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Digital Terrestrial Television - excellent quality with conventional antenna

Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) is an implementation of digital technology. DTT provides a greater number of channels and/or better quality of picture and sound, using aerial broadcasts to a conventional antenna (or aerial) instead of a satellite dish or cable connection.

DTT is transmitted on radio frequencies through the airwaves. This is similar to standard analogue television, with one primary difference: the use of multiplex transmitters to allow reception of multiple channels on a single frequency range.

The spectrum used to transmit data over the air is scarce. To ensure optimum utilisation of this valuable resource, over 156 countries signed an ITU agreement in 2006, to switch from analogue to digital transmission. As part of this binding treaty, the Geneva 2006 agreement set up a frequency plan for Europe, Africa and parts of Asia. All signatories committed to switch off analogue transmission by 2015.

  • Consumer advantages of DTT:
  • Crystal clear pictures and high quality audio through digital reception
  • Better overall reception, particularly if signal is weak
  • Access to new free and Pay TV channels
  • Access to new services such as Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and Interactive (red button)
  • Broadcaster advantages of DTT:
  • Opportunity to launch new and niche channels
  • Opportunity to better utilise content library
  • Generates additional revenue by launching pay TV channels
  • Government advantages of DTT:
  • Possibility to cost-effectively implement social programmes in fields such as health and education
  • Gives access to additional frequencies that may be used for essential services