DVB-T2 standard to be used in Croatia for digital television, and HEVC standard expected to be used for coding
PRESS RELEASE
The switch-over to DVB-T2 standard is expected after the expiry of the existing licences for digital terrestrial television multiplexes, and at the earliest in 2019. In addition to improving the quality of TV services, this will contribute to the freeing of the RF spectrum of the second digital dividend for services in mobile communications networks. In the period between 2019 and 2021 citizens should adjust their receiving equipment to the new standard. Therefore, clear marking of receiving equipment is envisaged to start in early 2017.
ZAGREB, 23 March 2016 – A proposal for the Strategy for switchover of the digital terrestrial television to the DVB-T2 system and allocation of the 700 MHz frequency band is being developed. It will lay down the framework for the switchover to the DVB-T2 system and the coding system to be used. The strategy should be completed by the end of this year. It is expected that the switchover to the DVB-T2 system in the Republic of Croatia (RH) will take place after the expiry of the existing licences for digital terrestrial television multiplexes (2019 - 2020), at the earliest in 2019. The Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM) is in charge of the working group responsible for drafting the Strategy.
The freeing of the RF spectrum of the second digital dividend for services in mobile communications networks significantly reduces the availability of the spectrum for digital terrestrial television. To ensure the development of new services and maintain the competitiveness of the digital terrestrial television platform, it is necessary to ensure a switchover to a new and more efficient digital television system DVB-T2 and a new and more efficient coding system by 2030, most probably H.265/HEVC. The Strategy will also define the quality of the picture of the programme that will be broadcasted in future DVB-T2 multiplexes and it is expected that all programmes with national coverage will be broadcasted in high definition.
The Strategy will be accompanied by a new version of the Recommendation on minimum receiver technical requirements for the reception of DBV-T2 signal the Republic of Croatia. Due to the adjustments of the system, the citizens will need to procure new receivers between 2019 and 2021 adjusted to the new standard (at least the STB - Set Top Box devices). When choosing a new TV/receiver, it is important to make sure that it supports the DVB-T2 system and the H.265/HEVC coding system and that is in compliance with the future Recommendation on minimum receiver technical requirements for the reception of DBV-T2 signal the Republic of Croatia. Clear marking of equipment is envisaged from the beginning of 2017 thus helping the users to check that they would be able to receive the DVB-T2 signal with H.265/HEVC coding system. Citizens who decide to buy a new TV in the meantime, which is not necessary before the change of the standard between 2019 and 2021, should pay attention to the supported standard to avoid additional costs in the future.
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For additional information please contact:
Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM)
Roberta Frangeša Mihanovića 9
10110 Zagreb, Croatia
Tel. + 385 (0) 1 700 70 07
Fax + 385 (0)1 700 70 70
Media inquiries can be submitted online using HAKOM’s official website:
Registration required.
ABOUT HAKOM: HAKOM (www.hakom.hr) - Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries – ensures preconditions for a fair market competition, stable growth and environment for innovations in the electronic communications and postal services market. HAKOM protects users’ interests and the possibility of choice among various communications and postal services at affordable prices, defines sustainable competitive conditions for operators and service providers under fair conditions for return on investment, and provides support to economic growth, public services and the quality of life in the Republic of Croatia by using modern technologies. HAKOM’ strategic goals are: to promote regulation of the electronic communications and postal services market, to support growth of investments and innovations in the electronic communications and postal services market, to provide efficient use of limited resources, to accelerate the growth of broadband products and services, to provide affordable offers of communications and postal services, to provide protection and informing of users, to build an efficient and comprehensive information system, to define and implement efficient processes, and to acquire multi-disciplinary competencies in market regulation.
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