MediaCorp Channels Go All Digital

December 16, 2013 World Screen Top Stories
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SINGAPORE: All seven of MediaCorp's free-to-air channels are now broadcasting in digital, with plans to have them all in HD by 2016.

Channel 5, Channel 8, Suria and Vasantham are going HD, while Channel NewsAsia, Channel U and okto will be upgraded to high definition by 2016. The public can continue to receive free-to-air TV channels in analogue broadcast as existing analogue TV signals will continue to be broadcast alongside the digital TV signals for at least another two years.

Chang Long Jong, MediaCorp's deputy CEO, said: “Besides better picture and sound quality, digital TV allows MediaCorp to consider rolling out other value-add services and features for the discerning audiences of today such as closed captions and multi-language subtitles. With digital TV, MediaCorp will also be able to offer time-shifted services, which will provide an alternative choice for viewers who miss out on their favorite TV programs due to work or lifestyle commitments. More information on these value-add services will be announced soon.”

“The world is transitioning from analogue TV to digital TV. Beyond enhancing the TV-viewing experience, the migration to digital TV will also free up scarce radio spectrum for other services such as high-speed mobile Internet access. MDA will work closely with our industry and community partners to facilitate a smooth nationwide transition from analogue to digital TV,” added Ling Pek Ling, the director of the digital broadcasting deployment office at the Media Development Authority.”