Thaicom to Begin Digital TV Trial Run in Accordance with NBTC Must Carry Rule

Set-top-box. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

[Via Satellite 03-28-2014] Thaicom will begin broadcasting Digital Terrestrial TV (DTT) system signals on a trial basis in accordance with Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s (NBTC) Must Carry rule. With the implementation of this rule, all terrestrial-based digital TV programs must reach every Thai household equipped with compatible devices from April 1.

“Thaicom recognizes that this is an important step for Thailand’s broadcasting industry, and we are well-prepared for this new change,” said Paiboon Panuwattanawong, CTO of Thaicom. “We are supporting growth of the broadcasting industry to ensure smooth transition from analogue to digital.”

Thaicom has worked closely with TV platform and set-top-box providers to rearrange channel numbers to support satellite network transmissions for digital TV channels to bring improved viewing to the public. The company has also informed all set-top-box platform operators to update the latest channel numbers to existing set-top-boxes through over-the-air (OTA) upgrade signals. This process will be conducted in two phases, with the first phase aimed at viewers receiving broadcasts via the C-band frequency from Thaicom’s satellites, and the second phase for those receiving signals from the Ku-band. Since more than 90 percent of viewers already use set-top-boxes with an OTA feature, they simply need to unplug the set-top-box for a few moments then reconnect to reset the new channel numbers. Viewers without OTA-enabled set-top-boxes, however, will have to contact their service provider or installer to refine the satellite tuning.