About Digital TV
What is digital TV?
Digital TV is an advanced broadcasting technology that enables broadcasters to transmit TV programmes with better pictures, sound and interactivity. Digital TV supports two formats, namely Standard Definition (SD) and High-Definition (HD). Digital TV allows consumers to enjoy features and services, such as HDTV programmes, surround-sound audio, multiple viewing angles and interactive services that may be offered by the content providers.
What are the differences between analogue TV, SDTV and HDTV?
The picture quality on a TV screen is determined by the number of pixels a picture has. The more pixels a picture has, the better its quality and resolution.
Analogue TV offers the lowest-quality pictures with a maximum of 720 (horizontal) by 576 (vertical) pixels of resolution and 4:3 aspect ratio. SDTV’s picture quality is similar to analogue TV’s, as SDTV offers almost the same picture resolution and aspect ratio as analogue TV. The main difference is that SDTV is broadcast in digital format and therefore free from the ghosting and snowing problems that analogue TV has. HDTV offers the best picture quality, displaying 1920 by 1080 pixels of resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio.
How does digital TV benefit consumers and the broadcasting industry?
Digital TV brings a host of benefits to both consumers and industry. Consumers will enjoy:
- • sharper and clearer images;
- • ghost- and snow-free reception;
- • surround-sound effects similar to those enjoyed in the cinema, where a surround-sound system is available; and
- • potentially more new content and services, such as interactive video and data services like instant voting and home shopping.
In addition, HDTV offers a wider screen view with 16:9 aspect ratio.
Digital broadcasting uses less spectrum than analogue broadcasting. Thus, as Singapore switches over to digital broadcasting, broadcast spectrum that is freed up can be made available to terrestrial industry players that are looking to offer more innovative digital content and services.
Digital TV Services in Singapore
Where can I get digital TV?
Currently, all TV channels provided by mioTV and StarHub Cable Vision are digital, with SDTV and HDTV services. Please refer to their respective websites at http://mio.singtel.com/miotv/ and http://www.starhub.com/tv.html for subscription details. MediaCorp has also launched Channel 5 in HD, i.e. HD5.
How can I receive MediaCorp’s HD5?
You can receive HD5 free with your mioTV or StarHub Cable Vision HDTV subscription package. You can also get HD5 digital signals over the air if you have either of the following equipment:
- - an indoor or outdoor antenna and a set-top box; or
- - an indoor or outdoor antenna and an integrated digital TV set. Do note that over-the-air reception via the antenna is not good at the moment. The proper infrastructure to receive digital channels over-the-air will be put in place in tandem with MediaCorp rolling out its channels in HD.
Digital TV Transition – What Can I Expect?
When will Singapore’s transition to digital TV be completed?
Singapore plans to complete the transition to digital broadcasting in line with ASEAN's commitment to switchover to digital broadcasting between 2015 and 2020. When switchover is completed, all of MediaCorp’s FTA TV channels will be broadcast only in digital. In the lead-up to the complete transition, there will be a simulcast period, whereby both analogue and digital TV channels are simultaneously broadcast.
Will I have to buy new equipment to receive digital TV?
Yes, you will need new equipment if you are not a pay TV (StarHub Cable Vision or mioTV) subscriber. In order to receive MediaCorp’s digital FTA TV, you will need an indoor or outdoor antenna and a set-top box. Subscribers to pay TV services will not need to purchase additional equipment.
Do I have to buy the new equipment now?
No, but if you intend or need to change your current TV set soon, you may wish to consider getting a HD TV so that you may enjoy the full benefits of digital TV when the digital switchover takes place. If you wish to enjoy digital TV now, you can subscribe to StarHub’s or mioTV’s services.