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High-Def => General HD Discussion => Topic started by: bachwitz on Jun 29, 2006 at 05:49 PM
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NTC, private sector working on transition to digital TV
By Erwin Oliva
INQ7.net
Last updated 05:07pm (Mla time) 06/29/2006
Broadcasting firms and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) are now working on guidelines to the planned transition to digital television in 2015 in the Philippines, an NTC official told INQ7.net.
NTC Deputy Commissioner Jorge Sarmiento said the agency and representatives of the local industry have formed a technical working group to work on the government guidelines to the transition to digital TV.
The NTC official said the rules and procedures for the transition is expected to be ready next month.
The agency and the local broadcasting industry expect to go all-digital by in 2015.
By next year, Sarmiento said the NTC expects to accept applications among firms moving to digital TV.
In 2010, he said NTC will no longer accept applications for companies wanting to offer analog TV.
http://newsinfo.inq7.net/breakingnews/infotech/view_article.php?article_id=7274
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wohooo... sa Wakas.
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This is a very good news for those who are in to HD viewing.... but whoah!!!! 2015??? Di kaya mga "surplus HD broadcasting" stuff na ang bumagsak sa Pinas that time??? >:( ;D Pero siguro okay din yun dahil bagsak na rin presyo ng mga HDTV nun.. ;D :D ;D
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It's about time. As usual, we're late adopting the new tech. But better late than never, as they say. And yes, by that time, HDTV sets should be cheaper. 2015 is 9 years away. Medyo matagal pa. My son would be graduating from a 2-yr masters degree. ;D
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5 years delay lang po! Hehehe, Japan and UK will cease broadcasting in Analog by 2010 pa.
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2015 is the target shutdown of analog. That does not mean that thats the only time when over-the-air digital television would be available. It really depends on the networks if they are willing to invest in this new technology and how much the set-top box would be sold to consumers. Who knows, in less than 24 months we will be having this service available in the country.
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Napakalaking gastos ng mga networks nyan!! Malamang pag HDTV na.... aabutin na ng kalahating araw ang laban ni Paquiao dahil mas madaing Commercials na ang kailangan nila para makabawi agad.. ;D ;D
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Kikita rin si Vicky Belo...kasi sa linaw ng HD Broadcast makikita kahit katiting na imperpeksyon sa mukha at katawan...hehehe ;D ;D
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what? kaka fully paid ko lang yung RPTV ko...teka HDTV ready na pala yun.woohoo!
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It's about time. As usual, we're late adopting the new tech. But better late than never, as they say. And yes, by that time, HDTV sets should be cheaper. 2015 is 9 years away. Medyo matagal pa. My son would be graduating from a 2-yr masters degree. ;D
But with the fast pace of technology these days, it pays to be late. Take the US for example, since they were the first with digital HD broadcasts, they're stuck using the older and less efficient MPEG2 codec for broadcasts, while broadcasters in the Philippines can use the more efficient and higher quality VC-1 and MPEG4 codecs when they start digital/HD broadcasts soon.
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True, sometimes it pays not to be at the leading edge of tech. Even the forced launch of Blu-ray had discs that use MPEG 2 codec. It's HD-DVD discs that use VC-1 and Mpeg4 ;D
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what? kaka fully paid ko lang yung RPTV ko...teka HDTV ready na pala yun.woohoo!
I think an HD-ready or HDTV ready set does NOT have a DIGITAL tuner. That's the difference between an HDTV and an HDTV-ready set.
So come 2015, the mandate is for the TV stations to transmit in the Digital format. The digital format broadcast does not mean it's going to be HDTV, it can still be SDTV just like what DREAM satellite cable delivers. But either way, your HD-ready set will still need the proper set-top box to decode the digital broadcast. ;D Once decoded, it can be SDTV or HDTV, depending on the source signal. If in HDTV, then your HDTV-ready set can display the full HD resolution.
But no matter, if your RPTV is fully paid just now, you can always have a new HDTV set (not just ready) come 2015. After 9 years, it's always a good time to upgrade. ;D
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i have just watched a local talk show program in our cable channel which featured Dennis Uy, the owner of ACCTN (Angeles City Cable Television Network) and Comclark (cable internet). Among the topics discussed in the talk show was his project of creating a WIFI network in the whole Clark area and his vision for his cable company. I was surprised and glad that he said that his company will work on the infrastructure of sending Digital TV signal as early as next year. He didnt divulge anymore details. whther me HD content...that he didnt discuss.
Uy is an innovator in the local cable TV industry who introduced the use of cable boxes, pay per view, and cable load (pre paid cards). Admitting that cable TV viewing is a luxury to most Filipinos (thats why he introduced Keybol prepaid cards---tingi na cable TV viewing), digital TV broadcast is definitely something his company would have in the future.
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the article's too generic to be sure whether it is a transition deadline to hdtv or just plain digital TV.
Read more http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_television
See this too http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_digital_television_deployments_by_country#Philippines
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I think they're just talking about digital broadcast. Much like what the US is mandating by next year. Whether the conent would be HD or SD would be left to the stations.
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NTC invites public to comment on digital TV policy
....... Earlier, the NTC told INQ7.net that the agency is working on guidelines to a proposed transition to digital television in 2015 in the Philippines.
NTC Deputy Commissioner Jorge Sarmiento said the agency aims to accept applications for digital TV licenses in 2007.
In 2010, the NTC plans to accept no applications for analog TV.
http://technology.inq7.net/infotech/infotech/view_article.php?article_id=19384
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I sure hope they choose the European DVB or the Japanese ISDB system for (H)DTV as those two are much easier to receive with a simple indoor antenna compared to the US ATSC system
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Link to the document. http://www.ntc.gov.ph/whatsnew/consultative%20doc%20DTT.pdf
Text of the document below
Consultative Document on
Digital Terrestrial Television (DT-T)
(01 September 2006)
I. Background
The transition from analog television to digital TV broadcasting is expected
to generate as much interest and excitement as when black and white TV
transmission was converted to full color transmission more than fifty (50) years
ago. In addition to a much improved picture quality and higher resolution, digital
television technology has the capability to transmit more than one (1) program
(multiple-programming) over the same channel bandwidth that its analog
counterpart presently carries. And with digitalization, enhanced or value-added
services such as EPG (electronic program guide), weather and traffic data,
among others, can now be provided together with the normal TV broadcast
signal and/or program.
In various parts of the world, a number of Administrations have
commenced the delivery of digital television broadcasting in their respective
jurisdictions. In the United States of America (USA), South Korea, and other
countries, the ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) has been
adopted as the platform for the delivery of digital TV service. In Europe and in a
number of Asian countries, the Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) system is now
deployed and is currently providing multiple-program digital TV broadcast service
to their televiewers. Japan has likewise developed and implemented its own
ISDB (Integrated Services Digital Broadcast) system for its digital TV. The
Chinese have also designed their own standard, the DMB, for its digital TV
system.
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Transportation and Communications
NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
BIR Road, East Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City
In countries where analog television is still in operation, a number of these
countries have already identified, at the very least, the platform upon which their
respective digital TV service shall be launched.
With these developments in the global arena, it is now timely and
appropriate for the Philippines to prepare for the entry of digital TV broadcast
service in the country. With several standards and systems now developed, an
assessment of these platforms is in order, with the end in view of identifying a
standard or a system most suitable for the country. And with the anticipated
regulatory and policy implications on the introduction of the digital TV service, the
need to comprehensively address the issues and challenges associated with this
new broadcast service becomes all the more necessary.
In order to keep abreast with these developments, the National
Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued Office Order 05-01-2006
creating a Technical Working Group (TWG). This TWG was tasked to
recommend the standards and operational guidelines for our eventual migration
to digital terrestrial TV. Its composition include members from the network
operators and industry associations, such as the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster
sa Pilipinas (KBP). The TWG has completed its work and has submitted a report
for the consideration of the Commission. However, the Commission, at this time,
feels that it should reach out to a much broader-based consultation in its
contemplated move to establish guidelines and standards for digital terrestrial TV
(DT-T). Hence, this Consultative Document.
