QuestionsQuestions (NTC Memorandum Circular No. 07-12-2014)
DTTB is the implementation of digital technology in television service intended to provide more SDTV channels and/or better picture and sound quality (e.g., HDTV; AAC/E-AC3/Dolby Digital) using a conventional aerial antenna rather than satellite or cable.
ISDB-T (Integrated Services Digital Broadcast Terrestrial) is a flexible digital transmission system capable of carrying audio, video, and data to fixed, mobile, and handheld terminals using a single facility, and it includes an integrated Emergency Warning Broadcast System (EWBS).
SDTV is defined as a system with resolution of 480 lines per frame, while HDTV has a resolution higher than 480 lines per frame.
EWBS is a system activated to alert and guide the public of impending or ongoing emergencies by delivering warning information through audible sound and superimposed data to various ISDB-T receivers that automatically activate.
DSO is the date of effectivity of the IRR; ASO is the date in the approved Migration Plan for mandatory termination of all analog TV; Transition Period is the period from DSO until ASO.
The ISDB-T standard shall be the sole standard for delivering DTTB services in the country.
No. Analog VHF-TV service shall neither be disrupted nor terminated until further orders or approval of the Commission.
They must simulcast their DTTB service together with their analog TV service within one (1) year upon the grant of authority to provide DTTB service, subject to the IRR.
Other qualified UHF TV operators may be allowed to use the frequency assigned to the VHF operator that is unable to simulcast, subject to the relevant provisions of the IRR.
They may go directly to DTTB service anytime during the Transition Period using their assigned analog UHF frequency, but must give notice/advisory to the viewing public at least one month before operations start.
A minimum of 51 dBμV/m rooftop (10 meters) reception for its approved service area.
A subsequent change resulting in degradation or termination of an existing program requires prior written approval from the NTC. If the NTC fails to issue a decision after 15 days from filing the application for change/termination, the application is deemed approved.
Providing new programs in addition to the analog legacy program is encouraged, and providing HD programs is also encouraged. Separately, applicants (entities with no existing analog petition/application) must provide at least one (1) free-to-air program.
Entities with a valid Congressional Franchise may apply, including: (1) existing duly authorized analog TV operators; (2) entities with pending analog TV petitions desiring to amend their petitions to DTT; and (3) entities with no existing petition for analog TV authorization.
No. No applications for new DTTB service by entities with no existing analog TV authorization at the time of approval of the IRR shall be granted during the transition period in Mega Manila, though new DTTB authorizations may be granted outside Mega Manila subject to frequency availability.
A duly authorized analog TV operator desiring to provide DTTB must file within 60 days from effectivity a Manifestation in the case/s pertaining to its analog petition/s indicating its intention to convert to DTT; failure to convert within the transition period results in cancellation of its Authority/Permit and automatic recall of its frequency assignment.
Pending petitions for new analog TV not converted to a petition to provide DTTB within 180 days from effectivity of the IRR shall be dismissed by the NTC.
Frequency bands 512–698 MHz (Channels 21 to 51) are allocated for DTTB. Each authorized DTTB service per service area shall be assigned a 6 MHz bandwidth.
Where technically feasible, SFN shall be allowed; SFN is a transmission scheme where several transmitters send the same signal content over the same 6 MHz frequency channel over an approved service area.
Manufacturers/importers of brand new TV receiving sets must indicate whether the TV can receive analog only and requires a set-top box, or whether it can receive ISDB-T programs. Labels include ISDB-T ready STB, Non-ISDB-T ready STB, ISDB-T ready TV, and Analog TV.