MediaCorp’s FTA channels to go digital from end-2013

All of MediaCorp’s seven free-to-air channels will go fully digital by December 2013, www.channelnewsasia.com reports.

Four of the channels (Channel 5, Channel 8, Suria and Vasantham) will also be transmitted in high definition by then, while the remaining three (Channel NewsAsia, Okto and Channel U) will be in high definition by 2016.

The move marks another milestone in Singapore’s roadmap in making the digital switchover, where analogue signals will be completely switched off by 2020.

Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Dr Yaacob Ibrahim said the move is made possible with the adoption of a new digital broadcasting standard known as DVB-T2 (Digital Video Broadcasting – Second Generation Terrestrial).

Dr Yaacob said digital TV not only offers better image and sound quality but also frees up scarce spectrum for other services such as wireless broadband.

To enjoy digital TV, the Media Development Authority said no action is required from those who currently subscribe to pay-TV with StarHub or SingTel, as they already receive the channels digitally. 

MDA said it will be working closely with MediaCorp, major manufacturers and electronics stores on an educational campaign to help consumers prepare for the digital switchover.