Transition to Digital Television (DTV) Advantages, Implications & Challengesg p g

Javid HamdardJavid HamdardICT Consultant – Internews Network

11 November, 2012

Backgroundg

• Analogue terrestrial TV has been around formore than half a century beginning in 1927 inmore than half a century beginning in 1927 inthe USA (1964 in Afghanistan).

• As per the ITU’s (RRC-06) agreement all membercountries (including Afghanistan) are requiredto switchover to DTV by June 2015.to switchover to DTV by June 2015.

• Post June 2015, ITU or any originatingcountry/entity is not responsible for any cross-border interference with any existing Analoguespectrum/frequencies in use + Int. compatibilityp / q p yetc.

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Introduction

• In simple words, Digital Television (DTV) is a moreimproved and efficient medium to broadcastimproved and efficient medium to broadcastmultimedia content compared to Analogueterrestrial TV.

• In Digital broadcasting (DTV) multi-mediacontent (Images, Sound, Text..) are transmittedin a high quality compressed format allowing abroad range of services/content to bebroad range of services/content to bebroadcasted and delivered in less space(Spectrum). 4 – 8 Programs per single AnalogueFrequency/Channel.

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Standards and Platforms

• Standards: The three most common standardsare DVB C (cable TV) DVB T (old version) DVBare DVB-C (cable TV), DVB-T (old version), DVB-T2 (latest version). Afghanistan will mostprobably go for DVB-T2.

• Platforms: There are four common serviceprovision and access Platforms:1. Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT).2 Digital Cable2. Digital Cable.3. Digital Satellite (D-Sat).4. DSL-DTV.

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Worldwide Transition Status

Transition completed, all analog signals terminated.Transition completed for full power stations, not yet completed for low power stations.p p , y p pTransition in progress, broadcasting both analog and digital signals.Transition not yet started, broadcasting analog signals only.Does not intend to transition, broadcasting analog signals only.No information available.

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Advantagesg

• Government: 1. Compliance with the ITUmandate (frequency re-organization, futuristic,mandate (frequency re organization, futuristic,Intl. coordination), 2. More Frequency (morebroadcasters/channels, more content, more

$$ ) 3 Wid C 4 B ttrevenue $$ ), 3. Wider Coverage, 4. BetterRegulation and Monitoring.

• Broadcasters: 1 Wider Coverage 2• Broadcasters: 1. Wider Coverage, 2.Infrastructure Efficiency, 3. Multicasting, BetterQoS, Competition (All in All more $$).p ( )

• Users/Consumers: 1. Better QoS, 2. Moreprograms/channels/content = more choices, 3.B tt /C i t A 4 I t ti it 5Better/Convenient Access, 4. Interactivity, 5.Mobility. 6

Implicationsp

• Government: Strategy, Consultation, EducationRegulations/Legislation Spectrum Planning andRegulations/Legislation, Spectrum Planning andCoordination (National & Intl.), Monitoring andCoordination, Investment (Full/Part).

• Operators/Broadcasters: Infrastructure cost(network-operators), Studio and Equipment( p ) q pupgrade cost, Competition cost (quality ofcontent, production/local content).

• Users/Consumers: Awareness, EquipmentUpgrade cost (STB etc) , Additional ServiceC tCost.

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Challengesg

• Huge Investment.

• Nationwide Awareness and Education.

• Legal and Regulatory Framework.g g y

• Multi-Stakeholder coordination & cooperation.

i i• Technical Preparations.

• Business Model/s.

• Transition Methodology.

Transition Frustration• Transition Frustration.8

Best-Practices

• Consultation, Awareness and Education.

• Strong Leadership.

• Close Coordination and Cooperation.

• Identifying Appropriate Business Model.

• Gradual Phase by Phase Roll-outGradual Phase by Phase Roll out.

• Consumer Oriented/Friendly Approach/Policies.

C id i i / i li d l• Considering Low-income/Marginalized People.

• With the aim to improve and facilitate not gain,t i t d t lrestrict and control.

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Thank YouThank YouQuestions / Comments