Broadcast Enterprises and Affiliated Media Inc., Christian Era Broadcasting Service Inc., Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection, Eagle Broadcasting Corp., and Zoe Broadcasting Network Inc.

The KBP and government channel National Broadcasting Network separately wrote the NTC to inform the agency that they are recommending Japan’s ISDB-T over Europe’s DVB-T2. They said consumers will pay more for the set-top boxes if the country will adopt DVB-T2.

“In our recommendation, all criteria were met by both standards. However, on the pricing issue that’s where it boils down. Japan’s set-top box costs around $20 each while the box for DVB-2 is $40,” said Martinez.

He added that only GMA Network Inc. and Broadcast Enterprises & Affiliated Media Inc. have recommended the European standard.

“We want the IRR released as soon as possible, hopefully within the year,” said the NTC official.

The telecom regulatory agency is eyeing the implementation of digital television service, starting with select key cities in the country, by 2012. The regulator wants the shift to be implemented it in phases, the same way Japan did.

“We plan to follow Japan’s model. They started with Tokyo then Osaka and then followed by other major cities. The TWG has yet to identify which cities will start the digital TV shift but maybe we could start with Manila, Cebu, Dava , among others,” said Martinez.

The ISDB-T platform is expected to provide more business opportunities because the bandwidth that will be assigned for digital TV can also be used to service mobile phones. The technology is also capable of sending emergency warning broadcasts to households. – Lenie Lectura, dated 23 August 2011, 07:31 PM.

Source: Business Mirror

News5 InterAksyon: We're "turning Japanese" on digital TV platform

The review is finally almost over! It took almost months to complete the NTC's review of two of the sought-after digital TV standards as of this writing (DVB-T2 and ISDB-T). And now, we can say we are "Turning Japanese"! (Gotta remember the viral 80's song).

The National Telecommunications Commission is ready to release finally the Implementing Rules and Regulation for digital TV broadcast, once the economic group says "Go ISDB-T!" Here are the following who voted and opted out for what DTV standard:

Japanese ISDB-T:

• Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), the mother affiliation of the country's broadcast industry
• National Broadcasting Network (NBN) via People's Television Network Inc. (PTNI), our government station
• GEM TV via Christian Era Broadcasting Services Inc.
• Net 25 via Eagle Broadcasting Corp.
• ABS-CBN Corporation
• TV5 via ABC Development Corp.
• Aliw Broadcasting Corp.
• UNTV via Progressive Broadcasting Corp.
• Zoe Broadcasting Corp., among others
• ETC, TalkTV and 2nd Avenue via Solar Entertainment Corp.

European DVB-T2

• GMA Network Inc.
• Broadcast Enterprises and Affiliated Media, Inc. (BEAM)

To name, ISDB-T can offer high definition (HD) services, standard definition services and mobile TV services (portable) in a single frequency. It can allocate 176 channels on free TV once we've gone digital. Read the post after the break.

MANILA, Philippines – We’re turning Japanese. That is, as far as digital broadcasting, for which the country is preparing to migrate, is concerned. 

Regulators have finished a review of the preferred standard for the digital terrestrial television (DTT) broadcast service in the country, and the review panel recommended, with finality, Japan’s Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting (ISDB) standard over the European platform preferred by a few players, according to officials. 

“The TWG [technical working group] has recommended ISDB technology. We will inform the economic team about this and we will wait for their feedback. If their feedback is to proceed then we will issue the IRR already and schedule the signing of the memorandum of agreement with the Japanese,” NTC deputy commissioner Carlo Jose Martinez said on Tuesday. 

With the selection of the Japanese platform having been decided on with finality, the implementing rules for the shift are soon to follow. The NTC is looking to have digital television service implemented next year, with select key cities first. 

The NTC heads the technical working group formed to craft the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the transition to digital broadcasting---a process that was delayed by the last-minute lobby by some industry players to try out the European DVB-T2 platform, which they claimed is superior. 

Cost however, seemed to play a key part in the TWG consideration, as estimates showed that with the European platform, the public must pay substantially more for the set top boxes that go with the system. 

The review team is composed of agency heads from the Department of Finance, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry. The NTC sought their comments on the economic implications of its decision to shift to digital TV and its chosen DTT standard. 

The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), Commission on Information and Communications Technology, NTC, ABC Development Corp., ABS-CBN Corp., Aliw Broadcasting Corp., Broadcast Enterprises and Affiliated Media, Inc., Christian Era Broadcasting Service, Inc., Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection, Eagle Broadcasting Corp. and Zoe Broadcasting Network Inc. were all represented in the TWG. 

The industry’s self-regulatory body, KBP, and government channel National Broadcasting Network separately wrote NTC recommending Japan’s ISDB-T over Europe’s DVB-T2. Among several factors, they zeroed in on the cost argument against DVB-T2. 

NTC’s Martinez explained that, “In our recommendation, all criteria were met by both standards. However, on the pricing issue that’s where it boils down. Japan’s set top box costs around $20 each while the box for DVB-2 is $40.” 

Besides the cost factor, Japan’s ISDB-T platform has been touted as being able to provide more business opportunities because the bandwidth to be assigned for digital TV can also be used to service mobile phones. This technology can also be used to send emergency warning broadcasts to households. 

Only GMA Network Inc. and Broadcast Enterprises & Affiliated Media, Inc. favored the European DVB-T2, described as an improved version of the DVB platform. 

Meanwhile, Martinez said they are looking to have the implementing rules “released as soon as possible, hopefully within the year.” 

Following the Japanese system, the NTC wants the migration to digital TV carried out in phases. The Japanese, according to Martinez, “started with Tokyo then Osaka, and then followed by other major cities.” 

