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TV to go digital in 2008
22/02/2007 14:59 - (SA)
Cape Town - South Africa will switch from analogue to digital broadcasting from November 1 next year, government communications head Themba Maseko said on Thursday.
Maseko told a media briefing at Parliament Cabinet's meeting on Wednesday had noted progress being made regarding South Africa's change from analogue to digital broadcasting, in line with global trends.
"It approved that the digital signal be switched on, on the 1st November 2008, and that the analogue signal be switched off on 1st November 2011, thus, allowing a three-year period of dual illumination," he said.
Cabinet had also approved retention of sufficient frequency spectrum for broadcasting purposes to provide for new television channels for specialised services that would be dedicated to education, health, and youth, small to medium enterprises, and sports; and three regional service channels that would cater for three channels each.
The trade and industry department would discuss the conversion with television manufacturers and retailers, and a communication campaign would be launched to inform and educate the public about the implications of this change.
Sapa
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