Satellite telecommunications company, Sentech, has been tasked with providing the main infrastructure for South Africa’s Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) rollout, known as the Digital Migration Rollout Plan (DMRP). The analogue switch off date is set for 1 November 2011 and Sentech will be hard pressed to meet a number of critical objectives before then.
Says Frans Lindeque, Executive; Digital Services at Sentech: “We are on track. The first phase of DTT switch-on will essentially entail the country’s main metropolitan areas with second phase earmarked for completion before the FIFA World Cup in 2010. At that time at least 78 percent of the country’s population will have access to DTT services.’
Sentech’s responsibility regarding the FIFA World Cup, among others, includes the provision of DTT channels which will be broadcasting various matches. Additionally, it is planned to transmit key games and the tournament final in High Definition (HDTV) via satellite. Lindeque also adds that Sentech is hoping to make additional channels available for additional match or training coverage during the event.
Prior to the 1 November 2008 deadline, Sentech will also embark on a three-month aggressive testing period which is preceded by the implementation of DTT equipment.
During the switch-on phases there will also be a three-year dual illumination period which will essentially see analogue and digital transmissions being simulcast in order to allow viewers time to acquire suitable digital receiving equipment.
“Although some of the real benefits such as terrestrial HDTV (high-definition television) will only be evident from 2012, South African viewers can look forward to improved quality and the knowledge that we are up with the world’s most technologically advanced countries,’ says Lindeque.
In Sweden, DTT today transmits 38 channels, while the UK’s free-to-air service, Freeview is enjoying significant successes and penetration.
Sentech’s core DTT migration team includes Frans Lindeque, Dingane Dube, Brian Commerford, Deon Conradie, Leon Pelser, Marinda Abrahamse, Rian Emerich, and Krish Naicker & Zunaid Adams