He said the TWG will still have to decide which cities will pilot the digital TV shift “but maybe we could start with Manila , Cebu, Davao , among others.” - Llewelyn Sanchez, dated 23 August 2011, 06:21 PM.

Source: News5 InterAksyon

Malaya: ABS-CBN to raise up to P5B for digital shift

It is gonna be a face to face in digital TV broadcasting, as ABS-CBN raises its DTV rollout to a whopping P5-B. Since 2007, the country's premier television station is investing on its transition to digital terrestrial television, but this time, ABS-CBN is going to, and finally, marketing out its capital to DTV transition through the Japanese ISDTV (International Standard for Digital Television), or simply known as ISDB-T (Integrated Services Digital Broadcast).

For now, ABS-CBN almost invested half a million pesos for the movie library for DTV. This movie library will be used for one of its premium DTV channel on free TV soon, which is a movie channel. A clue, either.

Now, we do have four TV networks in digital TV format, namely Gem HD, NBN, ABS-CBN and TV5. Other networks are bid to go digital by late this year or early 2012 as Philippines will still continue to switch-off its analog television service a date between 2015 and 2020. Read the post after the break.

ABS-CBN Corp. plans to raise P5 billion for the rollout of digital terrestrial television (DTT) nationwide, company officials said. 

Rolando Valdueza, ABS-CBN chief finance officer, said the company has spent P500 million for a movie library for digital TV. 

"It depends on the take-up. If necessary, we will do some fund-raising if we’re going to do a nationwide rollout," Valdueza said. 

The broadcast firm is still waiting for the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to complete the guidelines for digital TV. 

Valdueza said the company is hopeful the commercial rollout of the new technology could take place this year. 

The implementing rules and regulations on DTT were supposed to be released in June but Malacañang directed the NTC to evaluate the standard offered by a European consortium. 

ABS-CBN prefers the ISDTV technology of Japan, which is being tested in Pampanga. 

ABS-CBN launched in April a digital TV service called DTV digibox, which aims to capture 90 percent of low-income households without cable in the country. 

The digibox will be serve as the viewers’ gateway to five new premium TV channels on free-to-air TV. It will be initially available in Luzon this year then in the Visayas and Mindanao next year.

Digibox rates range from P1,000 to P3,000. 

Customer can also watch other channels like ABS-CBN Channel 2, Studio 23, NBN and GEM. 

Since 2007, ABS-CBN has been laying the groundwork for the new technology, the broadcaster said. The network’s DTV system in place and ready to be rolled out in the second half of the year. - dated August 23, 2011

Source: Malaya

Malaya: NTC favors Japan digital TV

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) will endorse to administration economic managers the Japanese ISDB-T technology as the country’s standard for digital terrestrial television (DTT), as the majority of broadcast firms’ stakeholders prefer it to the European standard because of cheaper set-top boxes. 

Jose Carlo Martinez, NTC deputy commissioner, said the technical working group chose ISDB-T after the Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and major television networks ABS-CBN and TV5 supported the Japanese standard. 

GMA Network Inc. and Broadcast Enterprises & Affiliated Media Inc. expressed preference for the European standard. 

"The implementing rules and regulations on DTT will be release as soon as we receive the go signal," Martinez said. 

He is targeting the issuance this year. 

The guidelines for the DTT were supposed to have been issued last June, but the Office of the President directed the NTC to do another evaluation between the Japanese and European standards. 

Although the European standard was found technically superior, the Japanese set-top box was found much cheaper at $20 against its rival’s $40. 

A paper submitted by the KBP said that although the DVB-T2 system is technically superior to ISDB-T, these advantages have been irrelevant to the most important stakeholder in the project as consumers need a cheaper set-top box for migration to DTT. 

"The cost of the (box) is the key to harmonizing the opposing interests. The low cost lowers the entry or migration barrier for the consumer and hastens the analog shut off," KBP said. - Myla Iglesia, dated 23 August 2011.

Source: Malaya

Inquirer: Delayed (digital) telecast

And now someone talks about DVB-T2's royalty. See for the difference. Read post after the break.

The Aquino (Part II) administration is taking its sweet time in deciding when this country should start the program for “digital” broadcast—for both the radio and television. 

From what I gathered, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) already has a draft of the implementing rules of the program. 

Our sources in the industry tell us that the NTC is only waiting for the go-signal from Malacañang to release the rules and start digital broadcasting in the country. But not yet! 

It seems that Malacañang, particularly our leader Benigno Simeon (a.k.a. BS), still wants the broadcast industry, particularly the TV stations, to change their stand on one particular aspect of the program: the all-important “standard.” 

The local TV stations already narrowed down the choices to two standards: the Japanese standard (technically known as ISDB-T) and the European standard (or DVB-T2). 

As a group, at least as represented by the KBP, or the Kipisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, the industry already decided to adopt the Japanese standard. 

Malacañang, however, called the industry leaders to a meeting, with BS himself telling them to reconsider their position. 

From all indications, the Aquino (Part II) administration wants to force the European standard on the broadcast industry. In the process, the digital program gets delayed. Much delayed! In fact, it has been six years in the making now. 

* * * 

Now what is in the digital program (versus the current “analog”) for us—the consumers, radio listeners, TV viewers, the almost hundred million people in this country? 

Digital broadcast is much better than the current system called “analog,” and this goes for everybody—meaning, the government, broadcast industry and the public. 

Analog broadcast is basically radio broadcast—i.e. FM and AM. In analog TV, the video is transmitted in AM, and the audio, in FM. Thus the broadcast falls prey to all sorts of interference. 

