dtt readiness
DESCRIPTION
DTT readiness. 20 September 2011. Introduction. e.tv grateful for the opportunity to make this presentation to the portfolio committee e.tv faces its biggest challenge yet with the compulsory migration to DTT World over DTT migration processes have been complex, costly and time-consuming - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
DTT readiness
20 September 2011
1
Introduction
e.tv grateful for the opportunity to make this presentation to the portfolio committee
e.tv faces its biggest challenge yet with the compulsory migration to DTT
World over DTT migration processes have been complex, costly and time-consuming
SA DTT has already seen multiple delays since 2008 when DTT was first supposed to launch
2
Introduction (2)
Delays meant that …
Project lost momentum DTT platform credibility was damaged The broadcast environment became more competitive (pay TV has
grown significantly) Technology evolved – e.g. DVB-T2 commercially deployed Some investment was wasted
Notwithstanding the challenges, there now seems to be renewed commitment by all stakeholders to get behind DTT. This has driven e.tv to plan for the launch of DTT in 2012
3
TV landscape
Important to consider the TV landscape when planning for DTT
Most South Africans get their television signal via analogue terrestrial delivery on a free-to-air basis – over 8 million households
A very small number of South Africans use the terrestrial pay TV service, M-Net – approx 100k households
About a quarter of South Africans access TV through pay digital satellite, mainly DSTV, and are not directly impacted by migration to DTT
4
20 21220 212
14 353 15 216
10 070
955
5 4195 419
Source: AMPS July 2009 – December 2010 Main Branded
5
Includes viewership through DSTV. On terrestrial network only viewership is 286 000
Terrestrial TV landscape Yesterday viewership
Implications of TV landscape
3 out of 4 South Africans rely on free-to-air TV
3 out of 4 South Africans will need access to a FTA DTT STB before analogue transmissions can be switched off
The success of the migration to DTT therefore depends heavily on the free-to-air broadcasters
Given the aggressive growth of the Multichoice satellite platform, the FTA broadcasters’ future survival also depends on the DTT platform being strong
6
In order for government to reach its policy objectives, it also needs the FTA DTT platform to be strong. If the FTA platform fails, these objectives are not met:
Job creation e-government services Digital dividend Greater diversity of content in broadcasting including local content
and growth of independent production sector which is largely supported by the free-to-air broadcasters
Above all, planning for DTT must be guided by how to build a strong free-to-air DTT platform
7
Implications of TV landscape (2)
Providing new channels is a key way to make the platform strong
Both national free-to-air broadcasters will be investing in new channels as a priority for building the FTA platform
But there are also other factors which can strengthen the free-to-air platform
These factors need to be put in place by stakeholders in the FTA platform – they do not concern M-Net / Multichoice which is focusing on its own platforms
8
Building a strong DTT platform
9
Key features needed for strong FTA DTT
What the FTA DTT platform must offer the consumer
1. Additional functionality for FTA STB
2. Affordable and “easy to get hold of” STB
3. Ability to plug and play STB
4. Reliable service
5. Clear communication
10
How to achieve thisWhat the DTT platform must offer the consumer
How to achieve this
1. Additional functionality Ensure FTA STB spec retains functionality – HD, STB Control
2. Affordable and “easy to get hold of” STB
Put STB subsidy in place (in due course) and work with retailers and distributors to build strong retail market for STBs
3. Ability to plug and play STB
Ensure the transmission parameters promote robust coverage
4. Reliable service Ensure STBs are subject to a conformance testing scheme and digital tick marketing scheme
5. Clear communication Ensure there is good consumer marketing
The only area where we are not on track is functionality where M-Net / Multichoice is opposing additional functionality in the free-to-air STB
DTT implementation
DTT implementation consists of at least 5 sets of issues which are inter-dependent:
1. Internal broadcaster issues
2. Those issues pertinent to free-to-air broadcasters
3. Those issues relevant to broadcasters sharing MUXes
4. Issues which all DTT broadcasters must jointly drive
5. Issues which government will drive
11
e.tv internal processes
Requirements for launch: Business plan sign off Playout ready Studio ready MUX ready Linking arrangements in place Channels ready (scheduling, on-air, marketing, publicity) Sales strategy and rate cards ready
e.tv on track with internal processesExternal processes more complex
12
External processes
13Progress on external issues is uneven, but there is
movement
e.tv approach
e.tv wishes to launch a DTT service within next 9 -12 months. Together with SABC we are planning on a soft launch in April 2012 and a full commercial launch between July and September 2012
Meeting deadlines will require the focused attention of e.tv and will require strong collaboration of industry and government
e.tv keen to work with other broadcasters, government, ICASA and other role-players to ensure DTT plans are aligned and that the FTA DTT platform will be successful
14
e.tv approach (2)
e.tv believes there are only two major roadblocks standing in the way of a FTA DTT launch in mid 2012:
Continuing delays in decision on STB control Possible amendment of ICASA regulations to reduce incumbent
multiplex capacity
If these issues can be addressed urgently, all other issues can be managed to secure a launch in 2012
15
Conclusion
e.tv is committed to launching DTT in 2012
But we need external processes to be finalised and roadblocks to be removed
Need leadership to resolve these matters speedily
16