Transmission of analogue television signals will come to an end across Taiwan June 30, 2012, half a year ahead of schedule, the National Communications Commission announced June 22.
“Beginning July 1 next year, Taiwan television will enter the digital age,” NCC spokesman Chen Cheng-tsang said.
According to Chen, the NCC had originally planned to switch off analogue transmission at the end of next year but then moved the date forward under instructions from Premier Wu Den-yih.
In preparation for the switch to digital signals, the NCC began installing gap fillers last year, Chen pointed out. Seven gap fillers were installed in 2010, with 34 set for completion this year and another nine next year for a total of 50 islandwide by the launch date, he said.
After all the gap fillers are in place, the coverage rate for digital signals will reach 98 percent, Chen stated, adding that the NCC will set up signal enhancers to allow the other 2 percent of households in remote regions to enjoy digital TV.
According to Chen, the NCC will hand out free set-top boxes to 112,000 low-income families so they can receive digital TV signals.
Some 1,000 set-top boxes have already been distributed, with another 84,000 to be issued during this year, first to families in areas where gap fillers have been installed. The remainder of the boxes will be distributed by April of next year, he said.
In addition, the NCC will provide funds to help Public Television Service complete the installation of HDTV transmission devices so viewers around Taiwan can enjoy the 2012 London Olympics in high definition, Chen said. (SB)