In comparison, digital TV is transmitted as data bits—i.e. computer data. It is the same system for your music CD or movie DVD. 

Digital TV benefits the consumers because it makes the reception much clearer, not to mention the wide array of programs that the public can get in digital TV. 

When they switch to digital, the TV stations can air several programs at the same time, even while they are using their current bandwidth. 

You can imagine the impact of digital TV on the programming of the networks. They can now offer different shows for the young and the old, either men or women, even considering the market segmentation from class A to class E. At least we do not have to suffer all those soap operas. 

For the business community, therefore, because of the multiple programming options of the networks, advertising rates are bound to go down, more affordable at least to a lot of medium size enterprises that, at present, cannot afford the prohibitive ad rates of the TV networks. 

As for the government, digital TV is bound to free up frequencies that the NTC can bid out to the broadcast industry. Yes, the government can still make a lot of money from the digital program. 

In short, digital TV is good. 

* * * 

Here is the thing: the consumers must have TV sets capable of receiving the digital broadcast, through a special gadget called “set-top boxes,” or STB. 

It is true that the investments of TV stations will be higher in the Japanese standard than the European, not to mention the savings in electricity cost, because the European standard consumes less electricity than the Japanese. 

But as the KBP pointed out in its position paper submitted to the NTC, the European standard is a “proprietary” system, meaning, that the TV stations must pay “royalty” to the developers of the European standard. 

The “royalty” also applies to the STB—the boxes in your homes. 

Thus, aside from the TV networks having to spend truckloads of money to go digital, the program also entails cost to the viewing public. 

In its position paper, the KBP recommended the adoption of the Japanese standard mainly because it was the most affordable standard for the Filipino consumers. 

The Japanese government itself pushed for the adoption of this standard in the Philippines, promising that Japanese companies would build STB manufacturing plants in the Philippines. 

KBP took it to mean that the cost of STB would drop significantly. The KBP estimated that the difference in the STB price, between the European and the Japanese standards, would amount to about $20 per box. 

That, to the guys down here in my barangay, is quiet a lot of money. - Conrado R. Banal III, dated 10 August 2011, 09:27 PM.

Source: Inquirer

Newsbytes: Broadcasters hit gov’t delay in DTV adoption

An organization of broadcast firms in the country has issued a position paper urging the government to immediately implement and not hold back the adoption of a Japanese DTV standard which the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) picked last year. 

Digital TV or DTV, is also known by the acronym DTT or Digital Terrestrial Television. 

The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) said that time is of the essence in the roll-out of the DTV standard, noting that the government is just wasting its time vacillating on which platform to adopt. 

The NTC, the industry’s regulatory body, last year chose the ISDB-T, the Japanese DTV standard. However, that directive has been put on hold after Malacanang ordered a review of the decision for further study on the merits of a competing platform, the DVB-T, also known as the European standard. 

“Again, we stress that the point of time for making a decision, or the factor of ‘when’, is now,” the KBP said. 

The group noted that the first technical working group (TWG), convened about five years ago, recommended DBV-T as the preferred standard for DTV in the Philippines. 

“This recommendation was anchored on DBV-T being the more mature standard over the Japanese standard and also the lower cost of the DVB-T Set Top Box (STB) that would directly impact on the consumer and thus, the speed of take-up,” it observed. 

TWG-1, however, noted the technical superiority of ISDB-T over DVB-T and also the potential of ISDB-T’s nomadic or mobile reception. 

“Consequently, about two years later or in 2009, the industry felt that a review of the TWG-1 recommendation was in order given the developments that were taking place on the ISDB-T front,” it stated. 

A second TWG was then convened by the NTC. Independent of the NTC TWG-2, the KBP convened its television committee to make a comparative evaluation of DVB-T and ISDB-T. Lopez-owned ABS-CBN also commissioned its own laboratory and field tests comparing DVB-T with ISDB-T. 

The result was that in 2010, according to the KBP, TWG-2 recommended the adoption of ISDB-T as the DTT standard for the Philippines. The recommendation was anchored on the following: 

• ISDB-T is a flexible DTT transmission system that is capable of providing three levels of hierarchical modulation (audio, video, and data) to fixed, mobile, and handheld terminals without the need for additional transmission facilities. 
• ISDB-T is able to deliver more channels per frequency than DVB-T. 
• ISDB-T set-top boxes (STB) would be more affordable because of the supplier commitment on the price and also supported by a commitment from Japanese government to build a plant in the Philippines to manufacture STBs. 

At the time of re-evaluation, ISDB-T was shown to have achieved maturity comparable to DVB-T. ISDB-T’s technical superiority also had actual validation from countries that deployed on the standard, and further confirmed in the laboratory and field tests conducted by ABS-CBN. 

A commitment on the price of the ISDB-T STB, which was significantly lower vis-à-vis DVB-T STB, was also given by the Japanese government, the KBP noted. 

While there was some issue because the price guarantee referred to the ISDB-T MPEG 2 STB and not the MPEG 4 STB, the latter was still cheaper than the DVB-T MPEG 4 STB, the group said. 

Consequently, in 2010, the NTC issued a memorandum circular officially adopting ISDB-T as the DTT standard for the Philippines. This paved the way for test broadcasts by various television networks of digital broadcast using ISDB-T, namely, ABS-CBN, Net 25, RPN-9, IBC 13, Channel 4, and SBN. 

But at this point in time, the KBP said the industry began to notice the development path of DVB-T particularly the second generation DVB-T or DVB-T2. 

DVB-T2 emerged a year after the 2010 NTC circular adopting ISDB-T, and at the height of the consultations on the implementing rules and regulations for DTT in the Philippines, the KBP noted. 