II. Questions and Issues for Comment
This Section identifies the policy, legal, technical and other questions and
issues for which the Commission must seek input and comments from all
interested parties and stakeholders, and thus provide the Commission with the
technical and regulatory guidance for the inevitable entry of digital TV
broadcasting in the country.
A. Legal and Policy Issues
1. Should the NTC issue rules and/or guidelines for digital terrestrial
TV (DT-T)? Why or why not? What substantive or technical
considerations should such rules and/or guidelines cover?
2. Should existing analog TV operators be allowed to operate digital
TV system without having to secure each a separate authorization
from the Commission?
3. If and when digital terrestrial TV (DT-T) is introduced in this country,
would there be a need to require the termination of all analog TV
transmissions? If so, in what year should the NTC terminate or stop
all analog TV transmissions in the country? What considerations
should the Commission take into account in determining this cut-off
date?
4. With the introduction of DT-T, will the Commission continue to
accept applications for analog television? If not, when should the
NTC cease granting approvals of analog TV applications?
B. Technical Issues
1. What digital terrestrial TV standard should the Philippines adopt?
2. What technical and substantive considerations should the NTC
take into account in determining the standard to be adopted for
digital TV?
3. What are the ideal or preferred frequency bands for digital
terrestrial TV?
C. Other Issues
1. Should the network operators be left to determine whether to
transmit in high-definition TV (HDTV) or standard definition TV
(SDTV) format?
2. Do you agree with the following statements? Please comment
?? The capability for mobile reception is an important factor which
digital terrestrial TV must address.
?? In the delivery of digital TV service, High Definition television
(HDTV) is best suited for the Philippine market as compared to
standard definition TV (SDTV).
III. Inputs and Comments
The Commission wishes to emphasize that comments on this Consultative
Document need not be limited to the questions posed above, and all interested
parties are invited and encouraged to submit other views or comments which
they believe are relevant to this effort.
The Commission requests that submissions be made in both hard and soft
copies, and addressed to :
Ronald Olivar Solis
Commissioner
National Telecommunication Commission
BIR Rd., East Triangle
Diliman, Quezon City
E-mail : [email protected]
Jorge V. Sarmiento
Deputy Commissioner
National Telecommunications Commission
BIR Rd., East Triangle
Diliman, Quezon City
E-mail : [email protected]
Jaime M. Fortes, Jr.
Deputy Commissioner
National Telecommunications Commission
BIR Rd., East Triangle
Diliman, Quezon City
E-mail : [email protected]
Responses to this Consultative Document should be submitted to the
above Offices on or before 5:00 p.m. of 29 September 2006.
The Commission reserves the right to issue another consultative
document or come out with additional questions or issues in the interim, as part
of its administrative rule-making process.
Finally, the Commission intends to publish all comments that it receives in
response to this consultative document, unless otherwise advised by the
concerned respondent. Therefore, submissions, or any part thereof, which are
considered by the respondent as confidential in nature should be marked
accordingly.
Thank you and we look forward to the continued participation and support
of all concerned in this very critical and important effort in charting and shaping
the future of Philippine television.
RONALD OLIVAR SOLIS
Commissioner
JORGE V. SARMIENTO JAIME M. FORTES, JR
Deputy Commissioner Deputy commissioner
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Attention legal eagles out there. Can the NTC mandate going digital by 2015? Wouldn't this require congressional action to have the force of law, like what the US did?
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We can look at it this way. When Philippine TV transitioned from black & white to color in the late 60's, it did not require the intervention of Congress. Using that as an argument, our solons should not meddle around with this transition from analog to digital. If thats how US did it for their transition, (involving their lawmakers) bahala sila. In my personal opinion, kaya na iyan ng NTC to issue guidelines in the transition. It is just a matter of time (or maiiwan tayo ng advances in digital TV) when digital terrestial TV is a reality here. Yung cable TV nga, digital transmission na in certain areas (Sky-Platinum), and this did not require any intervention from our 'hardworking' lawmakers, so ganun din dapat sa terrestial TV.
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We can look at it this way. When Philippine TV transitioned from black & white to color in the late 60's, it did not require the intervention of Congress. Using that as an argument, our solons should not meddle around with this transition from analog to digital. If thats how US did it for their transition, (involving their lawmakers) bahala sila. In my personal opinion, kaya na iyan ng NTC to issue guidelines in the transition. It is just a matter of time (or maiiwan tayo ng advances in digital TV) when digital terrestial TV is a reality here. Yung cable TV nga, digital transmission na in certain areas (Sky-Platinum), and this did not require any intervention from our 'hardworking' lawmakers, so ganun din dapat sa terrestial TV.
My understanding is that government bureaus, agencies and commissions are there to IMPLEMENT the law. The NTC, like any commission, issues guidelines. Correct. But these guidelines stem from implementing existing mandates from legislated acts of congress or laws. Tell me, what existing Republic Act is there that will empower the NTC to issue guidelines for a shift from analog to digital Off The Air broadcast? I don't think there are any.
All that the NTC are doing now is making a consultative effort to study and gather data and opinions on a shift that most other nations are already doing, preparatory to making a recommendation to congress. Same with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce which also prepared a report to congress recommending the current law to shift to digital and upon its enactment, has issued the implementing guidelines to carry out the law.
I reckon it will be the same here. Ofcourse I could be wrong. I just want the opinions of legal experts.
The US Law mandating the shift from analog to digital was extended from December 31, 2006 to February 17, 2009 requiring ALL Off The Air broadcast stations to switch off their analog transmission and go purely digital on that date. No ifs no buts. End of analog transmission. Period. That means ALL of the network TV stations thrash their exisitng analog transmiting equipment and install new digital equipment. Right now, most US OTA stations are already transmitting in both modes, until Feb 17 2009, when they switch off analog broadcast entirely. Such a draconian shift in broadcast mode on that day will render ALL analog TV sets in the hands of US consumers garbage instantly. If the consumer wants to watch TV, he has no choice but to go digital, either by getting a new digital TV set or use a set-top ADC box.
Something similar will happen here. But without the pertinent law for this, the NTC has no footing to issue guidelines. The extent of such a mandatory move cannot be covered by mere guidelines that I think have no basis in law right now.
Your comparison with the shft from B/W to color is not even close. Because while studios started transmitting in color on their own volition, the consumer was FREE to choose if he wanted to watch color TV or not. Whichever way he choice, he could still watch his favourite program. And there are still B/W sets these days. That won't happen with a shift to digital broadcast. You either go digital or you can't watch anything on your analog TV. Same with the emergence of digital satellite cables. The consumer is FREE to choose which cable provider to get. There is no interference to the people's freedom of choice. In contrast, this mandate to shift from analog to digital TV broadcast effectively curtails the public's choice between the two modes and summarily mandates corporations and consumers to thrash their analog equipment. And since it will have dramatic economic impact on large segments of the public, for this alone, I think legislation is needed.
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I agree that congress may enact a law that would mandate the transition from analog to digital TV for all broadcasters. What I am averse to is for NTC to sit on all applications for Digital Television and wait for congress to enact a law that would provide for the guidelines in the transition. NTC can issue such guidelines for the operation of digital television stations after the required consultation and public hearings. That is their main function even without an enabling law specifically for digital TV
As far as when we turn off all analog TV stations (2015?), thats where congress may come in considering that not all broadcasters may have the ability to finance the move to digital. Although 2015 have been floated around as a turn off date, if NTC can implement its self imposed guideline of not issuing new analog TV permits by 2010 then by attrition existing players shall be compelled to move to digital even.
