The transition from analogue to DTTB is currently taking place globally and have been successfully implemented in several countries. The main characteristic of DTTB is that the technology uses much less spectrum as compared with analogue broadcasting. That is, a single spectrum band can only air one analogue TV channel whereas up to 15 standard definition TV channels can be aired on the same spectrum band using DTTB technology. In short, DTTB is more spectrum-efficient and enables the release of more spectrum once analogue broadcasting is switched off.
Malaysia Selected DVB-T2 Standard
Malaysia mandated the standard Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial 2nd generation (DVB- T2)46. DVB-T2 was adopted, being the latest in broadcasting standard which enables more higher capacity and can air more HD channels. Note that, the DVB-T standard is also the most widely used standard for digital broadcasting worldwide.
The mandate on Digital Multimedia Receiver Specification (Integrated Digital TV and Set Top Box) was registered on 31 January 201347. Note also that most ASEAN member states have agreed to adopt DVB-T as the common transmission standard for DTTB and has also published a common standard for multimedia receivers.
Common Integrated Infrastructure Provider (CIIP)
In Malaysia, a CIIP shall be the responsible party to build the DTTB infrastructure. Through the DTTB tender, MYTV Broadcasting Sdn Bhd (MYTV) was awarded as the CIIP to build, operate and manage the infrastructure for DTTB service. Since many parts of the broadcast network are common, having a single CIIP means savings in Capex, manpower and related resources. The CIIP will facilitate common infrastructure sharing amongst FTA broadcasters resulting in lower access charges on the DTTB platform. As a result, the FTA broadcasters are not required to invest in high capital for TV transmitters to provide coverage in targeted areas. Rather, the CIIP is responsible to make the DTTB platform ready for lease by FTA broadcasters. Thus, FTA broadcasters can optimise their resources and focus on creation and production of more content and value added services.
46 This has been effected via the Commission Determination No.1 of 2011,
www.skmm.gov.my/skmmgovmy/files/attachments/Mandatory_Std_No_1_2011-DTT.pdf 47 Doc No: SKMM MTSFB TC T004:2013.
National Broadcasting Digitalisation Project
The transition from analogue to DTTB is currently taking place globally and have been successfully implemented in several countries. The main characteristic of DTTB is that the technology uses much less spectrum as compared with analogue broadcasting. That is, a single spectrum band can only air one analogue TV channel whereas up to 15 standard definition TV channels can be aired on the same spectrum band using DTTB technology. In short, DTTB is more spectrum-efficient and enables the release of more spectrum once analogue broadcasting is switched off.
Malaysia Selected DVB-T2 Standard
Malaysia mandated the standard Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial 2nd generation (DVB- T2)46. DVB-T2 was adopted, being the latest in broadcasting standard which enables more higher capacity and can air more HD channels. Note that, the DVB-T standard is also the most widely used standard for digital broadcasting worldwide.
The mandate on Digital Multimedia Receiver Specification (Integrated Digital TV and Set Top Box) was registered on 31 January 201347. Note also that most ASEAN member states have agreed to adopt DVB-T as the common transmission standard for DTTB and has also published a common standard for multimedia receivers.
Common Integrated Infrastructure Provider (CIIP)
In Malaysia, a CIIP shall be the responsible party to build the DTTB infrastructure. Through the DTTB tender, MYTV Broadcasting Sdn Bhd (MYTV) was awarded as the CIIP to build, operate and manage the infrastructure for DTTB service. Since many parts of the broadcast network are common, having a single CIIP means savings in Capex, manpower and related resources. The CIIP will facilitate common infrastructure sharing amongst FTA broadcasters resulting in lower access charges on the DTTB platform. As a result, the FTA broadcasters are not required to invest in high capital for TV transmitters to provide coverage in targeted areas. Rather, the CIIP is responsible to make the DTTB platform ready for lease by FTA broadcasters. Thus, FTA broadcasters can optimise their resources and focus on creation and production of more content and value added services.