Consequently, TWG-3 was formed and tasked to review the choice of ISDB-T in view of DVB-T2. It was given the task of comparing ISDB-T with DVB-T2 and to determine whether the reasons for adopting ISDB-T still hold vis-à-vis DVB-T2. 

This is “very much like TWG-2, which was tasked to determine whether the then reasons for recommending DVB-T still held vis-à-vis ISDB-T,” the KBP noted. 

“In fact, with the benefit of hindsight, had we not reviewed the initial DVB-T recommendation of TWG-1, we would now be in the same situation as European countries stuck with a legacy technology with the advent of DVB-T2,” the organization said. 

In the end, the KBP said that although the DVB-T2 system is technically superior, the shorter implementation process offered by the ISDB-T “would benefit broadcasters who can recover their costs more quickly while delivering good quality service.” 

“With the Government facilitating the process towards DTT at the earliest possible time, the Government will also be reaping the benefits of the digital dividend soonest,” it concluded. - dated 08 August 2011, 10:32 AM.

Source: Newsbytes Philippines

News 5 InterAksyon: KBP favors Japan platform for digital TV

MANILA, Philippines -- The latest European platform for Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) is superior to Japan’s technology, but regulators should give priority to affordability when making the much-awaited decision of which standard the country should adopt, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) has said. 

The technical advantages offered by Europe’s DVB-T2 system are, after all, “irrelevant to the most important stakeholder in the project, the Filipino consumer,” who is “is entitled to clearer and better quality TV experience through an affordable migration to DTT,” said the self-regulatory broadcast body’s position paper, submitted to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) last week. 

A technical review of the European platform had held up the release by NTC of its implementing rules and regulations for migrating to DTT, since a final decision on which DTT standard will be adopted by the country is part of the process. 

The KBP and the state channel National Broadcasting Network have recommended Japan’s ISDB-T over Europe’s DVB-T2, stressing that consumers would have to pay more for the set top boxes if the DVB-T2 were adopted. 

“The set top-top box for DVB-T2 (MPEG 4) is substantially higher than ISDB-T (MPEG 4) with a price difference of almost US$20,” said the KBP. Indefinitely waiting for the DVB-T2 system to become affordable to consumers will be disadvantageous to all, it added. 

Besides the high rollout cost, broadcasters are also concerned about when the SO (analogue shut off) will take place, said KBP. 

To ensure that the public gets free TV service during the transition from analogue to digital TV, broadcasters are compelled to operate both analogue and digital networks. 

Broadcasters, according to KBP, will benefit from an earlier ASO because that wipes out the operating cost of its analogue transmitter. “This brings back the need for lower set top boxes. Experience of countries that migrated to DTT clearly established the direct correlation between the cost of STB and the rate of take-up and ultimately the ASO. With a lower cost of the STB, the higher the take-up rate and consequently, the earlier the ASO,” explained the KBP. 

The number of manufacturers is also tied to the concern over the cost of the boxes. There is only one manufacturer of DVB-T2 set top boxes but several for ISDB-T, according to KBP. 

The Philippines, meanwhile, will also benefit from opting for the Japanese standard because of the assistance committed by Japan, said KBP. 

Such assistance includes: the development, free of charge, of a frequency plan for the Philippine government by the Japanese government; the government-to-government support in terms of loans in order to give state-run stations the funds to develop and deliver digital broadcasting; and low-interest loans for Philippine broadcasters implementing their individual DTT plans with ISDB-T.

The KBP urged the regulators to consider well “the commitments and support of the ISDB-T stakeholders, especially the Japanese government, to the NTC for the seamless transition to DTT.” Such aid saves the government a lot of resources in terms of “the NTC funds that would otherwise be spent for technical assistance and support from third party suppliers,” said the KBP.

No similar commitments were offered by the stakeholders of the DVB-T2 system.

“These three abovementioned points are vital services that will make the take-up of ISDB-T go faster. This will in turn make better business sense for broadcasters as it will lessen the return on investment time once the take-up rate is hastened and ASO is attained,” added KBP. - Llewelyn Sanchez, dated 08 August 2011, 05:31 AM

Source: News 5 InterAksyon

Philippine Star: KBP urges NTC to adopt Japan technology for digital TV in Phl

Another article-related with the KBP urging the National Telecommunications Commission to further adopt officially the Japanese standard for digital terrestrial television has been released, and with this one, it claimed that GMA Network, the only broadcast firm who attest with the Japanese and opted for a European DTV standard, is now giving up its choice and making NTC to be thorough on choosing the best among the two before leaving the official mark. Read the post after the break.

MANILA, Philippines - The broadcasting industry has recommended to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) the adoption of the Japanese ISDB-T as the digital terrestrial television (DTT) standard for the Philippines. 

In a position paper submitted to the NTC-DTT technical working group III, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) said that any technical advantage offered by the European standard DVB-T2 at this point is outweighed by the benefits to be gained by adopting ISDB-T, with the substantially lower cost of its set-up box resulting in faster take-up by the consumer, and thus, an earlier analog switch-off. 

KBP groups all broadcasting networks in the country, including ABS-CBN and TV 5, but excluding NBN and GMA7. 

But even government-owned National Broadcasting Network (NBN) is pushing for ISDB-T. GMA, on the other hand, has stopped pushing for the European standard and instead wants the NTC to just be very thorough before making a final choice. 

The set-top box is the device that enables the reception of a DTT service-signal by an analog TV set. 

“Although DVB-T2 system is technically superior, these advantages have been shown to be irrelevant to the most important stakeholder in the project - the Filipino consumer. The consumer is entitled to clearer and better quality TV experience through an affordable migration to DTT. Consequently, stakeholders will realize the benefits of the digital dividend earlier with ISDB-T as the DTT standard for the Philippines,” KBP said. 

