DVB-T Launched in Israel
4 August 2009
On August 2nd, 2009 the new IDAN Plus DVB-T service was launched in Israel.
This nationwide free-to-air service offers one multiplex with 5 channels including: IBA 1, IBA 33, Channel 2, Channel 10 and the Knesset Channel. The system offers MPEG-4 video, a 7 day EPG and HD support. Even though HD channels are not yet aired, IDAN Plus requires users to have an HD compatible set-top box to be fully future-proof. With current set-top box prices around $100, the state is planning to subsidize half of the cost of set-top boxes for certain groups of the population.
The service is aggregated by the 2nd Authority for Radio and Television and the BESEQ-managed network currently consists of 13 main transmitters. Additional secondary transmitters and gap-fillers are planned for installation soon. The existing 40 analogue broadcasting sites will be closed during the transition to digital broadcasting and analogue switch-off, which is planned for January 2011.
For more information please visit: www.godigital.co.il
DVB-T services to launch on the 2nd August
The 2nd August 2009 has been chosen for the official launch of DVB-T services in Israel. Trial services on channel 26 are already available in Jerusalem.
According to the Go Digital website there will be a single multiplex with five channels using MPEG-4 (H.264, AVC) compression. Although only SDTV transmissions are planned initially, STB’s should be sold as HDTV compatible.
To enable the transition to DTT services, which is planned to take 18 months after the initial launch, over 40 analogue transmitters will be switched off.
Services will be free of charge to consumers and also made available on the satellite platform.
Source: Go Digital website
Item added: 15th June 2009
Set Top Boxes must be HD compatible
All set top boxes for the new DTT service in Israel will use MPEG-4 AVC and must be HD compatible, although initially services will only be in SD.
Transmissions are set to start in July 2009 with analogue switch off at the end of 2010.
Main source: Go Digital
Item added: 19th January 2009
DTT services to be launched in August 2008
On the 4th February, the Knesset (Parliament) approved the legal framework to allow for the launch of DTT services, which are expected to be launched by the end of the summer.
Viewers will be able to access five free-to-air television programme services, IBA 1, IBA 33, Channel 2, Channel 10 and the Knesset service, from a single multiplex.
MPEG-4 AVC compression will be used.
Subsidies to fund half of the cost of a DTT set-top box will be available for certain population groups.
Source: Go Digital (translation and item from Digitag)
Item added: 11th February 2008
Background
Bezeq and Runcom have signed a cooperation agreement to test a trial implementation of the DVB-RCT standard.
The companies said that the cooperation agreement will enable the parties to be the first in the Israeli market to implement and test a system solution, based on Runcom's orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) DVB-RCT technology.
This will enable broadcasters and satellite operators such as the Israel Broadcast Authority (IBA) and Yes to deliver fixed and mobile interactive services over a digital terrestrial platform in the VHF and UHF frequency band.
A joint field trial using Bezeqs two existing DVB-T test transmitters will take place during the first half of 2004 enabling it and content providers to learn digital broadcast technology.
After licensing Bezeq plans to be "positioned to serve as a subcontractor of digital broadcast operators in Israel"
Source www.globes.co.il Wednesday January 21st, 2004
DVB obtain information from many sources and endeavor to ensure that it is correct, however we are unable to guarantee its accuracy.
If you have additional information or corrections please send an e-mail to dvb@dvb.org
Last page update: Barry Tew, 5th July 2009
