ABS-CBN announced that it is near completion of its latest and most innovative project so far, which is to broadcast in digital format. Digital Television, or DTV, promises richer picture and sound broadcast quality at any location across the Philippines. In a press conference, ABS-CBN DTV Head of Marketing, Miguel Mercado announced that the Kapamilya network is just waiting for the approval of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), expected to be released June of 2011, and by then the Digibox will be made available to the public.DTV occupies lesser space in the frequency so that a single TV station can broadcast on more than one channel, giving viewers more program options. DTV also produces better picture and sound quality compared to the prevailing analog system. The old analog system can be affected by many kinds of interferences, like skyscrapers and other obstructions.
The DTV Digibox has been developed to work with the different kinds of TV sets found in the Philippines. Old, new, surplus TV sets will all get digital picture and sound quality with the use of the Digibox. As soon as the NTC gives the go signal, the Digibox will be made available in shopping malls and appliance centers across the country at a price comparable to DVD players and with no monthly fees.
Households who will install the Digibox on their TV sets will be able to watch ABS-CBN and Studio 23 in digital picture and sound quality. ABS-CBN has a bonus treat to Digibox subscribers, and that is five new additional channels. Two of these channels will cater to children, one to the youth market, one channel for adult females, and one for adult males. Digibox users can also watch other channels on digital broadcast.
ABS-CBN expects other broadcast networks to follow suit since the NTC has directed the local television industry to make a complete transition from analog to digital broadcast by 2015. NTC’s mandate will benefit the general public as it puts the Philippine TV broadcast industry on par with international standards. Currently, digital TV broadcast systems are available in the U.S., Japan, Australia, South Korea, and most of Europe.
