The benefit of digital transmission versus analog can be referred to this site (briefly, better resolution and sound quality, unclog/clear the radio-frequency being transmitted in Singapore [for other commercial purposes], richer content [more function for viewers and content provider], et cetera).
What must I do (or what had been done)?
- Digital transmission in Singapore (ready and in progress) can be referred here (MediaCorp). The report is just to show which area is digital TV ready and when will the other region be expected to be ready to receive digital transmission. Transmission is via several radio frequency bands, e.g. VHF III (174-230 MHz), UHF IV (470-606 MHz), and UHF V (606-862 MHz) bands. In Singapore, we will be using UHF IV-V band (e.g. 470-862 MHz).
- What will I need to get to enjoy DTV? A digital TV antenna and also a tuner/converter.
A digital tuner/converter box with several output connections, e.g. coaxial, S-video (or RCA), HDMI, USB, etc. Things to look out for are support options (aspect ratio, resolution, closed caption, parental control, etc.. A search in Ebay produces an example, e.g. Supersonic SC-58 DTV Digital to Analog Converter box +HDMI Output (1080P) +USB for reference. It cost below USD 50. The output connections for this item are HDMI and RCA (aka A/V jack).
I guess the next step would be to search for an antenna and tuner/converter. In the US, the transition from analog to digital was sponsored by the government, with a "voucher" at USD 40 to get the antenna and converter/tuner. Not sure if Singapore is going to sponsor the transition to digital when the analog transmission is ceased (considering that many household will be affected)? For those who can't wait to enjoy better TV experience, I guess they will be looking for one right now (or had got one). I'm still deciding...
References
Posts
Ebay Singapore produced several hits when search input was "Philips digital outdoor hdtv antenna
ReplyDelete