GMA Network has recommended to the NTC that in order to come up with a comprehensive and credible review, comparative technical and commercial assessments of both standards must be carried out. 

It said actual signal trial of ISDB-T and DVB-T2 must be carried out to verify claims of DVB-T2 over ISDB-T under Philippine conditions. GMA said the commercial evaluation must be expanded to include all relevant cost components of DTT implementation, particularly set-top box (STB) cost and other attendant costs, infrastructure capitalization, operating expenses. 

GMA said that in conducting the review, the following criteria should be considered: capacity/transport efficiency, signal robustness/integrity, system flexibility, interoperability with program distribution network, emergency warning system, STB market price, capitalization, and operating expenses. 

For its part, NBN in a separate position paper pushed for the ISDB-T Japanese standard, being a flexible technology that willl be able to meet the present requirements and future demands. 

NBN said that ISDB-T has rich features. “It supports the emergency applications, multi-media home platform and data broadcasting. The selected DTT standard should support this function... ISDB-T also allows for handheld devices such as cellphones to receive DTT signal with no extra cost; is superior in terms of transmission capability, interactivity, accessibility and possibilities for middleware development (data casting of news items, weather updates, traffic situations, stock market, can be integrated seamlessly with video transmission),” it said. 

It added that ISDB-T signal is more robust against impulse noise, and that its set-top boxes are more affordable. “Also, the adoption of ISDB-T will open the opportunity for the small players to avail of financial assistance that the Japanese government is offering in terms of soft loan with very low interest plus technical assistance,” it said. - Mary Ann Ll. Reyes, dated 3 August 2011,  12:00 AM

Source: Philippine Star 

Inquirer: Gozon: GMA 7 can go digital anytime

Atty. Felipe Gozon and Mr. Gilberto R. Duavit, both GMA Network executives, stated each and every point on GMA Network's migration to digital terrestrial television is possible within any time of the day. But still insisted on opting European DTV standard DVB-T2 as their choice.

According to them, we should have to consider the market profile. But to think DVB-T2 has more expensive converter boxes to date, compared to the Japanese ISDB-T boxes, the switch to digital television could be more rough than we expect when we go the expensive one. Technically speaking, DVB-T2 has the capabilities to go 12-14 channels in one 6-MHz frequency, but ISDB-T's offering, which is capable of 8 channels per frequency, is good enough to a broadcast network that will offer multichannel contents. Read the article after the break,.

Felipe L. Gozon, chairman and chief executive officer of GMA 7, wants to make it crystal clear: “We are ready to go digital. We can do it anytime.” 

But before the Kapuso network can make the big leap, the government has to finalize which standard the local broadcast industry would follow: European or Japanese. 

(ABS-CBN, chief rival of GMA 7, has adopted the Japanese standard, the choice of the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas, and as earlier decided by the National Telecommunications Commission.) 

The decision is currently under review, Gozon said. According to studies conducted by GMA 7, he noted, “the European standard seems better.” 

‘Vastly superior’ 

Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., network president and chief operating officer, explained that the European standard is “vastly superior, technically… particularly in terms of number of channels it can offer.” 

Whereas the Japanese standard can accommodate eight channels per frequency, Duavit said, the European standard can offer 12 to 14. 

Although European converter boxes can be more expensive than its Japanese equivalent, Duavit predicted that the price of the former would eventually fall (by the end of the year) as a result of increasing demand. 

“India adopted the European standard,” Duavit related. “The more evolved TV markets have made the same choice.” 

Gozon is gung-ho about going digital because it can open up the industry to other methods of signal delivery, apart from the traditional TV set. 

Sustainability 

“GMA 7 will become multiplatform. Kapuso shows will be seen on mobile phones, on PCs and laptops,” Gozon said. 

However, he added, the more crucial question is sustainability. “Can the local market support the switch to digital technology?” 

Duavit agreed: “We have to consider the market profile.” 

At present, 90 percent of televiewers are from the C, D and E sectors; only a minority belongs to the A-B crowd, which is the prospective target of digital technology. 

Duavit asserted that producing shows with digital technology could be costly. 

“High-definition and digital technology require special lights and makeup. It would entail extended taping schedules because setting up the lights on the set would take longer,” Duavit also pointed out. 

Duavit said the current TV fare of soap operas and talk shows doesn’t require high-definition technology. 

Still, Gozon said, the Kapuso team could meet the challenge of providing content to the additional channels that would inevitably come with the digital switch. - Bayani San Diego, dated  1 August 2011, 09:14 PM

Source: Inquirer 

Fast and Wide: Philippines revises target for digital TV

Now, Philippines envisioned target date to shut down all analogue television broadcast by 2020, almost ten years to complete the full migration into digital television. This will help the Filipinos to understand more the benefits of digital TV compared to current television setup, and not to make them cram for DTV migration. 

Addendum, Japanese are willing to train Filipino engineers about the digital TV transmission that will be exported to other countries intending to adopt the standard. Philippines has now finally chosen the Integrated Services Digital Broadcast (ISDB-T) over the European DVB-T2 as the sole official digital terrestrial television standard. With that, particularly, our country will be the world's first to use the harmonized ISDB-T International Standard. Read the post after the break.

Having decided opted to go with Japan’s Integrated Services Digital Broadcast (ISDB) technology over the European standard for its Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) broadcast service, the Philippines’ National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has announced that migration to digital will take ten years (rather than its earlier estimate of five) to complete. The new target for completing the switch-over is 2020. 