46 This has been effected via the Commission Determination No.1 of 2011,
www.skmm.gov.my/skmmgovmy/files/attachments/Mandatory_Std_No_1_2011-DTT.pdf 47 Doc No: SKMM MTSFB TC T004:2013.
Common Integrated Infrastructure Provider
Note: DMBH is a hub or centre where all signals for digital broadcasting from ASPs and CASPs will have to pass through for the purpose of processing and monitoring by parties authorised by the Government before being transported to the transmission network
Source: MCMC
Figure 3.14Common Integrated Infrastructure Provider
Roll-out of Digital Terrestrial TV
The roll-out of DTTB in Malaysia is planned for implementation in two phases as follows: Two Phases of DTTB Roll-out
Phase Description
1
Phase 1 is expected to complete by 4Q 2015 covering 85% populated areas from 10 TV transmission sites starting with Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang in Peninsular Malaysia and four sites in Sabah and Sarawak. This will be followed by Perlis, Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor.
2 Phase 2 is expected to commission by 1Q 2016 targeting 98% populated areas from 22 sites in Peninsular Malaysia and 24 sites in Sabah and Sarawak including rural areas. Phase 2 is expected to be completed by end of 2016.
Source: MCMC
Figure 3.15 Two Phases of DTTB Roll-out
Multimedia Receivers
The complex task of digital switchover is to be carried out by both public and private sector stakeholders working together. MCMC has established a technical forum comprising manufacturers and retailers to ensure that the DTTB multimedia receivers are ready and available in the market by the targeted timelines. These multimedia receivers are Set Top Boxes and Integrated Digital TV sets. Certification and compliance programmes were also instituted to ensure only standard receivers are marketed to the public.
Benefits of DTTB
The switchover from analogue to digital broadcasting presents opportunities for the content industry such as content developers, service providers, manufacturers and users. One of the advantages of digital TV is that it facilitates offerings in a growing range of fully interactive applications. This allows for the dynamic interaction and engagement between audience and broadcaster.
Consumers are expected to benefit from greater choice of programmes, flexibility of use, services that are more interactive, more specific or customised. Digital receivers are also becoming more affordable as the ASEAN region and the Indian sub-continent have adopted DTTB as the broadcasting platform, thus, enabling standardisation of receiver specifications and greater economies of scale.
Analogue Switch Off
In order to achieve successful switchover, coordination between broadcasters and relevant stakeholders is essential. In many countries around the world, analogue switch off is done in a way whereby governments play an important role to ensure the people will not be disadvantaged after analogue switch off. Malaysia is also stepping up plans to steer towards this agenda and ensure a smooth transition.
Multimedia Receivers
The complex task of digital switchover is to be carried out by both public and private sector stakeholders working together. MCMC has established a technical forum comprising manufacturers and retailers to ensure that the DTTB multimedia receivers are ready and available in the market by the targeted timelines. These multimedia receivers are Set Top Boxes and Integrated Digital TV sets. Certification and compliance programmes were also instituted to ensure only standard receivers are marketed to the public.
Benefits of DTTB
The switchover from analogue to digital broadcasting presents opportunities for the content industry such as content developers, service providers, manufacturers and users. One of the advantages of digital TV is that it facilitates offerings in a growing range of fully interactive applications. This allows for the dynamic interaction and engagement between audience and broadcaster.
Consumers are expected to benefit from greater choice of programmes, flexibility of use, services that are more interactive, more specific or customised. Digital receivers are also becoming more affordable as the ASEAN region and the Indian sub-continent have adopted DTTB as the broadcasting platform, thus, enabling standardisation of receiver specifications and greater economies of scale.
Analogue Switch Off
In order to achieve successful switchover, coordination between broadcasters and relevant stakeholders is essential. In many countries around the world, analogue switch off is done in a way whereby governments play an important role to ensure the people will not be disadvantaged after analogue switch off. Malaysia is also stepping up plans to steer towards this agenda and ensure a smooth transition.