MediaCorp TV channels go digital
December 17, 2013
MediaCorp has confirmed that its seven free-to-air TV channels will be broadcast in digital (DVB-T2 format). In addition, four out of the seven channels – Channel 5, Channel 8, Suria & Vasantham – will be broadcast in HD while the remaining three channels – Channel NewsAsia, Channel U and okto – will be upgraded to HD by 2016.
Residents in Bukit Batok are the first in Singapore to receive these channels as the estate is now covered by the new digital broadcast infrastructure. Over the next two to three years, coverage will be expanded progressively to enable all residential homes to receive digital TV signals. Residents in other estates who currently use outdoor antennas to receive their free-to-air TV channels can also tune in to MediaCorp’s seven digital channels.
The public can continue to receive free-to-air TV channels in analogue broadcast as existing analogue TV signals will continue to be broadcast alongside the digital TV signals for at least another two years.
Says Chang Long Jong, MediaCorp Deputy CEO, “Besides better picture and sound quality, digital TV allows MediaCorp to consider rolling out other value-add services and features for the discerning audiences of today such as closed captions and multi-language subtitles. With digital TV, MediaCorp will also be able to offer time-shifted services, which will provide an alternative choice for viewers who miss out on their favourite TV programmes due to work or lifestyle commitments.”