‘This year, the NTC has commenced the transition of the broadcast industry from analogue to digital,’ the regulatory body said. ‘The NTC estimates full migration from analogue to digital TV technology within the next five-to-ten years.’ 

The Philippines Government is now considering delaying the compulsory transition of all analogue television service providers to digital TV, and for the termination of all analogue TV broadcast transmissions from the earlier target of the close of 2015. 

Using Japan's Integrated Services Digital Broadcast technology as the Philippines’ standard for DTT broadcasting means that the expertise of the Filipino engineers who are to be trained by Japanese experts can be exported to other countries intending to adopt the Japanese standard for digital TV. 

The Japanese government is also being requested by the Philippines to subsidise the cost of set-top boxes. 'The Japanese Government will invest in a set-top box factory in the Philippines, but we are also asking them to subsidise the boxes,' said Commission on Information and Communications Technology Chairman, Ivan Uy. - dated 29 July 2011

Source: Fast and Wide

MIC Japan: Japan Completed Analog Switch Off in Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Successfully

July 2011

Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications

Government of Japan

Japan Completed Analog Switch Off in Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Successfully

In Japan, the government, broadcasters, manufacturers, and many stakeholders have taken dedicated efforts to achieve the complete digitalization of terrestrial television broadcasting. ISDB-T, the Japanese standard for digital terrestrial television broadcasting, is the best of such technology, invented thanks to the national tendency of cooperation for solving issues and of seeking the newest useful functions for electrical appliances. 

ISDB-T enables sophisticated HDTV, easy receiving in any conditions (e.g. wide cover area, anti-radio–disturbance, etc.), and prompt transmission of emergency information in disasters. These benefits have been spread deeply to citizens all over the country. In addition, mobile broadcasting called “One-Seg” has been bringing a new viewing experience without additional cost, while the other digital TV standards require additional cost.

By sharing this attractiveness and advantage fully, Japan was able to win trust in digital television broadcasting among citizens. Japan has suffered serious damage from the unprecedented earthquake and tsunami on 11th March, just before the Analog Switch Off (ASO). But now we are striving to reconstruct with kind help and friendship from all over the world and with an unbeatable national effort (“Ganbaro, Nippon!!”). During the disaster, many lives were saved by informing each person of the tsunami alert in advance through One-Seg. Only ISDB-T provides One-Seg, and for this reason, ISDB-T is the standard trusted by citizens, and the digitalization of terrestrial television broadcasting in Japan succeeded without changing the initial target date. Furthermore, we can guarantee that the Japanese standard will lead to success in the upcoming digitalization of terrestrial television broadcasting for countries that have adopted ISDB-T.

We hope that countries all over the world can share in the Japanese success by adopting ISDB-T. Japan has succeeded in the complete digitalization of terrestrial television broadcasting by terminating analog broadcasting on Sunday,  24th July, 2011, (except in some regions afflicted by the earthquake/tsunami damage). Digitalization for terrestrial television broadcasting is a worldwide trend. In Japan, more than 120 million people, almost the entire population, can watch television via terrestrial broadcasting. Japan is the first country in the world to succeed in an analog switch off without confusion in such a large-scale. 

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) would like to share its success tips for the other countries planning ASO in the near future as shown below:

Success Tip 1: Preparation of Consultation offices close to citizens (working together with the government, broadcasters, manufacturers and electricians)

Television broadcasting is a universal service and an important infrastructure for most of the people to rely on as an information source. Therefore, it is indispensable to care for the people who are not familiar with digital technology, especially elderly people and people without enough income. The MIC put in place a total of 51 support centers for digital terrestrial viewers, called “Digi-Suppo,” in cooperation with broadcasters, manufactures and electricians in every prefecture to enable easy access and the asking of relevant questions.

In addition, especially just before the ASO, temporary Q&A booths to support people who had not switched to digital broadcasting yet were set up widely under cooperation with local governments. A lot of volunteers also supported by calling elderly people to confirm whether they had switched to digitalization.

This management structure consisting of the government, broadcasters, manufacturers, retailers and electricians was a key factor leading to the success of TV digitalization.

Success Tip 2: Implementation of measures along with a schedule and target

Regarding transmission network preparation, the schedule for starting digital broadcasting in each region was publicly announced (called the “master plan”). The master plan indicates that digital broadcasting would start in 3 metropolitan areas (Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka) by 2003 and in mid-size cities by 2006. Also the starting dates for the other regions were also indicated in the plan. This schedule was announced in each region respectively.

After the construction of most of the transmission stations, the MIC returned its attention to fitting out an environment for receiving digital broadcasting waves from the point of view of the citizens. The Digi-Suppos helped citizens to solve any difficulties in their receiving system, including through consultations on a shared receiving system in areas where broadcast signals are blocked by mountains or hills or apartment complexes.

In the border area of analog broadcasting coverage, where the received signal level is very weak, a cliff effect might have occurred. Therefore, in such areas, additional measures were taken, such as newly installing shared receiving facilities or replacing antennas to high-gain antennas.

Furthermore, as a safety network for the areas where these measures could not be delivered before the ASO, the MIC and broadcasters delivered satellite networks as a temporary measure to broadcast terrestrial TV programs.

Success Tip 3: Measures for the spread of digital receivers

By standardizing the minimum functional requirements for set-top boxes (STBs) along with the technology development efforts of manufacturers, digital television and STB prices have steadily become cheaper, contributing to the spread of digital receivers as a result.

In addition, the government implemented an incentive program for consumers to purchase and switch to digital televisions (called the “eco-point” program), accelerating digital receiver diffusion. As a result, there were 25 million shipments of flat panel televisions in 2010 (in the first year of digitalization, there were 10 million shipments). In particular, the amount of sales in November is more than 5 times the amount of November 2009 due to announcing the 50% reduction of eco-points in advance.

