Digital terrestrial television in the Philippines

Digital terrestrial television in the Philippines began in 2015 with the implementation of ISDB-T, currently coexisting with analog television that operates on the NTSC standard after the set analog switch-off (ASO) deadline encountered multiple postponements.

Color television made its debut in the Philippines in November 1966, marking the initiation of the country's adherence to the American NTSC standard for analog television. However, significant changes were introduced in June 2010 when the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) declared the adoption of ISDB-T International as the digital terrestrial television (DTT) service standard. This enhanced version of the Japanese ISDB-T aimed to enhance broadcasting capabilities. In response to this shift, a circular was issued by the NTC, directing broadcasters to discontinue analog services by December 31, 2015, at 11:59 p.m. (Philippine Standard Time, UTC+8). Delays in releasing the implementing rules and regulations for DTT broadcast prompted the initial postponement of the transition deadline to 2019, and later to 2023.[1][2][3][4] However, on January 15, 2024, the NTC announced that preparations for the transition are now underway, with the expectation of completion by the end of 2024.[5][6][7][8] The commission's plan involves utilizing ultra-high frequency television channels 14 to 51 (470-698 MHz) for establishing the DTT service, thereby freeing up channels 14 to 20 (470-512 MHz) currently allocated for fixed and mobile services.[9] Notably, before this announcement, several broadcasters conducted trial broadcasts using the European DVB-T standard.

The groundwork for transitioning to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) began with the issuance of Executive Order 546, series of 1979, and Republic Act 3846, also known as the Radio Control Law. Amended by the local governing body for broadcast services, the NTC embraced this order to establish rules and regulations facilitating the introduction of digital broadcast services in the Philippines. This initiative included the implementation of a specific standard for the delivery of DTT services. Following this, two technical working groups were formed to guide the governing body in selecting appropriate DTT standards. In response to the recommendations of investors in the broadcast business, including the local broadcasters' group, the Association of Broadcasters of the Philippines, and the NTC, a Memorandum Circular was issued on June 2, 2010, and implemented on June 11, 2010, outlining the standard for digital terrestrial television.[10]

  1. ^ Dela Paz, Chrisee (February 14, 2017). "Hardware boom comes with PH shift to digital TV". Rappler. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  2. ^ Mariano, Keith Richard D. (February 16, 2017). "Broadcasters commit to digital TV switch by 2023". BusinessWorld. Archived from the original on February 24, 2021. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  3. ^ Esmael, Maria Lisbet K. (October 7, 2018). "Govt on course to hit 2023 full digital TV transition". The Manila Times. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  4. ^ Mercurio, Richmond (October 4, 2018). "Digital TV shift by 2023 pushing through — DICT". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
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  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ "NTC URGES PUBLIC TO EMBRACE DIGITAL TV AS ANALOG SHUTDOWN NEARS". Maharlika NuMedia. January 15, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  8. ^ "Analog TV shutoff starts by yearend". Malaya Business Insight. November 4, 2024. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  9. ^ "Office Order". Archived from the original on August 24, 2011. Retrieved March 10, 2018.
  10. ^ "Edited Jun2010". Archived from the original on August 24, 2011. Retrieved March 10, 2018.