Digital TV is here, but no need to panic...

By Standard Reporter

Kenya on Wednesday began a new journey of TV viewing experience with the launch of the first phase of analogue to digital transition.

The digital broadcast, to be on trial basis until 2012, promises to offer picture and sound clarity, more channels and access to multiple media feeds on the same platform.

It also means that individual broadcasters will no longer have to worry about transmission — the State broadcaster KBC will assume the new role of signal distributor.

Government bigwigs, led by President Kibaki, joined media corporate stakeholders to launch the trial phase at KBC in Nairobi, making Kenya the only country in Africa after South Africa to embrace the new technology.

And to reduce the cost of migration, President Kibaki directed the Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and his Information and Communication counterpart Samuel Poghisio to consider zero-rating duty on the converter (set-top) boxes, which viewers will require to be able to receive the digital signal.

KTN, Kenya’s premier TV station, is broadcasting on Channel 2 during the trial phase. However, viewers will still be able to receive their favorite station in the normal way.

The Standard Group Deputy Chairman and Strategy Advisor Paul Melly welcomed the technology revolution, saying it will give the reader variety.

Transmission equipment

He, however, said the migration would see media investors losing the huge investments already made in transmission equipment.

He also called on the Government to grant KBC independence and adequate funding as a signal distributor to ensure fair play.

Eighty five per cent of TVs being sold are not ready for digital broadcasting, while 95 per cent of TVs in use are analogue and not capable of receiving digital broadcasting.