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Attrition can work, but I doubt if soon enough. It took the US about 20 years to have this thing going. It began in the late 80s when the FCC, just like what the NTC is doing now, started soliciting proposals from TV broadcasters and the publics concerned about a new TV broadcast standard. Then they drafted guidelines for this shift requiring stations to shift to digital by 2007 with an escape clause that said 85% of the households in a franchise area should be digital ready by then. Nothing really much happened with that initiative. I really doubt if commisions have the teeth to get this kind of thing done. Ofcourse the influx of digital TV sets in the US markets in the late 90s did encourage some US broadcasters to invest in digital broadcast gears that resulted in the broadcast of some major sports events digitally, but more as an experiment than anything. But it appeared it required congressional fiat to make the mandate something that will be followed with finality. So in Feb this year, the law was signed and they now have just 3 more years to make that shift to digital a reality. ;D
Here, we all know how some groups mushroom just to question resolutions and mandates from such bureaus and commissions, even congressional acts. And they just might even drag the Supreme Court into it. ;D
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Attention legal eagles out there. Can the NTC mandate going digital by 2015? Wouldn't this require congressional action to have the force of law, like what the US did?
Good question.
We can look at it this way. When Philippine TV transitioned from black & white to color in the late 60's, it did not require the intervention of Congress. ...
Yung cable TV nga, digital transmission na in certain areas (Sky-Platinum), and this did not require any intervention from our 'hardworking' lawmakers, so ganun din dapat sa terrestial TV.
Korek ka jan: walang problema ang upgrade to color TV. Hindi naman kasi pinagbawal ang black & white TV.
Ganun din sa digital transmission: nadagdagan ng digital TV, pero hindi naman pinagbawal ang analog TV.
Pero ang tanong ni av_phile1 - Does the NTC have the legal authority to prohibit analog broadcasts even without a law passed by the legislature?
My understanding is that government bureaus, agencies and commissions are there to IMPLEMENT the law. The NTC, like any commission, issues guidelines. Correct. But these guidelines stem from implementing existing mandates from legislated acts of congress or laws. Tell me, what existing Republic Act is there that will empower the NTC to issue guidelines for a shift from analog to digital Off The Air broadcast? I don't think there are any.
Alam na natin ang 3 branches of government: Legislative, Executive and Judiciary. The NTC is an administrative body that falls under the Executive branch.
Generally speaking, sir av_phile1's legal priciples are correct. An administrative agency has the power to promulgate rules and regulations to implement laws enacted by congress. However, the said rules cannot exceed the provisions of the law it seeks to implement.
The power to issue legislative franchises (also called congressional franchise) to operate public utilities is a Legislative power that properly belongs to congress.
However, this legislative power may also be delegated by law to the Executive branch.
Thus, the question now is whether or not the NTC has the delegated power to grant TV franchises. May the NTC prohibit analog broadcasts by refusing to issue permits for applicants who will operate analog TV stations?
My opinion is YES.
Bakit? The delegated power was given to the Executive branch by President Marcos, who was at the time in possession of legislative power through his PDs and EOs.
Here's the history of franchise and permit requirements for TV broadcast services in the Philippines, according to the case of ACW vs. Dumlao (2002):
In 1974, Presidential Decree No. 576-A[5] (“PD 576-A” for brevity) took effect providing for the regulation of radio and television broadcast services in the country. Effective December 31, 1981, PD 576-A[6] terminated all franchises, grants, licenses, permits, certificates or other forms of authority to operate radio or television broadcasting systems. PD 576-A conferred on the Board of Communications and the Secretary of Public Works and Communications the power to grant permits to operate radio or TV broadcast stations. The exercise of this power was made appealable to the Office of the President.
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In 1979, Executive Order No. 546[7] (“EO 546” for brevity) created the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. EO 546 merged the Board of Communications and the Telecommunications Control Bureau into a single entity called the National Telecommunications Commission under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.[8] EO 546 vested in the NTC the power to grant permits for the operation of radio and television stations. Specifically, subparagraphs (a) and (c) of EO 546 provide as follows:
“Section 15. Functions of the Commission. – The Commission shall exercise the following functions:
a. Issue Certificate of Public Convenience for the operation of communications utilities and services, radio communications systems, wire or wireless telephone or telegraph systems, radio and television broadcasting systems and other similar public utilities;
x x x
b. Grant permits for the use of radio frequencies for wireless telephone and telegraph systems and radio communications systems including amateur radio stations and radio and television broadcasting systems...
Since Congress has never repealed P.D. No. 576-A and E.O. No. 546, the NTC has been issuing and/or renewing permits pursuant to the said P.D. No. 576-A and E.O. No. 546. As a result of doubts concerning the NTC’s power to issue permits and/or authorizations in the absence of a legislative franchise, the NTC requested a legal opinion from the Department of Justice.
In a DOJ opinion dated 20 June 1991, then Justice Secretary Drilon replied:
Republika ng Pilipinas
KAGAWARAN NG KATARUNGAN
Department of Justice
Manila
June 20, 1991
Ms. Josefina T. Lichauco
Acting Commissioner
National Telecommunications Commission
865 Vibal Bldg. EDSA Cor. Times St.
Quezon City
Madam:
This refers to your request for opinion on the power of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to issue permits to radio and TV broadcast stations with no legislative franchise. ...
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As we see it, the pivotal issue to be resolved is whether or not under P.D. No. 576-A and E.O. No. 546, NTC may issue permits or authorizations to operate radio and television broadcasting systems without need of a prior franchise as required under Section 1 of Act No. 3846, as amended.
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We believe that under P.D. No. 576-A dated November 11, 1974 and prior to the issuance of E.O. No. 546 dated July 23, 1979, the NTC then Board of communications, had no authority to issue permits or authorizations to operate radio and televisions broadcasting systems without a franchise first being obtained pursuant to Section 1 of Act no. 3846, as amended. ...
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... The franchise is the privilege granted by the State through its legislative body and is subject to regulation by the State itself by virtue of its police power through its administrative agencies (RCPI vs. NTC; 150 SCRA 450). The permit and license are the administrative authorization issued by the administrative agency in the exercise of regulation. It is clear that what was transferred to the Board of Communications and the Secretary of Commerce and Industry under Section 6 of P.D. No. 576-A was merely the regulatory powers vested solely in the Secretary of Commerce and Industry under /Section 2 of Act No. 3846, as amended. The franchising authority was retained by the then incumbent President as repository of legislative power under Martial Law, as is clearly indicated in the first WHEREAS clause of P.D. No. 576-A, to wit: “WHEREAS, the President of the Philippines is empowered under the Constitution to review and approve franchises for public utilities.” Of course, under the Constitution, said power (the power to review and approve franchises), belongs to the lawmaking body (Sec. 5, Art. XIV, 1973 Constitution; Sec. 11, Art XII, 1987 Constitution). ...
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The corollary question to be resolved is: Has E.O. No. 546 (which is a law issued pursuant to P.D. No. 1416, as amended by P.D. No. 1771 granting the then President continuing authority to reorganize the administrative structure of the national government) modified the franchising and licensing arrangement for radio and television broadcasting systems under P.D. No. 576-A?
We believe so.
E.O. No. 546 integrated the Board of Communications and the Telecommunications Bureau into a single entity known as the NTC (see Sec. 14), and vested the new body with broad powers, among them, the power to issue Certificates of Public Convenience for the operation of communications utilities, including radio and television broadcasting systems and the power to grant permits for the use of radio frequencies (Sec. 15[a] and [c], supra). Additionally, NTC was vested with broad rule-making authority “to encourage a larger and more effective use of communications, radio and television broadcasting facilities, and to maintain effective competition among private entities in these activities whenever the Commission finds it reasonably feasible” (Sec. 15[f]).
In the recent case of Albany vs. Reyes (175 SCRA 264), the Supreme Court held that “franchises issued by Congress are not required before each and every public utility may operate”. Administrative agencies may be empowered by law “to grant licenses for or to authorize the operation of certain public utilities”. The Supreme Court stated that the provision in the Constitution (Article XII, Section II) “that the issuance of a franchise, certificate or other form of authorization for the operation of a public utility shall be subject to amendment, alteration or repeal by Congress, does not necessarily imply . . . that only congress has the power to grant such authorization. Our statute books are replete wit laws granting specified agencies in the Executive Branch the power to issue such authorization for certain classes of public utilities”.
We believe the E.O. No. 546 is one law which authorizes an administrative agency, the NTC, to issue authorizations for the operation of radio and television broadcasting systems without need of a prior franchise issued by Congress.
