Vietnam prepares to go digital

The Ministry of Information and Communications of Vietnam has confirmed it will issue a set of digital TV standards in preparation for the digitalisation of TV broadcasting in the country.

The move follows a request from the Japanese Business Association in Ho Chi Minh City (HCM) on behalf of a number of TV makers like Sony and Panasonic, www.qdnd.vn reports.

The Association said a set of technical specifications was required before they could begin making the new digital TVs, particularly CI+/CI (common interface) connectors which would take time.

The ministry said Vietnam planned to cease broadcasting analogue TV in five major cities next year as digital TV takes over.

During the transition period until 2020, households would still gain access to digital TV through the existing sets using set-top decoder boxes, which they would have to purchase.

Digitalisation would be carried out in four phases, covering different groups of provinces and cities.

The first phase would be carried out in Hanoi, HCM City, Hai Phong, Da Nang and Can Tho; the second phase in 26 provinces with a deadline of December 31, 2016; the third phase in 18 more provinces; and the last phase in remote provinces of the north and central region.