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M-Net DTT Transmitter switch on in Cape Town

Government has initiated a process to migrate broadcasting in South Africa from analogue to digital. MultiChoice subscribers may experience some interference, as the other broadcasters commence with this process.

DStv subscribers living in the Cape Town area, may experience an interference to their television signals from 10 November 2008, due to the switch on of a Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) transmitter by M-Net.
The switch on of the M-Net DTT transmitter forms part of the Digital Migration process, a Government initiative to convert broadcasting from analogue to digital technology, by 2011.
DStv subscribers may experience the following signal problems
Blue screens
Snowy picture
Buzzing sound
Flashing 4 (EO4)
Subscribers contact the MultiChoice Contact Centres on JHB (011) 289 2222 OR Cape Town (021) 508 2222 if they require assistance.
MultiChoice would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you. We are working hard to address this problem and thank you in advance for your patience during this time.

This is the recommended procedure:

SINGLE-VIEW

Press Menu on the remote control: There will be two parallel dotted lines on the front panel of the decoder
Press 1 for Information Central (Remember: the customer cant see anything on the TV)
Press 4 for uhf frequency
Wait until there is a number on the front panel, i.e 46 (The DSD110 will display UH XY where XY is a two digit number)
Press the right arrow until 68 gets displayed on the front panel
Don’t press OK on the RCU
Tune the TV for the test pattern (68 will be the UHF channel)
Save it on the TV and then press OK on the DStv remote control to save the change.
NB: If there is still interference on channel 68 try 63 and 52.

DUAL-VIEW DECODERS (this is for a normal installation where TV1 is connected through RCA’s and TV2 through the RF cable):

Press menu on the RCU (TV1 environment)
Press 6 for advanced options
Press 4 for TV installation
Enter PN 9949
Press 2 for TV Installation for TV2
Press 3 for UHF Tuning for TV2
Press the right arrow to change it to 68
Go to TV2 environment and tune it for the test pattern (rainbow colours)
Go back to TV1 and press OK on RCU to save the change.
NB: If there is still interference on channel 68 try 63 and 52.

SD PVR (this is for a normal installation where TV1 is connected through RCA’s and TV2 through the RF cable)

Press menu on the RCU (TV1 environment)
Press 6 for advanced options
Press 4 for TV installation
Enter PN 9949
Press 4 for TV Installation for TV2
Press 2 for UHF Tuning
Press the right arrow to change it to 68
Go to TV2 environment and tune it for the test pattern (rainbow colours)
Go back to TV1 and press OK on RCU to save the change.
NB: To tune the TV1 UHF channel for the TV2 environment follow the same procedure above, except that for step 6, press 3 for TV Installation for TV1. Also the test pattern for the TV1 UHF tuning will be the black screen with two vertical white lines and uhf channel in the centre. If there is still interference on channel 68 try 63 and 52.

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DTT FAQs

You’ve probably been hearing a lot about “broadcasting digital migration", “digital migration” or “ digital switchover”. Read on as we explain what this is all about and, most importantly, what this means for you.

1. What is the difference between analogue TV and digital TV?
Digital technology allows a signal to be compressed.
This allows more data to be sent in a single frequency, therefore allowing for more channels to be broadcast.
For example, 8 new video channels can be provided in the same frequency as one analogue channel.

2. What is digital terrestrial television (DTT)?
Digital Terrestrial Television refers to the use of a network of transmission towers to broadcast digital frequencies.

A transmission tower is earth based, unlike satellite transmission which is done using satellite dishes.
Each transmission tower has a specific area of coverage that broadcasts to aerials, that are tuned to the corresponding frequency.

The broadcast signal is sent to the various towers and it is the network of coverage that provides television signals across the country.

SABC, e.tv and M-Net are all broadcast terrestrially.

3. What is the difference between digital terrestrial television (DTT) and satellite television?
These are simply different ways of delivering a broadcasting signal.

Satellite television broadcasts using a satellite in space. The signal is sent to the satellite from the broadcaster and you receive a signal via a satellite dish that is mounted to your house.