Based on all the foregoing, we hold the view that NTC is empowered under E.O. No. 546 to issue authorizations and permits to operate radio and television broadcasting systems.
Very truly yours,
(SIGNED) FRANKLIN M. DRILON
Secretary
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Thus, the question now is whether or not the NTC has the delegated power to grant TV franchises. May the NTC prohibit analog broadcasts by refusing to issue permits for applicants who will operate analog TV stations?
My opinion is YES.
Based on all the foregoing, we hold the view that NTC is empowered under E.O. No. 546 to issue authorizations and permits to operate radio and television broadcasting systems.
Thanks Barrister for that concise but clarifying post. The NTC's authority to issue permits/licenses is now clear.
But I have to ask if that same authority can disenfranchise large segments of the public by changing the broadcast standard.
I see no problem not issuing permits for NEW industry players. But it seems to me that with the mandate for a new broadcast standard, the NTC will not RENEW licences to existing TV stations if they don't go digital. This essentially requires these broadcasters to thrash their analog broadcast gears and invest in new gears. At the same time it will be mandating consumers to thrash their analog TVs. It doesn't declare the use of analog TVs illegal, but the effect is the same. Go digital or you can't watch your favourtie programs anymore.
Perhaps it will be different if the NTC can allow both analog and digital broadcast to co-exist. The old players can still transmit in analog while only new players with digital gears will be permitted. Then the public would have this choice to go digital or not. Either way, their choice is not imparied and can watch their favourite program either way. Same way the shift from B&W to color TV happened.
But if the NTC is following the trends in the US, Britain and Japan, where the mandate is just for ONE and only one broadcast standard that will deprive millions owning analog TV sets to watch their favourites shows, exercising the same authority delegated by the executive branch to the NTC I think now EXCEEDS the letter and SPIRIT of the law. I don't think the relevant laws and PDs were enacted at that a time when digital broadcast was even a possibility or that a shift to one standard having severe economic impact was even contemplated in drafting that law, is it?
The supreme court ruling and the PDs seem to have assumed that the broadcast standard will be the same forever. And the authority to issue permits to operate within that standard simply becomes ministerial. But when the authority starts to impinge on that standard with dire economic effects to large segments of the population, is that still covered in those same laws?
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I predict magkakaroon ng demand for a digital to analog box! One that would receive the digital broadcast and convert the signal to analog for your analog TV.
I'm sure meron na nito somewhere. I wonder how much it cost? :D
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There are already such set-top ADC boxes in the US. Don't have the price but it's within mass reach (there not here. ;D) But I've read those boxes don't support the added interactivity features of digital TV sets. IOW, it won't be the same as getting a digital TV.
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There are already such set-top ADC boxes in the US. Don't have the price but it's within mass reach (there not here. ;D) But I've read those boxes don't support the added interactivity features of digital TV sets. IOW, it won't be the same as getting a digital TV.
true... but it won't render your analog tv obsolete overnight. There is a window of opportunity here. Not everybody is itching to jump to the digital bandwagon right away. In this part of the world, ATTRITION is still the name of the game. ;D
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Going digital broadcast will not make your analog sets TOTALLY obsolete, precisely because there are ADC boxes that sprouted when the market need to address the obsolesence became an opportunity for entrepreneurs to do business in. But the shift to digital will require you to spend for such boxes if you want to watch anything on your analog TV.
And yes, attrition can do the job. That was what the US was hoping for when their FCC issued the guidelines. But that didn't do much. I suppose a congressional act is needed to hasten things up. And in this part of the world, congressional acts can be questioned before the supreme court. What more about mere guidelines from a commission. Like I opined in my earlier post, Pinoys can drag the SC into the issue. ;D O well, 2015 is still a long way off. Anything can happen in between.
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I predict magkakaroon ng demand for a digital to analog box! One that would receive the digital broadcast and convert the signal to analog for your analog TV.
I'm sure meron na nito somewhere. I wonder how much it cost? :D
There's lots of D to A set top boxes available in Europe, one highly-rated box sold in the UK is the Digihome DVB915 Freeview receiver (http://www.amazon.co.uk/DIGIHOME-FREEVIEW-Digital-Terrestrial-Receiver/dp/B000BISKUS/sr=1-1/qid=1158547586/ref=sr_1_1/026-6125287-5830847?ie=UTF8&s=electronics) which costs the equivalent of about P2,500
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Thanks Barrister for that concise but clarifying post. The NTC's authority to issue permits/licenses is now clear.
Bosing, sa totoo lang, hindi pa rin malinaw. ;D ;D ;D
My original post was actually twice as long. I had to edit it kasi maximum of 1,500 words lang pala dito per post, pero hindi na ako gumawa ng part II ng post ko since I didn't want to bore our other members with excessive legalese. The only problem is that legal precision is sacrificed, to the detriment of members who expect nothing less.
Para malinaw, let's start with basic legal principles:
1. The only opinions binding on our legal system are Supreme Court decisions.
2. Decisions from lower Courts and administrative bodies such as the NTC and the DOJ are not controlling.
3. Thus, the DOJ opinion cited in my post above does not have any binding effect.
There is no definite answer to the question of whether or not the NTC can validly prohibit analog broadcasts by the exepedient of refusing to issue or renew permits to analog TV stations. My opinion is that the NTC can, but that's only an opinion, which is of course only as good as any other opinion.
Link na lang para hindi sobrang haba:
The case of ACW vs. Dumlao cited in my previous post: http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2002/nov2002/136762.htm
On a technicality, ACW's certiorari was dismissed for failure to exhaust administrative remedies (the doctrine of "primary jurisdiction", which mandates that administrative remedies must first be resorted to their conclusion before a judicial remedy can be entertained).
The subsequent case of ACW vs. NTC: http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2003/feb2003/144109.htm
Sa introductory statement pa lang, the Court acknowledged the prevailing confusion:
For many years now, there has been a “pervading confusion in the state of affairs of the broadcast industry brought about by conflicting laws, decrees, executive orders and other pronouncements promulgated during the Martial Law regime.” The question that has taken a long life is whether the operation of a radio or television station requires a congressional franchise. The Court shall now lay to rest the issue.
The Supreme Court clarified that a congressional franchise is required for the operation of a TV station:
Petitioner, however, cannot rely on DOJ Opinion No. 98 as this opinion is merely persuasive and not necessarily controlling. As shown above, the opinion is erroneous insofar as it holds that E.O. No. 546 dispenses with the requirement of a congressional franchise to operate radio and television stations. ...
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The call to dispense with the requisite legislative franchise must, however, be addressed to Congress as the lawmaker of the land for the Court’s function is to interpret and not to rewrite the law. As long as the law remains unchanged, the requirement of a franchise to operate a television station must be upheld.
But I have to ask if that same authority can disenfranchise large segments of the public by changing the broadcast standard.
I see no problem not issuing permits for NEW industry players. But it seems to me that with the mandate for a new broadcast standard, the NTC will not RENEW licences to existing TV stations if they don't go digital. This essentially requires these broadcasters to thrash their analog broadcast gears and invest in new gears. At the same time it will be mandating consumers to thrash their analog TVs.
You hit the nail right on the head.
Let me restate my views for the sake of clarity: My opinion is that the NTC has the power to prohibit analog broadcasts by the expedient of refusing to issue or renew permits to analog TV stations. Based on E.O. No. 546 (a Martial Law Executive Order that has the force and effect of law), the NTC is empowered to issue authorizations and permits to operate TV broadcasting systems.
Eto ngayon ang magandang arguments against my view:
In the above-cited case of ACW vs. NTC (2003), the Supreme Court rejected DOJ Opinion No. 98, and held that a congressional franchise is still required. The Court further held that a CPC (Certificate of Public Convenience) may be issued by the NTC only after issuance of the congressional franchise.
After a franchise to operate a TV station is issued by congress without mentioning therein any restriction as to digital broadcasts, the NTC cannot refuse to issue or renew an authorization/permit to operate an analog TV system especially where the applicant has already invested millions in analog equipment.
