Technical Committee Meeting in Tokyo A Look at Members’ Updates on Digital Implementation
The facilitated session on members’ technical issues, challenges and solutions was held in the morning of 15-Oct and was moderated by Mr Yeo Kim Pow and Mr Asaad Sameer Bagharib of MediaCorp-Singapore.
On the implementation status of DTTB, IRIB stated that they had selected DVB-T with 2 transmitters currently operating in Tehran, providing 14 channels using MPEG4 technology. The plan was to increase the coverage in the next 3 years to make the analogue switch-off by 2015. RTM discussed their plans, advising that a DVB-T trial had been running for the last 3 years. They were now considering a switch to DVB-T2 with a trial being setup for early next year. NBT had started with a DVB-T trial in 2001, but now are waiting for the newly appointed regulatory authority to announce a decision on the standard that Thailand would adopt before the planned ASO by 2013. From Brunei, RTB said that they had started DVB-T with a 5kW transmitter providing five SD and one HD service using MPEG4. A second transmitter was required for nationwide coverage and the process was ongoing. TVB reported that Hong Kong had selected the CMMB standard, with one MFN network operating four SD simulcast channels on MPEG2 and another SFN network providing two SD and one HD channel on MPEG4. The plan is to reach 99% coverage by end of 2011 with ASO planned for 2012. MediaCorp highlighted that there is a need for the signal to reach every room in a home. The DVB-T2 system, with its more robust signal, could provide the additional signal strength required to achieve this.
In other developments KBS have launched a “Future Media Strategy Initiative” to provide KBS programmes over the internet. The HD TV portal, developed in partnership with LG, provides a home screen with relevant KBS icons and links. On the “YouView”
platform launched by BBC, which is part of Project Canvas, the representative said that it was intended to overcome the problem of different portals provided by different manufacturers, so that the broadcasters’ content was not exploited by other parties. RTPRC stressed the issue of convergence and that the government and regulators are encouraging this, with CCTV working hard to provide its content on all platforms.
Looking at Digi tal Radio and i ts implementat ion, Mr Asaad highlighted that radio is still very strong and with digital there are many opportunities to provide richer and interactive content to the audience.
On the digital radio updates RTM mentioned that they have had DAB running since 1999 and are thinking of moving to DAB+ now. They have also implemented a DRM system for shortwave radio. Similarly RTHK have selected DAB+ as the standard among a consortium of 4 broadcasters and implementation plans are underway. TRT mentioned that there are no strong plans for digital radio at the moment with digital services running over the internet for mobile devices. Highlighting the successful roll out of digital radio in Australia it was said that DAB+ is now available in all major cities with a few transmitters being installed currently to cover transmission gaps. The digital radio system ISDB-Tsb in Japan is planned for nationwide roll-out after the ASO date next July 2011. On the progress of Mongolia it was said that there is a project underway to convert five shortwave transmitters to DRM with their long wave system also under consideration for digital.
The moderators closed the session thanking the contributors, and the members for their comments, leading to a very productive and informative session.
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trials, super hi-vision compact cameras and a look at enhancements in DVB-T2 technology.
The meeting received reports from the chairperson’s of five topic areas, highlighting their studies and the recommendations and decisions that came out of their studies. The Committee has set up more than 40 studies on various issues of broadcasting technology. These studies cover production and transmission technologies, training, frequency spectrum issues, HDTV, and Next Generation Broadcasting.
A highlight of the meeting was the election of the new office bearers of the Technical Committee for the coming term of two years. Mr Yeo Kim Pow of MediaCorp-Singapore was elected as the new Chairman of the Technical Committee and m/s Haji Abu Bakar Ab Raheem of RTM, Masakazu Iwaki of NHK and Prof. Du Baichuan of RTPRC were elected as the three Vice-Chairmen. In all 15 Bureau members were elected. Five Topic Area Chairs were also appointed.
This year the Special Topic Session, presented by the host organisation-NHK, was held at the NHK Science and Technology Research Laboratories. Two key presentations were delivered on cutting-edge technologies – HybridCast and Super Hi-Vision and Integral 3DTV followed by a tour of the laboratories. This was a lifetime experience as the delegates witnessed demonstrations on advanced technologies that the broadcasters will employ in the near term and in the future.
At the conclusion of the meeting the Chairman profusely thanked the host NHK for the excellent arrangements and efficient handling of the meetings.
In a touching farewell to the outgoing Chairman, Dr Shogen, the Committee members recalled his many services to the Committee over the last 11 years from his role as the project manager to the Committee Chairman. He was presented with a memento highlighting his substantial contributions to the Committee, which has resulted in enhancing its stature in the broadcasting industry.
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