Terrestrial television uses transmitters on the ground to relay the signal which you then receive using an aerial.

4. When people talk about “broadcasting digital migration” or “digital switchover” – what do they mean?
This is simply the process of moving from analogue to digital.

5. But analogue TV has worked well for years, why do we need to change?
Digital TV allows South Africa to keep up with the latest and advancing technological developments worldwide.
The government has taken the decision to migrate from analogue to digital.
The benefits of using digital broadcasting include:
1. Excellent quality picture
2. Clearer sound
3. More channels
4. Access a digital TV guide – easily updated for more accurate schedules. Also allows remote access to the guide vs. searching through a magazine TV guide.
5. Interactive services like The Weather channel and games
6. With analogue technology, you may have experienced bad reception with snowy pictures. This won’t happen with DTT. You will either have a picture (with very good quality) or you’ll have no picture at all.
Also, it was decided that after 2015 analogue broadcasting signals won’t be protected from interference.

6. What equipment do I need to get DTT
When South Africa goes digital, everyone in the country will need a decoder (also called a set top box or STB) which will decode the digital signal. Without a decoder or set top box, your TV won’t be able to display the digital television services.

In the next few years it may also be possible to buy a TV with a set top box built into the TV. These are called integrated digital televisions because the set-top box is integrated. However, these are not yet available in South Africa.

7. Does that mean I need a new M-Net decoder?
Yes – your current decoder is an analogue decoder and will need to be replaced with a new digital decoder.

8. Will I also need a new aerial?
The majority of viewers won’t require any changes to their aerial installation. Some may need new aerials or may need to upgrade their existing “bunny” aerials to a rooftop installation. In some instances, aerials will only need to be adjusted.

Whether or not you need an adjustment to your aerial will depend on the area you live in and how good the DTT signal is in that area.

9. If everyone needs an STB, do I need one for SABC and one for M-Net?
Your STB will be able to receive digital channels from all licensed South African broadcasters, including M-Net, SABC and e.tv.

Even if you unsubscribe from M-Net, your decoder will still be able to receive the digital channels of the SABC and e.tv.

10. When is digital TV starting?
The official launch of the field trials for DTT is Saturday 1 November 2008.

The SABC and e.tv will test free-to-air digital transmissions while M-Net tests digital transmissions as part of our pay TV service.

During this trial phase we will work out any bugs in the technology, for this reason it won’t be available to the public.

Watch the press for announcements on when digital TV is available to the public starts.

11. Can anyone be part of the DTT trial?
The M-Net trial is limited to a group of M-Net subscribers who have been specially selected to participate in the trial.

Similarly, the free-to-air trial is limited to a closed group of participants selected by the SABC and e.tv.

12. How long will the trial phase last?
The trial starts on 1 November 2008.

Broadcasters have received a 9 month temporary authorisation from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa to test DTT.

The Trial will therefore end on 31 July 2009.

13. What areas are covered by the trial?
M-Net’s trial transmission will be available to selected trial subscribers in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town only.

The transmissions by the SABC and e.tv will cover the same areas, with the exception of Cape Town.

14. What channels can I get during the trial?
Throughout the trial, you will continue to receive M-Net and CSN. In addition, you will get a minimum of 6 new digital channels.

Because this is a trial, we are still testing which channels work best. For this reason, we will be changing the channels from time to time.

15. DTT sounds great, where can I buy an STB?
The standard for the STB is still in the process of being finalised. Until this is done, any equipment sold to you won’t be capable of receiving the digital signal.

Watch the press for details on when the STBs will be available to the public for purchase.

16. From what date will the STB be available for purchase?
It is expected that this will only happen towards the middle of 2009.
Once the standards process is complete (expected to be at the end of 2008 or early 2009), then the STBs will have to be manufactured and this will take approximately 6 months.

17. When will it affect me?
You will be affected once the official launch of DTT is announced. Depending on certain licensing and regulatory processes, this will probably be some time in 2009. From the date of the official launch of DTT to the public, you will have until 1 November 2011 to go out and buy a digital STB.

1 November 2011 is the date set by government to switch off analogue transmissions. If you don’t have a set top box by this date, you won’t be able to receive any TV signal.