The NTC's power to issue authorizations and permits is merely regulatory in nature and cannot be so broad as to amend the franchise already issued by congress. To require a shift to digital broadcasting without congressional authority is beyond the scope of the NTC's regulatory powers and is confiscatory in nature because it is tantamount to being an unconstitutional deprivation of property without due process of law.
As I said, opinion lang ang sa akin, and I'll be the first to admit that my legal bases are pretty shaky at the moment. ;D ;D ;D
Bos av_phile1, kung lawyer ka, kikita ka siguro sa kasong ito. ;D ;D ;D
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The NTC's power to issue authorizations and permits is merely regulatory in nature and cannot be so broad as to amend the franchise already issued by congress. To require a shift to digital broadcasting without congressional authority is beyond the scope of the NTC's regulatory powers and is confiscatory in nature because it is tantamount to being an unconstitutional deprivation of property without due process of law.
My thoughts exactly.
Bos av_phile1, kung lawyer ka, kikita ka siguro sa kasong ito. ;D ;D ;D
Ha ha !! ;D , I wish.
Thanks again Boss Barrister. Maybe we can form a coalition to bring the issue to the SC on behalf of TV stations wanting to prolong the status quo. Or on behalf of the masses who won't want their TV sets rendered obsolete or be required to spend for ADC boxes. ;D
But I wouldn't want to stand in the way of progress. If the NTC has the power to shift to digital on its own, so be it. I just want to clear the cobwebs in my legalistic mind (should really have taken up law. ;D)
I think the NTC is proceeding the way the US FTC has - getting inputs from the people concerned. So if and when they issue the guidelines for the shift, they can get the cooperation of broadcasters. I am not aware if there was ever any legal challenge to the FTC's powers to implement this shift in the US. Too bad, nothing much happened as far as market shift to digital was. The broadcasters were ready, the consumers were not. And in Feb 2006, Bush signed a law mandating with finality the cutover date to Feb 17, 2009 for the shift to happen. No market attrition whatsoever.
It's the throng of masses out there who may not have the means to invest on digital TV sets by 2015 that I have my doubts will ever want this thing. And they could mount a legal challenge and prolong this from happening. Then again, maybe by 2015, if I can believe GMA, pinoys would all be rich enough for this to be a non-issue. ;D
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For me, dapat wala munang mandatory shift. OK lang ang bagong digital TV operators, pero hindi muna bawal ang analog.
Ipagbawal nila ang analog after several years, pag marami nang may digital TVs at konti na lang ang may analog TVs. By then, mura na lang siguro ang digital TV sets, so hindi na masyadong nakakaasar ang mandatory shift.
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I agree, the shift need not be mandatory. If fact, the two modes can coexist, and let the inferior format fade away by attirition. But I think there are also technical if not political reasons why the mandate was needed in the US and elsewhere The frequency ranges for their radio licensing requiements are depleting fast. Mandating the shift to digital will free-up the radio frequency spectrum now used by TV stations which the US Gov can now use for military and aerospace needs. And this has to be a world-wide thing, not just in the US for the military use of those freqeuncies to be effective. OR so I heard. ;D
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Whether the shift to digital is mandatory or not, I still feel that business-entrepreneurs with existing TV franchises should be allowed go into digital television business without outright interference from vested interests in the executive and legislative branches. And to ensure a planned adoption/transition to this new tv technology, NTC must draw up the required operating guidelines for this service. As far as shut-ff dates are concerned, this should be the responsibility of Congress. I am 100% sure politicians with existing analog-tv franchises (but without the financial muscle to move to digital TV) would definitely not allow for a shut down in the next 10 years!
This is the ideal scenario I would like to see:
NTC issues the technical guidelines in the adoption of digitial television in the Philippines (The Technical Working Group of the NTC is skewing towards the European standard instead of the American standard)
Required frequencies are allotted for this purpose (They are looking at UHF Channels 49 to 51 for this)
TV networks with foresight and financial resources (ABSCBN, GMA, ABC) embarks on their respective digital rollout, strictly complying with the guidelines set by NTC (guidelines were issued by NTC in order to ensure interoperability of the set-top boxes required in homes to receive digital tv broadcasts)
Third party suppliers bring in the type-approved set top boxes to be sold to televiewers to allow reception of digital signals. Hopefully, boxes will be available at P1000 a piece. (This price would plummet if the boxes to be used is compatible with what Beijing will be adopting for the Olympics)
The financially challenged broadcasters (SBN?, UNTV?, NBN?) who chose to remain in analog (in the absence of a mandate from congress) will experience dwindling viewership as more viewers opt to watch TV signals in digital (I hope! ;D ) Eventually forcing them out of business or to seek out partners that would finance their digital shift.
The big question now is the timeline. In the absence of a required shut off date, how long would it take for the analog players to fold and shift to digital? 5 years? 10? 20?
My fearless forecast? We will have digital tv in the next 18 months provided the NTC comes out with their guidelines and there is no interference from the government. Shut-off date? Bahala na congress dyan basta wag silang maki-alam sa digital roll-out. Risk na yan ng mga broadcasters to go digital even without a shut off date.
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Magandang scenario 'yan. Everybody happy.
Kung magiging masyadong maaga ang mandatory cut-off date, diyan magkakaroon ng maiingay na mga reklamo.
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Once the TV stations start operating their digital gears, I expect both analog and digital broadcasts to coexist for quite a while. The NTC could include a conditional mandate for a cutover date just like what the US did, allowing for an escape condition if 85% of an area is not yet on digital.
There may be some minor complication though. With many industrialized nations shifting to digital TVs, expect TV manufacturers to start damping their unsold inventories of analog TVs and RPTVs in 3rd world countries. With cheap prices, every inday and pandoy will soon have 34" analog Philips, Sonys and Samsungs after 2009. And with that, it just might make pinoy masses more resistant to an early shift.
But I think if a congressman were to engage in the business of selling ADC set-top boxes, he just might sponsor the needed bill to mandate an earlier cutover date. ;D
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There may be some minor complication though. With many industrialized nations shifting to digital TVs, expect TV manufacturers to start damping their unsold inventories of analog TVs and RPTVs in 3rd world countries. With cheap prices, every inday and pandoy will soon have 34" analog Philips, Sonys and Samsungs after 2009. And with that, it just might make pinoy masses more resistant to an early shift.
Just like what the japs and the sokors are doing dumping their 'surplus' tv sets here.
But I think if a congressman were to engage in the business of selling ADC set-top boxes, he just might sponsor the needed bill to mandate an earlier cutover date. ;D
Shhhhh, iyan ang balak kong raket kaya inip na ako sa NTC to come out with guidelines. ;D
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And in Feb 2006, Bush signed a law mandating with finality the cutover date to Feb 17, 2009 for the shift to happen.
Trivia lang, why Feb 17? Why not Feb1 or Feb 28 or Feb 14 (Mid Feb, not Valentines ;) )
Ans: Superbowl (Tama kaya?)
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Good question. I haven't the slightest idea. Must be his b-day or something.
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Just like what the japs and the sokors are doing dumping their 'surplus' tv sets here.
Only this time, they'd be brand new.
Shhhhh, iyan ang balak kong raket kaya inip na ako sa NTC to come out with guidelines. ;D
Mas mapapabilis yan if you get a congressman as a business partner. ;D
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On the other hand, given a peak oil phenomenon, things might go the other way.
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NTC issues draft digital TV regulations
http://services.inq7.net/print/print.php?article_id=30660
NTC gives TV stations 9 years to convert to digital tech
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=55179
NTC considering opening up digital TV content business
http://services.inq7.net/print/print.php?article_id=28070
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Good thing we didn't buy one of those imported HDTV's from the US with the built-in HD (ATSC) tuner as the NTC has chosen the European DVB-T standard for (H)DTV in the Philippines which is incompatible with the US ATSC system :P Not to mention there's a chance that broadcasters here could go with MPEG4 when they go digital in a few years in order to save on bandwidth like what's being done for HDTV in Europe,
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I feel sorry for the reports. It must've caused them migraines to go through the technobabble.
