Rationale for Digital Terrestrial Television Adoption
- Digital technology is introduced to maintain and enhance the competitiveness of the broadcast industry.
- Digital terrestrial television (DTT) allows broadcasters to offer enhanced services such as increased channel capacity and improved picture and sound quality.
- Adoption of a specific DTT standard is necessary to facilitate the entry of digital broadcast services and to protect consumer interests.
Definition of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT)
- DTT refers to the implementation of digital technology in the television broadcasting service.
- It provides a greater number of channels (Standard Definition Television - SDTV) and/or better picture quality (High Definition Television - HDTV) and sound (e.g., AC3, Dolby Digital).
- DTT services are transmitted through conventional aerial antennas rather than satellite or cable connections.
Definition of Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T)
- ISDB-T is a flexible digital television transmission system.
- Capable of hierarchical modulation supporting audio, video, and data services.
- Supports reception by fixed, mobile, and handheld terminals without requiring additional transmission facilities.
Mandate on Digital Television Standard Adoption
- The ISDB-T standard is declared the sole standard for delivering DTT services in the Philippines.
Implementation and Regulatory Preparation
- The NTC will convene a Technical Working Group for the drafting of Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) and frequency planning related to the deployment of ISDB-T.
Repeal and Supersession of Inconsistent Issuances
- Any existing NTC Circulars, Orders, or Memoranda inconsistent with this Memorandum Circular are repealed or amended accordingly.
Effectivity of the Memorandum Circular
- This Circular will take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
- Three (3) certified true copies will be furnished to the UP Law Center for record-keeping and reference.