18. If I have three TV sets in the house, will I need three Set-Top Boxes?
If you want each TV set to individually view different channels, then you will need an STB for each TV set.

19. If I’m a DSTV subscriber, what do I need to do?
DStv does not need to migrate from analogue to digital.
This is because DStv uses digital technology to broadcast it’s signal. It will therefore not be affected by the digital migration

20. What about radio?
Radio doesn’t require a migration.

21. What is high definition? Do I need a high definition TV for this switchover?
High definition is a high-quality format that some programmes are made in.
When these are broadcast in this format and watched on a TV that is HD-ready, viewers will see improved clarity and detail.

An HD TV is not required to receive digital broadcasts.

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DTT Terms and Acronyms

TERM ACRONYM DEFINITION

DTT Digital Terrestrial Television It refers to the broadcasting of terrestrial television in a digital format.

STB Set top box A device that converts digital signals received to analogue video and audio for presentation on a television set.

DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Consortium of more than 300 organisations and manufacturers committed to making global standards for delivery of digital television and data services.

iDTV Integrated Digital Television A TV set with a built- in receiver which carries out the functions of a set top box. Such a TV would not need a set top box to display the free to air services. Currently there are none in South Africa, They might however, be developed at a later stage.

FTA Free To Air A list of services or bouquet provided by terrestrial broadcaster that does not require a person to pay a subscription to receive or view.

EPG Electronic Program Guide A guide showing programmes that can be displayed on a TV set using an STB. It displays the now and next programmes or TV schedule for a day or more at a time. It also include more advanced functionalities, such as the ability to search for programmes by genre.

RF Radio Frequency A signal that is used to carry all the information through the air towards the receiver or the STB. The signal is normally in electromagnetic waves which can create a conductive path through the air.

SDTV Standard Definition Television Is a digital television format that provides a picture quality similar to digital versatile disk (DVD)

BDM Broadcasting Digital Migration It refers to the process currently underway to migrate from analogue to digital, this is the term used by the Department of Communications in their policy.

ICASA Independent Communications Authority of South Africa This is the Telecommunications and broadcasting industries’ regulatory body in South Africa.

HDTV High Definition Television A high quality television standard that has greater resolution that standard definition and provides better and more detailed picture quality

BSD Broadcast Signal Distribution Broadcasting signals that are intended for general reception.

TERM	ACRONYM	DEFINITION
DTT	Digital Terrestrial Television	It refers to the broadcasting of terrestrial television in a digital format.
STB	Set top box	A device that converts digital signals received to analogue video and audio for presentation on a television set.
DVB	Digital Video Broadcasting	Consortium of more than 300 organisations and manufacturers committed to making global standards for delivery of digital television and data services.
iDTV	Integrated Digital Television	A TV set with a built- in receiver which carries out the functions of a set top box. Such a TV would not need a set top box to display the free to air services. Currently there are none in South Africa, They might however, be developed at a later stage.
FTA	Free To Air	A list of services or bouquet provided by terrestrial broadcaster that does not require a person to pay a subscription to receive or view.
EPG	Electronic Program Guide	A guide showing programmes that can be displayed on a TV set using an STB. It displays the now and next programmes or TV schedule for a day or more at a time. It also include more advanced functionalities, such as the ability to search for programmes by genre.
RF	Radio Frequency	A signal that is used to carry all the information through the air towards the receiver or the STB. The signal is normally in electromagnetic waves which can create a conductive path through the air.
SDTV	Standard Definition Television	Is a digital television format that provides a picture quality similar to digital versatile disk (DVD)
BDM	Broadcasting Digital Migration	It refers to the process currently underway to migrate from analogue to digital, this is the term used by the Department of Communications in their policy.
ICASA	Independent Communications Authority of South Africa	This is the Telecommunications and broadcasting industries’ regulatory body in South Africa.
HDTV	High Definition Television	A high quality television standard that has greater resolution that standard definition and provides better and more detailed picture quality
BSD	Broadcast Signal Distribution	Broadcasting signals that are intended for general reception.