I may consider getting a HD display once there is local broadcasters. Til then I will just have to settle on a 24" Dell LCD connected to a computer or video console. ;)
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Going through the draft guidelines, it seems that protection is being given to existing national broadcasters and prevent moneyed interests (telcos like pangilinan, ayala) from going into the digital TV business at this early stage.
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This is going to be difficult for most Filipinos because from what I read only a fraction of the population has access to television sets (and I mean ordinary ones). The government keeps forgetting that this is a country where only 15 percent of roads are paved and where only 60 percent of the country has regular access to electricity.
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Is that still true? I often see shanties in squatter areas with many aerial TV antennas.
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That's because most resources are concentrated in Manila; overall the situation is different. Also, it is likely that not only are most sets in shanties regular sets (and probably even second-hand or consisting of cheap brands) one can even ask questions about the source of electricity used to power them.
Overall, I find this proposal in a Third World country strange.
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Good thing we didn't buy one of those imported HDTV's from the US with the built-in HD (ATSC) tuner as the NTC has chosen the European DVB-T standard for (H)DTV in the Philippines which is incompatible with the US ATSC system :P Not to mention there's a chance that broadcasters here could go with MPEG4 when they go digital in a few years in order to save on bandwidth like what's being done for HDTV in Europe,
question lang..how does DVB-T standard for HDTV works? may cable box ba sya or something? or direct na ba sa tv? i'm planning to buy pa naman kasi sa US ng mga plasma tvs..thanks! :)
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Overall, I find this proposal in a Third World country strange.
Stranger Vietnam which is another 3rd world country have already launched digital TV three years ago.
I do not think being a 3rd world country should prevent us from adopting these advances in technology. It did not stop us from being the top sms sender in the world meaning practically every Tomas, Karding and Pedro knows how to use the celfone. Visionaries in the TV broadcast industry is all set to dive into this technology confident enough to sink substantial investments on equipment.
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question lang..how does DVB-T standard for HDTV works? may cable box ba sya or something? or direct na ba sa tv? i'm planning to buy pa naman kasi sa US ng mga plasma tvs..thanks! :)
When this technology is rolled out, this will require the installation of a digital set-top box that will receive the digital signal and convert into a signal that can be fed to standard television sets. In the future, TV sets will be sold without tuners, they shall be basically display monitors (plasma, LCD, etc) whose inputs would come from digital set top boxes acquired separately.
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It's one thing to offer digital TV but it's another to move to digital TV. It's one thing to dream about adopting such technology but it's another to find out if most Filipinos can afford it. (From what I know, even cheap analog cable services in the country are hardly affordable.) And given Vietnam's economic performance compared to the Philippines, I'm not surprised that they have such in Vietnam.
One more thing to consider is the long-term economic performance of the Philippines. Given the fact that its performance will involve competition with Asian neighbors, I am not confident about most Filipinos' ability to afford such technology. The last I heard our spending power even went down; i.e., most Filipinos are able to buy less food than they did a few years ago given present wage levels.
Finally, I can't help but think about issues like peak oil. Expensive forms of technology may be hit the hardest by such.
Stranger Vietnam which is another 3rd world country have already launched digital TV three years ago.
I do not think being a 3rd world country should prevent us from adopting these advances in technology. It did not stop us from being the top sms sender in the world meaning practically every Tomas, Karding and Pedro knows how to use the celfone. Visionaries in the TV broadcast industry is all set to dive into this technology confident enough to sink substantial investments on equipment.
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When this technology is rolled out, this will require the installation of a digital set-top box that will receive the digital signal and convert into a signal that can be fed to standard television sets. In the future, TV sets will be sold without tuners, they shall be basically display monitors (plasma, LCD, etc) whose inputs would come from digital set top boxes acquired separately.
how does digital set top box works? so from rg6 ipluplug sya sa set top box right? then rca cables going to the tv am i right? kasi i'm building a new house right now and i'm planning to install digital rg6 instead of the analog ones that are sold here..
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how does digital set top box works? so from rg6 ipluplug sya sa set top box right? then rca cables going to the tv am i right? kasi i'm building a new house right now and i'm planning to install digital rg6 instead of the analog ones that are sold here..
Since this will be a digital terrestrial service, an internal or external antenna shall be provided (depending on you distance from the transmission point). From the antenna, the UHF signal shall be fed to the digital set top box that would extract the signal. Depending on the type of box provided, it can output analog (composite video) signals and audio. This could be rca ports that you can connect to the audio/video input of your TV set. Boxes with component outputs may also be deployed but since no HD service will be provided, only standard definition signals will be available hence composite video signal connectors would suffice.
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According to my friends in ABS CBN, one scenario they are looking at is actually giving away the set top boxes for free. It's a big gamble but Channel 2 will benefit the most from the transition because it will significantly boost its reception in the far flung areas of the Philippines -- a problem it has at present since it sits at the lowest end of the VHF spectrum.
GMA, on the other hand, has already earmarked a billion pesos for its own digital broadcast efforts. From the posts above it seems that the prevailing question is whether it is a good idea to go digital in a third world country. It was a question I also raised with these broadcasters and both ABS and GMA agree that the next battlefield is really in digital so they really do not have a choice. It will be a disastrous move for either channel to ignore global trends because they will be rendered obsolete -- and no one wants that.
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sana ganito din sa Pinas, mga tong-gressman kasi dito protektado ang businesses at hindi ang consumers.
House Republicans propose warning labels for analog TVs
f a group of House Republicans have their way, television manufacturers still trying to convince consumers of the questionable benefits of analog TV may soon have a harder time making their case, as they'll be required to slap a big 'ol label on that old-school tube warning potential buyers of its considerable shortcomings. According to TV Week, the bill proposed by Republican members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce would mandate that all analog-only TVs carry the message that "this TV has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after Feb. 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts." Not exactly "this TV can kill you," but hardly a selling point either. The bill would also require cable and satellite service providers to deliver regular reports detailing their consumer educations efforts, as well as require that the FCC create its own consumer outreach effort and provide details on the number of customers that have redeemed coupons for cable boxes. While the prospects of the bill passing aren't clear, it has picked up at least one big supporter, with the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) quickly hopping on board to endorse it.
http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/house-republicans-propose-warning-labels-for-analog-tvs/ (http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/house-republicans-propose-warning-labels-for-analog-tvs/)
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Since this will be a digital terrestrial service, an internal or external antenna shall be provided (depending on you distance from the transmission point). From the antenna, the UHF signal shall be fed to the digital set top box that would extract the signal. Depending on the type of box provided, it can output analog (composite video) signals and audio. This could be rca ports that you can connect to the audio/video input of your TV set. Boxes with component outputs may also be deployed but since no HD service will be provided, only standard definition signals will be available hence composite video signal connectors would suffice.
question..lets say if we are going to use a set top box..pano mo iseseparate yung HD into different TVs or different rooms? so every room kailngan may set top box sya? or how would you use a splitter?
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a settop box would be needed for every tv. if you use a splitter, whatever channel the settop box is on would be transmitted to the other tvs.
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a settop box would be needed for every tv. if you use a splitter, whatever channel the settop box is on would be transmitted to the other tvs.
wow fast reply..thanks!
i was installing digital coax na ngayon sa house instead of the analog coax that are sold here..para lang for future use...bka kasi pagnext time kailngan na ng digital coax..so just wanted to be sure na rin..anyway thanks again!
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no problem :)
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Why did the NTC chooses the DVB-t and not ATSC?
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Official statement:
NTC Memorandum (Nov. 3, 2006):
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The Technical Working Group (TWG) for digital terrestrial television, composed of representatives from the Commission, network associations, broadcasters/network operators and industry associations, has evaluated the individual characteristics of the various platforms, and it has determined that while ATSC and DVB-T differ little in video/audio signal quality and program capacity, the latter offers advantages in terms of terrestrial transmission/networking, interoperability with other technology applications, proven capability for mobile terrestrial reception, its ability to satisfactorily address the multipath/ghosting problem, and its capability to support single frequency networks. Moreover, current deployment of digital television systems show that DVB-T is emerging as the global preference, with far more countries having adopted, or are in the process of adopting, the DVB platform, thus ensuring equipment availability and enhancing affordability. Given these considerations, the TWG has recommended the adoption of DVB-T as the digital television standard in the country. To date, comments submitted by various sectors to the Commission have made the same recommendation.
