South Africa: Broadcasting too demanding

South Africa may not meet its target to switch from digital broadcasting, even though cabinet assured that the plan would go ahead. The satellite services are already available for digital format, digital migrations policy means terrestrial TV stations (SABC and e.tv) have to switch to a digital signal, the same as international standards.
TV viewers will have to buy set-top boxes (cost about R700) to change from analogue to digital or buy new digital TVs. Government will subsidise up to 70 percent of the costs for poor households. Set-top boxes are important to the success of the plan because without them most households will not be able to watch TV.
Last week cabinet approved the plan to migrate broadcasting services from analogue to digital within the next three years, starting in November. They have also agreed on specifications for the boxes which will be manufactured locally and will be available to consumers from mid-2009.

By IT News Africa staff reporter