Everything You Need to Know About the Great Digital TV Migration of 2019  

-

By Jacques Bentley, Skyworth Southern Africa Sales Manager
 
By now you’ve probably heard about the impending digital migration for South African broadcasting. Initially, this shift from old-school, analogue technology to newer, more efficient digital technology was set to take place in 2015 but the deadline for a national migration has been pushed out several times. With our neighbours Namibia and Botswana blazing ahead with their own digital transformations, the pressure is on for our own government to push forward to a fully digital South Africa.
 
But what does this overdue switch really mean for you and me?
 
What is digital migration?
 
Basically, the process involves moving over from an analogue transmission to a Digital Terrestrial Television/Transmission (DTT). We currently use analogue technology, transmitting video and audio through analogue signals. The drawback of this traditional broadcasting format is that the colours, sound and brightness are heavily impacted by the quality of the signal, resulting in a less-than-ideal snowy effect, and your TV deciding to randomly fade or ghost.
 
Digital TV, on the other hand, boasts crystal-clear image quality and excellent sound without interference because of its land-based network of TV transmitters that broadcast digital signals. This kind of technology also allows viewers to access a wider range of channels with different programmes.
 
Why is it happening?
 
Apart from the fact that everyone wants clearer sound, more channels and an enhanced viewing experience, the conversion to digital TV also has a far-reaching goal that ultimately
aids developing nations like our own. According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the objective of Broadcast Digital Transition (BDT) work is to help developing countries with their smooth journey from analogue to digital broadcasting, including terrestrial TV, mobile TV and sound broadcasting. In turn, this means that we can enjoy new broadcasting services as well as an allocation of the digital dividend.
 
When is it taking place?
 
June 2019 is D-Day for all countries to have completed their digital migration. Our Communications department is determined to meet this international deadline and has implemented a specific DTT war room to ensure that all the boxes are ticked, and they can deliver on time.
 
The first province to undergo the digital migration was the Free State back in August, where digital Set-Top Boxes (STBs) were launched in Senekal. Essentially, STBs decode digital signals for old, box-style TV sets and the government aims to distribute these devices to about 5-million poor households, so that all citizens can enjoy prime TV, despite their financial situation. In fact, Skyworth is one of the chosen suppliers of these set-top boxes and is proud to be a core part of an all-inclusive transition to digital.
 
What can you do about it?
 
While the government has agreed to subsidise cash-strapped consumers with STBs, the only guarantee is that the digital migration is upon us and it is our responsibility to digitally transform our homes in order to meet the requirements. This means that you’ll either need to invest in a digital-ready TV or purchase your own STB to work with your current TV’s analogue signal. Whichever route you decide to go, you can look forward to exceptional viewing entertainment in the comfort of your own home.
 
About Skyworth
Skyworth is a large-scale, high-tech corporation based in the city of Shenzhen in China’s Guangdong Province. For over 30 years, consumers across the globe have come to know Skyworth for its high-quality and innovative consumer products, including display devices. Now, the global appliance and electronics manufacturer has expanded into the South African market, bringing with it a wealth of knowledge and cutting-edge technology. Responsible for one of the Top Five Colour TVs in the world, Skyworth is set to deliver a full range of entertainment to local audiences through its SMART televisions and full Android offering – a first of its kind in South Africa.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Connectivity demystified: Why it’s important to understanding the “language” of connectivity

-
Image
  By Craig Blignaut, Product Manager: WiFi and Theo Van Zyl, Head of Wireless at Vox In an age where connectivity is the foundation of our digital existence, understanding the complexities of modern connectivity offerings is critical. The Internet, a global network of interconnected computers, devices and databases, makes it possible for us to access information and communicate from anywhere in the world. WiFi, on the other hand, allows us to connect our devices to the Internet. A WiFi connection can come from fibre, LTE, wireless or a satellite connection.   Making sense of connectivity While the distinction between WiFi and the internet might be obvious to some, others think about them as being one and the same. In part, this is because most users think about WiFi as something we use to connect to the Internet. So, if you can’t get online, you automatically assume that the bridge between you and the Internet – the WiFi – must be the issue. But this isn’t necessarily the case.
Read more

Partnership approach can help retailers get the best out of monitoring and security

-
By Rodney Taylor, Managing Director at Guardian Eye, a Vivica Group company From a smart retail perspective, it is crucial to understand that monitoring stock and other assets through camera surveillance and a variety of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors stretches further than the stores themselves. Greater importance is being placed on protecting the entire value chain, which starts at distribution. Beyond just security, this technology is also being used to enhance operations and reduce costs.   Distribution Centres, many of which may feature 24/7 operations, are a vital cog in the chain for retailers, helping them ensure that their stores can be stocked with the right products as quickly as possible. However, these high-value centres - while a store might contain R3 million or R4 million of stock, a distribution centre might hold R50 million in merchandise - are the target of criminal activity as well, as seen during the July 2021 riots. As such, it is no surprise that retailers are
Read more

Hewlett Packard Enterprise announces President Ntuli as Managing Director for South Africa

-
Image
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) today announced that President Ntuli has been appointed to the role of Board and Managing Director for South Africa with immediate effect.   President assumes full responsibility for the end-to-end management of HPE’s South African business, people, and operations. President assumes the role of South Africa Managing Director after two years as Director of HPE GreenLake Cloud Services across the UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa region. Sandile Dube, previously country sales lead for HPE South Africa, has taken an opportunity outside of HPE.   Based at HPE’s office in Johannesburg, President leads an organisation with more than 150 team members spread across Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Looking to leverage his knowledge and skills from the region to drive growth in South Africa, President is particularly focused on cloud and digital transformation. This appointment reaffirms and solidifies HPE’s commitment to the country.   President
Read more