The Commission, along with the TWG, also had a videoconference with ATSC Forum President Robert Graves as well as Mr. Wayne Luplow of the US Consumer Electronics Association in order to discuss technical concerns and to request for updates on the developments to the ATSC platform. The ATSC Forum, however, has yet to comment on the previous consultative documents issued by the Commission.
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According to my NTC sources:
The Americans have already started the lobby for the adoption of their inferior standard. NTC tech guys are already 'feeling' the heat (pressure) hence they might opt for an open standard, that is let the industry select the technology to adopt.
As it is, ABSCBN and ABC have already started their respective tests of DVB-T/DVB-H transmissions hence if the industry will be allowed to select its own technology, DVB will still win in the end. Yes, the Americans can give out 'grants' like cheap boxes and cheap equipment but in the end, whatever the industry adopts, it will be the de-facto standard. Most probably, NBN4 would adopt ATSC and may give out practically free boxes (coming from the american grants) but who would watch them?
It still boils down as to which broadcaster can provide the best value for money in terms of content.
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Why did the NTC chooses the DVB-t and not ATSC?
It was shown in tests that DVB was far easier to receive by a simple antenna because ATSC is very sensitive with multipath interference ("ghosting" or double image on analog reception) which makes over-the-air reception difficult unless you have a big outdoor antenna pointed directly towards the transmitter. DVB-T, on the other hand is a lot more resistant to multipath and hence easier to receive broadcast transmissions with a simple indoor antenna. Another big advantage of DVB-T is that you can use single frequency networks which makes more efficient use of broadcast spectrum, while ATSC is not capable of SFN.
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Paano yung mga bumili sa Pinas ng HDTV with digital tuner? Di ba ATSC ang tuner nila? Kung ganon, e di sayang lang yung "future proof" gastos?
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Paano yung mga bumili sa Pinas ng HDTV with digital tuner? Di ba ATSC ang tuner nila? Kung ganon, e di sayang lang yung "future proof" gastos?
They're pretty much out of luck as the digital tuners will be incompatible with the DVB-T system that will be used here in the Philippines. The next best solution for them would be to purchase external DVB-T HD tuners and connect it to thier HDTV's via component or HDMI. That's why i've always told friends it makes better sense to buy HD monitors first and (external) tuners (via component/HDMI) later on when the standards are settled so you're not stuck with an incompatible internal tuner:p There's also a good chance that philippine broadcasters would be using MPEG4 compression for HD broadcasts instead of the current MPEG2 used in the US (as MPEG4 is more efficient) so you would still need a separate tuner nevertheless as current ATSC tuners can only handle MPEG2.
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So it seems HD-ready sets without digital tuners make more sense than true HDTV with built-in digital tuners, unless those HDTV sets come with DVB standards rather than ATSC.
What do those Bravia and Aquos HDTV sets have, US or European digital tuners?
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So it seems HD-ready sets without digital tuners make more sense than true HDTV with built-in digital tuners, unless those HDTV sets come with DVB standards rather than ATSC.
What do those Bravia and Aquos HDTV sets have, US or European digital tuners?
Those Bravia and Aquos HDTV sets sold in local shops do not have digital tuners (only analog NTSC tuners) and are thus just HD-Ready sets
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At twice the price overseas and they still don't have digital tuners? Dapat nga may dual ATSC and DVB tuner na, e.
That's why I think future proofing is a pipe dream. "Future proof" is the term you use to justify the amount of money spent for that insanely expensive gear you just bought.
Now, if only a spouse could be future proofed, that would be money well spent. ;)
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At twice the price overseas and they still don't have digital tuners? Dapat nga may dual ATSC and DVB tuner na, e.
That's why I think future proofing is a pipe dream. "Future proof" is the term you use to justify the amount of money spent for that insanely expensive gear you just bought.
Now, if only a spouse could be future proofed, that would be money well spent. ;)
Locally sold HD-Ready sets don't have digital tuners because until just last November The Philippines had not yet decided on which digital system to use. The tuners installed in those flat panel displays depends on the market they're destined for and if digital broadcasts are available for those markets (Europe=DVB, North America=ATSC, etc). Since we did not have digital broadcasts yet and still using analog NTSC for broadcasts, that's what we got for Philippine market flat panel displays.
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You're right. No digital tuners due to the absence of a Phil. standard at the time of the unit's release. But my point was the price. Why so expensive despite the lack of any digital tuners?
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You're right. No digital tuners due to the absence of a Phil. standard at he time of the unit's release. But my point was the price. Why so expensive despite the lack of any digital tuners?
I have that same question myself ;) I guess I would blame the small flat-panel market size in the Philippines, high taxes and of course greedy retailers as well :P
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Correction, not greedy retailers but distributors.
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I have that same question myself ;) I guess I would blame the small flat-panel market size in the Philippines, high taxes and of course greedy retailers as well :P
Correction, not greedy retailers but distributors.
Oo nga. I bought a plasma and insisted that they exclude the freebie HTIB. The retailer agreed and deducted a reasonable amount from the selling price. They later admitted that they were still obligated to get the freebie HTIB from the Phil. distributor and absorb the price difference, bebenta na lang daw nila separately yung HTIB.
... I think it's a cartel >:( :
I say we're being being ripped off in the Philippines.
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A 21" TV is about P9,000. P79,000 less P9,0000 is P70,000. That's still a rip-off to me. Mahal na nga yung LCD, pipilitin ka pang bumili ng 21" TV. Sobra naman...
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Ang alam ko, ang Samsung-Sony LCD plant ay nasa Tangjung, South Korea, hindi sa U.S. If it was exported to the U.S., then U.S. customs also collected duties on the item, di ba? If exported from Korea to the Philippines, then wala nang U.S. duties, Philippine duties na lang.
And how about shipping costs? Di ba mas malapit ang biyahe from Korea to Philippines vs. from Korea to U.S.? E di dapat mas mura pa nga dito?
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Try alvinthx2's thread entitled "Price Fixing of LCD TV's": http://pinoydvd.com/board/index.php?topic=60746.0 (http://pinoydvd.com/board/index.php?topic=60746.0)
LCD manufacturers are being investigated by government bodies of various countries for allegedly setting up a cartel to keep LCD TV prices artificially inflated.
Sa Pilipinas, bakit kaya ayaw nila ibenta ang LCD TV lang ng walang "freebie"? May cartel ba sila at ito na yung napagkasunduan nila?
LCD prices are lower abroad, but manufacturers are being investigated there for overpricing. LCD prices are much higher in the Philippines, yet they're not being investigated here. ... Go figure. ;D
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If you could get a hold of a DVB-T tuner, ABS-CBN is now conducting digital test broadcasts in the San Fernando, Pampanga area on Channel 51 ;)
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Pangilinan's Smart have already started broadcasting DVB-H signals using a tower on one of their buildings. Channel 5 have already completed their DVB-H tests. ABS have their DVB-T tests in San Fernando, Pampanga (and soon somewhere in Bulacan). I bought a USB TV tuner for my Notebook and hopefully I can receive the multiple ABS programs when I am in the vicinity.
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i wouldn't be too hang up about this ongoing digitalization. for one thing, all these are still only SD resolution, so if you can get them off air with a good antenna, it will still be better than the digital equivalent. dito pa lang kasi sa SD, some channels can't get their material right (and their signal as well)... HD and digitalization would only make those shortcomings stick out more. well, at the least all this movement means we're moving forward and not just stagnating.
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i wouldn't be too hang up about this ongoing digitalization. for one thing, all these are still only SD resolution, so if you can get them off air with a good antenna, it will still be better than the digital equivalent. dito pa lang kasi sa SD, some channels can't get their material right (and their signal as well)... HD and digitalization would only make those shortcomings stick out more. well, at the least all this movement means we're moving forward and not just stagnating.