As for a safety network for the people who had not prepared a digital receiver yet, STBs have been distributed for free to low income households since 2009. 

Success Tip 4: Public announcements, including statistical results of the digital spread rate and the ASO notification through the analog broadcasting program

The government shared statistical results with viewers via the media, including the results of a survey on the household digital receiver spread rate and a survey on viewer’s awareness of the timing of the ASO. This showed viewers that digitalization was making steady progress.

Regarding the preparation of an environment in which all citizens can receive digital broadcasting waves, the status of digitalization using shared receiving systems and in apartment complexes was published to publicize the progress of digitalization.

On the other hand, broadcasters notified viewers that analog programs would end on 24th July through all channels broadcasting the same promotion program at the same time (called a “soft test”). The promotion program was in the letter-box format and the word “analog” and the telephone number of the call center were indicated on the screen viewers realized that they were now watching an analog program.

Suzu city (with approx. 10 thousand households) in Ishikawa prefecture switched off analog broadcasting one year prior to the nationwide ASO. Finally the results of these invaluable experiences contributed to the preparation for the nationwide ASO. From 1st July 2011, broadcasters inserted a superimposed image showing the days remaining until the day of the analog switch off on the screen in their analog programs as a final effort to avoid having unprepared households due to insufficient awareness raising.

These measures largely contributed to preventing confusion when analog television broadcasting was switched off successfully. 

Success Tip 5: Spread of “ digitalization of Terrestrial Television Broadcasting ” to citizens by using characters and distinguished persons (Media strategy)

Industry side developed many campaigns and commercials by using an animal mascot, a famous entertainer as a symbolic of promotion and popular newsreaders as ambassadors of promotion. In addition, various generations recognized “digitalization of Terrestrial Television Broadcasting” through distinguished entertainers corresponding to the same generation, who were named as a cheering party and they participated in a lot of campaigns.

Furthermore, promotional clips appealed to fans at professional baseball/football stadiums and horse racing tracks using public viewing systems with huge screens. These measurements have created nationwide understanding of and familiarity forward “ digitalization of Terrestrial Television Broadcasting” as the animal mascot goods were great hits!

Source: ISDB-T Philippines Official Page

ABS-CBN News: Japan goes digital after turning off analogue TV

Finally, Japan had bid goodbye with the analog television system for over 58 years of broadcast. Hope Philippines will take the path Japan's led to a smooth transition to digital terrestrial television, soon. 

TOKYO - Japan on Sunday shifted to digital terrestrial broadcasting, switching off its analogue television network in all areas except those worst hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the government said. 

Japanese broadcasters ended analogue transmission across most of the country at noon (0900 GMT) after 58 years. No major problems among viewers were immediately reported. 

As of the end of June, the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry believed at least 290,000 households were still not ready to receive digital signals, Jiji Press said. 

The Japanese government has postponed the move to digital in the prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima until the end of March next year due to damage from the earthquake and tsunami. - Agence France Presse (AFP), dated 25 July 2011, 03:54 PM.

Source: ABS-CBN News

Manila Bulletin: Sayonara, Analog

MANILA, Philippines -- July 24, 2011, Japan marks another technological milestone as the whole country finally switches off its analog transmission and goes fully digital using Japan's very own digital technology, the ISDB-T or Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial. ISDB-T is a type of digital broadcasting developed by Japan that provides audio, video and multimedia services. It uses a modulation method referred to as Band Segmented OFDM with Time Interleave. 

Research and development of digital broadcasting in Japan started way back in 1990's when Japan noticed a great need for HDTV to work together with SDTV as well as their internet services. The country also needed to effectively utilize frequency resources and apply all these to interactive services and data-casting. Furthermore, Japan needed all of the above-mentioned to be available to mobile and portable devices. With all these in mind, technical requirements were then sought in 1994 and soon after the Ministry established the technical standards. ISDB-T was then recommended by the ITU and after licensing and further requirements were completed ISDB-T was launched. 

In order to facilitate and prepare the whole country for the said "switch off", the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication (MIC) in cooperation with the local government, constructors, retailers and broadcasters worked hand in hand disseminating vital information. Publicity and advisements were done through various support centers, "explanatory meetings" and establishment of call centers and to monitor and measure the reception or signal, MIC sent out radio measurement vehicles. 

For the broadcaster's part, in July 2008, notifications in the form of an “analog logo” was placed seen flashing on the upper right hand corner of the screen. This was viewed over some selected TV programs. As the date was fast approaching, in March 29, 2010, NHK started sequential notifications in the form of a letterbox (seen on the upper and lower part of the screen). Other commercial TVs started doing the same immediately after. 

All broadcasters soon did a "virtual analog switch-off" seen as "blue and black screen" all at the same time especially during primetime and last July 1, a countdown was then displayed showing the number of days remaining as to the termination of analog transmission. 

On this day at exactly noon time, viewers with analog TV will receive only the “blue and black notice” saying that analog transmission has “switched off”. 

And so after approximately 10 years of preparation and transition, the day has finally arrived where the whole country will experience full digital transmission today at exactly noon time. This is with the exemption of a few areas that were badly damaged by the recent earthquake. These areas are scheduled to go on full digital transmission on March 2012. 

In the Philippines, the National Telecommunications Commission or NTC first considered digital switchover by 2012. However, due to delays in reviews and issuance of rules and implementation, transition will push through next year, 2012, extending complete shut off of analog transmission by 2015. - Len Amadora, dated 25 July 2011, 12:00 AM

Source: Manila Bulletin

Manila Bulletin: Japan switches off analog signal

After almost 60 years of developing television broadcast advancements in the Asia and around the world, Japan is now ready to shutdown its analog TV service, the very first in Asia. And now, in 2011, the Land of the Rising Sun will also commence the very first digital TV switchover tomorrow, July 24, 2011, 3:00 Philippine Standard Time (4:00 JPN). Read the post after the break.

