The broadcaster is currently in advanced planning stages for e.tv's commercial launch of DTT next year which will see e.tv moving over to DVB-T2 broadcasts and making more digital TV channels available. e.tv confirmed to TV with Thinus that the broadcaster is planning to commercially launch its DTT service within the first half of next year.
''e.tv is in advances planning stages for the commercial launch of DTT next year; building control studios and content development for the new channels,'' says Vasili Vass, e.tv spokesperson. ''We are hoping to launch in the first half of next year.''
He cautioned that there is still a lot that needs to be done - and clarity needed from government and roleplayers - before a specific launch date in 2012 for e.tv's DTT commercial launch can be set. ''The following still needs to be completed before we are able to give a definite timeline for launch,'' he says.
''Set top box (STB) standards still need to be agreed on and approved by all role-players in the SABS process, a government project management office needs to be established so that central co-ordination to the project is provided, the government conformance scheme needs to be established so that STBs can be tested, broadcasters to apply for DTT channel authorisation and the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa (Icasa) need to approve such, and Icasa [needs to] announce a performance period so that broadcasters can commence the broadcasting of DTT channels.''