The point of going digital (at least in the Philippines) is to allow more SD channels to be transmitted. It has been a choice of having one HD signal or multiple SD signals for the allocated 6 MHz spectrum to be alloted by NTC and in the end, projected income (ad driven or pay TV) from additional channels would best fit the objectives of the businessmen behind the thrust to digital. The whole point of going digital TV in the Philippines is to do away with the infirmities of analog transmission particularly those utilizing the interference prone channels 2-5.
Cable TV, having the luxury of bandwidth is the most logical platform for launching HD transmission of programs with the number of satellite delivered channels in HD growing in the region.
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The point of going digital (at least in the Philippines) is to allow more SD channels to be transmitted. It has been a choice of having one HD signal or multiple SD signals for the allocated 6 MHz spectrum to be alloted by NTC and in the end, projected income (ad driven or pay TV) from additional channels would best fit the objectives of the businessmen behind the thrust to digital. The whole point of going digital TV in the Philippines is to do away with the infirmities of analog transmission particularly those utilizing the interference prone channels 2-5.
Cable TV, having the luxury of bandwidth is the most logical platform for launching HD transmission of programs with the number of satellite delivered channels in HD growing in the region.
Exactly, the vastly improved reception (without cable) is the biggest benefit of going digital, even if it's only SD. In areas where you get bad analog reception (ghosting, satic, etc.) you'll get perfect DVD-like reception, and you won't want to go back to old analog TV after you see the difference ;)
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I still don't get it, why test on SD when almost all NEW TV at the end of this year might have a native 1080p resolution? When you have the chance to see true HD resolution, there's no turning back. Even Discovery HD is at 1080i in Singapore
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I still don't get it, why test on SD when almost all NEW TV at the end of this year might have a native 1080p resolution? When you have the chance to see true HD resolution, there's no turning back. Even Discovery HD is at 1080i in Singapore
It's all about economics: 99% of consumers in the Philippines simply can't afford to buy a HD set, so it makes no sense for TV networks to invest so much money in something that only a tiny minority can receive. If HD broadcasts do arrive in the Philippines it'll most likely be on cable (like Discovery HD in Singapore) especially now that SkyCable is switching over to digital cable which should make room for future HD channels that are bandwidth intensive. Like I've said, in the absence of HD broadcasts, I'd choose digital SD over analog anytime ;)
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I still don't get it, why test on SD when almost all NEW TV at the end of this year might have a native 1080p resolution? When you have the chance to see true HD resolution, there's no turning back. Even Discovery HD is at 1080i in Singapore
yes. to some extent this is what i mean when i say i'm not too excited about digital SD. i will be if anyone, whether cable or air/antenna broadcaster will begin offering true HD material. if you have seen true HD broadcast, you may not want to go back to SD. that will really drive demand for these flat panels and lower prices for everyone's benefit.
now, if a local broadcaster will say they will be offering local HD material at this point, that would be another story. yung local SD content pa nga lang di na maayos, what more kung HD na. there's more to going HD than higher resolution. as viper has pointed out, the current driver for going digital is more on transmission, not content.
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I sure hope they choose the European DVB or the Japanese ISDB system for (H)DTV as those two are much easier to receive with a simple indoor antenna compared to the US ATSC system
The terestal DVB system in Holland (Digitenne they call it) has problems. It claims to work with an indoor antenna but on many locations it does not.
Leo.
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The terestal DVB system in Holland (Digitenne they call it) has problems. It claims to work with an indoor antenna but on many locations it does not.
Leo.
:o Wait lang. Tatawagan ko yung kaibigan ko sa Holland and get a first hand info about Digitenne.
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:o Wait lang. Tatawagan ko yung kaibigan ko sa Holland and get a first hand info about Digitenne.
I am from Holland and have been working at the service department of KPN (Royal Dutch Telephone) who bought the digitenne network and operates it.
Leo.
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So what's the problem with the DVB service of Digitenne?
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Hi,
They claim you can receive their signal with a small indoor antenna within the service area of the transmitor. They do not use the transmitors of the old analog network but build new ones.
In heavy concrete structures, eg apartment buildings, and on places where there are many obstructions between the transmitor and reception place this indoor antenna simply does not get the signal. So they have angry customers.
Digitenne has to compete with DVB-C, digital TV on the cable and DVB-S, satellite TV. They both claim to get their customers high quality digital TV and they deliver.
In Holland I myself used Canal Digital, satellite TV on a Pal TV with RGB connection between setup box en TV set. Beautyfull picture!
IMHO satellite TV is the alternative for the Philippines because with a few transponders on a satellite you have nation wide coverage, like Draem TV does now. But Dream TV uses to little bandwith for each channel with to high compression so their picture quality is not fantastic (the fast moving parts of the picure blur). Also the setup boxes in their packages are not top quality. (I have a 690 peso p/m subscription).
Leo.
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But Dream TV uses to little bandwith for each channel with to high compression so their picture quality is not fantastic (the fast moving parts of the picure blur). Also the setup boxes in their packages are not top quality. (I have a 690 peso p/m subscription).
Leo.
hahaha. that's exactly one of the finer points i'd like to point out when i say i'm not too enthusiastic about local tv going digital. talagang sinusulit ng mga providers yung bandwidth nila kaya lahat ng kayang isiksik eh ipapasok. so it's more like a choice between a good, clear vcd-quality digital signal or a dvd quality analog signal.
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hahaha. that's exactly one of the finer points i'd like to point out when i say i'm not too enthusiastic about local tv going digital. talagang sinusulit ng mga providers yung bandwidth nila kaya lahat ng kayang isiksik eh ipapasok. so it's more like a choice between a good, clear vcd-quality digital signal or a dvd quality analog signal.
Thats why a 6 MHz analog channel will only carry 4 SD digital feeds with bit rates between 3.8 - 4 Mbps. Thats whats being tested in the SFdo Pampanga area. Eventually, a statistical multiplexer has to be installed so that the bandwidth is properly shared between the 4 SD channels. Anything more than 4 multiplexed feeds would severely impact the PQ. NTC should therefore impose a minimum bit rate for each field to ensure compliance by all players.
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NTC should therefore impose a minimum bit rate for each field to ensure compliance by all players.
and that's the key... i just hope NTC will have the political will to do that. so far, only former commissioner linggoy alcuaz, and to some extent josefina lichauco who i've seen to have the balls to go against the giants of telecoms.
sa totoo lang, ang daming di nae-enforce na broadcast standards dito sa pilipinas. the name of the game is "everything goes, as long as you can get away with it". the sad thing is, people who are knowledgeable, are not in any position of influence. most can be found here in pdvd. ;D sad. :'(
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Hi,
In Holland the transition to digital tv is going slow. The Netherlands ase verry densly populated so more than 90% of the houses have a cable connection. There are about 40 analog channels on the cable. The cable cie's (there are 3 big ones) would like their subscribers to go digital because they have a bandwith problem. They also offer on their cable broadband internet en telephony. So the cable cie's would like to get rid of the analog channels and are even giving away free setup boxes.
But the consumer does not want to go digital. On 1 cable connection they can hook up as many TV sets as they want. With digital cable they need a setupbox for every set in the house (and the offer to get a free box is only for 1 box). So the consumer just continues to watch analog TV on the cable. The analog transmition trough the ether has closed down, nobody has an antenna anymore.
Radio is a different story, there will be FM and AM analog radio broadcasting for a long time to come because of the radio's in cars.
Leo
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more info on using antennas for HDTV.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/05/01/rabbit.ear.revival.ap/index.html
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Its here guys...
http://www.skycable.com/page.aspx?pg=announcements&id=21
I heard from the news last night that the pilot broadcast will be on studio 23's UAAP games (maybe the opening program). I just forgot the exact date.
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Its here guys...
http://www.skycable.com/page.aspx?pg=announcements&id=21
I heard from the news last night that the pilot broadcast will be on studio 23's UAAP games (maybe the opening program). I just forgot the exact date.
late na pala ako, meron na pala thread about this. :P