Broadcast companies have started building their digital infrastructure to convert their transmission networks from analog technology, ahead of schedule.
ABS-CBN Corp., GMA Network Inc., ABC Development Corp. and Radio Philippine Networks filed applications with the National Telecommunications Commission for approval to convert their networks into DTT from analog.
The NTC and the Information and Communications Technology Office were finalizing the migration plan for DTT service. In December last year, NTC issued the final implementing rules and regulations for digital TV, adopting Japan’s ISDB-T.
ABS-CBN proposed to operate the existing ultra high frequency channel 23 TV station in Metro Manila using Japan’s Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial standard.
The plan of ABS-CBN is to put up a transmitter at the existing site of its analog service in Quezon City and new transmitter sites to cover SFN network in Guiguinto in Bulacan, Silang in Cavite, Makati City and Mandaluyong City that will cover 95 percent of the area with fixed antenna reception.
“The transmission is designed so that fixed reception, for 99 percent time availability is achieved with Metro Manila area,” ABS-CBN said.
The Lopez-controlled network said it would spend P600 million this year to expand the coverage of its DTT service. The network recently launched its TV set-top box called TVPlus.