05 December 2003

5 December 2003, Hong Kong seeks views sought on digital terrestrial broadcasting. The second consultation paper on digital terrestrial broadcasting in Hong Kong has been published, proposing that the existing terrestrial television broadcasters should start their digital migration in 2006.

For more complete information, click here.

December 5, 2003  

Consultation

Views sought on digital terrestrial broadcasting

The second consultation paper on digital terrestrial broadcasting in  Hong Kong  has been published, proposing that the existing terrestrial television broadcasters should start their digital migration in 2006.

The Government said it is the right time to pave a solid way for introducing digital terrestrial television (DTT) into  Hong Kong . It has completed frequency planning and co-ordination for the services with the Mainland authority, and that affordable consumer products and digital content are increasingly available.

Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Francis Ho said the Government plans to consult the public on the following three major issues:

• the open approach to the adoption of the DTT technical standard for  Hong Kong ;
• the allocation of the multiplexes; and
• the licensing arrangements.

The consultation paper proposes that Asia Television Limited and Television Broadcasts Limited should simulcast their four existing programme channels in both analogue and digital formats in 2006 with a view to achieving territory-wide digital coverage in 2008.

'Market-led' approach should be adopted

On the technical standard for DTT broadcasting, the consultation paper proposes to adopt a "market-led" approach.

There will be no officially prescribed technical standard but the European DVB-T standard will remain the one the Government recommends, in light of the available technical and market information.

On digital audio broadcasting, Mr Ho said that it should be market-led as it is yet to be proved to be commercially viable. The existing sound broadcasters will be allowed, under their respective licence conditions, to continue to make use of the AM/FM frequencies for analogue broadcast.

"The transition from analogue to DTT broadcasting will be a long process. The Government will coordinate among different parties during the process and plan a smooth switch-off at a later stage.

"We look forward to close collaboration with the two existing television broadcasters and new investors in the imminent future to bring enhanced terrestrial television services to the viewers of  Hong Kong ," Mr Ho said.

Consultation ends on March 5

The second consultation on DTT broadcasting will end on March 5. The full version of the paper can be downloaded from the Commerce, Industry & Technology Bureau's website.

The Government conducted the first consultation on the implementation of digital terrestrial broadcasting in  Hong Kong  in December 2000.

Most of the 23 submissions received were in support of the Government's initiative to introduce digital terrestrial television as soon as practicable and to introduce digital audio broadcasting only when it is commercially viable. 

For more complete information, click here.

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