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''We believe that there are just two major roadblocks standing in the way of a major digital terrestrial television (DTT) launch in 2012. Those are continuining delays on the decision on set top box control and the possible amendment of Icasa regulations,'' Lara Kantor, senior e.tv executive, told parliament's portfolio committee on communications.
''STB Control relates to the free-to-air set top box. e.tv was asked to work on that system so that government can achieve certain policy goals,'' Lara Kantor said. ''We certainly believe it will strengthen the free-to-air platform and in that regard we support it.''
''But we do not have any direct benefit from implementing this system as e.tv. But we are concerned that as long as there are objections to encryption, as long as there are debates on whether it's required, how much it will cost, and who should own it, we cannot finalise the free-to-air set top box standard,'' Lara Kantor said.
''As long as that standard is not finalised, manufacturers can't produce boxes and we cannot launch. The pay TV system can launch, because this does not impact directly on their box, but our hands are tied. We really appeal for finality on this matter.''
ALSO READ: e.tv and M-Net seems to be fighting with each other over functionality of the free-to-air set top box for digital terrestrial television (DTT).
ALSO READ: e.tv on digital terrestrial television (DTT) in South Africa: ''Our greatest challenge lies before us''; needs DTT ''for our own survival''.