TOKYO, Japan – Japan marks another technological milestone Sunday when the whole country switches off analog transmission and goes into full digital broadcasting. 

In going digital, Japan will be using the ISDB-T or Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial that provides audio, video and multimedia services. 

ISDB-T uses a modulation method referred to as Band Segmented OFDM with Time Interleave. 

Research and development of digital broadcasting in Japan started way back in 1990s with the rising need for HDTV (High Definitiion Television) to work together with SDTV (Standard Definition Television) as well as their Internet services. 

The country also needed to effectively utilize frequency resources and apply all these to interactive services and datacasting, the broadcasting of data over a wide area via radio waves. 

Japan needed the new technology to be available to mobile and portable devices to reach more people. In 1994, Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication (MIC) sought the technical requirements and soon after established the technical standards. 

ISDB-T was then recommended by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and after licensing and further requirements were completed, ISDB-T was launched. 

In order to facilitate and prepare the whole country for the “switch off,’’ the ministry in cooperation with the local government, constructors, retailers and broadcasters worked hand in hand disseminating vital information. 

Information about ISDB-T was spread through various support centers, “explanatory meetings’’ and establishments of call centers. To monitor and measure the reception or signal, MIC sent out radio measurement vehicles. 

For the broadcaster’s part, in July 2008, notifications in the form of an “analog logo’’ was placed seen flashing on the upper right hand corner of television screens. This was viewed over some selected TV programs. 

In March 29, 2010, NHK started sequential notifications in the form of a letterbox on the upper and lower part of the TV screen. Other commercial TVs soon followed suit. 

All broadcasters soon did a “virtual analog switch-off’’ seen as “blue and black screen’’ all at the same time especially during primetime and last July 1, a countdown was then displayed showing the number of days remaining as to the termination of analog transmission. 

At exactly noon Sunday, viewers with analog TV will receive only the “blue and black notice’’ saying that analog transmission has “switched off.’’ 

And so after approximately 10 years of preparation and transition, the day has finally arrived where the whole country will experience full digital transmission. This is with the exemption of a few areas that were badly damaged by the recent earthquake. These areas are scheduled to go on full digital transmission on March 2012. 

In the Philippines, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) first considered a digital switchover by 2012. However, due to delays in reviews of rules and implementation, transition will push through next year, 2012, extending complete shut off of analog transmission by 2015. - Eleonor G. Amadora, dated 23 July 2011, 01:20 PM.

Source: Manila Bulletin

 

Manila Times: KBP moves to deflect EU lobby for digital TV standard

THE Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) said the Japanese digital TV standard is “better” than the European platform. 

“ISDB-T (Integrated Service Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) is a pro-Filipino standard because it has features that can address better the needs of the Filipino viewers, not to mention that it costs less than DVB2 [Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial 2], its European counterpart,” Atom Henares, chairman of the KBP TV Committee said in a statement. 

The KBP statement comes after the European Union lobbied before the National Telecommunications Commission for an extension of the deadline for deciding on the Philippines’ standard. 

ISDB-T can carry less channels than DVB2, Henares said, but the Japanese standard’s capacity is enough to transmit channels that will be produced by broadcast networks. 

ISDB-T also features a data transmission functionality that allows broadcast networks to flash data at the TV screen of the viewers. 

This feature can be used in weather forecasting and government announcements. It can also be very helpful during emergency situations given that the Philippines is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Intertropical Convergence Zone. 

“It is also ISDB that already has seen test broadcasts by some TV networks,” Henares said. - Darwin G. Amolejar, dated 15 July 2011.

Source: Manila Times

Malaya: Euro or Japan digital TV standard?

THE National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has asked television broadcasting companies which of the European and Japanese standards for digital terrestrial television (DTT) is technically and economically better for local use. 

In a technical presentation of the two standards at the NTC last Friday, NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba gave broadcast firms and other stakeholders until Wednesday to submit their recommendations. 

Cordoba said the broadcast firms should assess the impact of each standard on consumers as to the price of set-up boxes, program choice, quality and timing. 

On the broadcast side, the price of commercial rollout, speed and take-up should be considered while on the regulators’ side, frequency planning and analog switch-off are the prime concerns. 

Based on initial technical comparisons, the European DVB-T2 was found better in terms of transmission transfer rate of a channel; robustness of the transmission to improve coverage; number of countries adopted, and; payload capacity. 

The Japanese ISDB-T, however, are cheaper at $20.50 to $55 against DVB-T2’s $33.50 to $62. 

After the receiving the papers of the broadcast companies, the NTC will take more than a week to review these come up with a decision. 

The NTC planned to issue the implementing rules and regulations on DTT this month, but the deadline is expected to be extended if NTC chooses the European technology. 

The NTC chose the Japanese standard in June last year, but the Aquino administration has given the European consortium owning DBB-T2 another chance to make a presentation. 

Earlier, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) said its members favor the Japanese standard as the cost of set-up boxes is much cheaper. 

The Japanese government has also promised funding and technical support for the country’s migration digital television. 

"The Japanese government earlier said it will support the country’s transition into the DTT era by, among other things, setting up a factory here for the manufacturing of set-top boxes. This will create jobs for Filipinos and make the equipment more accessible," said Atom Henares, chairman of the KBP Television Committee. - Myla Iglesias, dated 11 July 2011

Source: Malaya