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With the completion of five more fill-in transmitting stations constructed by the two free-to-air broadcasters by the end of this year, the coverage of digital terrestrial television (DTT) broadcasting in Hong Kong will be extended from 75% to 85% of the population.
"This is another milestone in the implementation of digital TV broadcasting in Hong Kong. An additional 700,000 people will be able to enjoy a brand new audio-visual experience brought about by DTT broadcasting, " a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said today (December 20).
The five new fill-in stations at Sheung Yeung Shan, Sai Wan Shan, Piper's Hill, Brick Hill and Beacon Hill respectively are meant to enhance the DTT signals for areas in Tseung Kwan O, Sheung Sze Wan, Siu Sai Wan, Cheung Sha Wan, Shouson Hill, Repulse Bay and Tai Wai, etc. The Government and the two free-to-air broadcasters would write to appeal to the owners corporations, management companies and residents in buildings situated in these areas to encourage them to switch to DTT.
"The implementation of DTT broadcasting has been smooth so far as Hong Kong public in general are keen to embrace new technological advancement. DTT continues to be well received and accepted by the viewing public since its official launch at end of 2007.
"The take-up rate reached 42% in September, which means that approximately 960,000 television households territory-wide are receiving DTT, representing about 80% rise compared to the rate of 23.4% in the same month last year," the spokesman said, citing the latest public survey conducted in September 2009.
The spokesman added that according to the survey, while the rate of using integrated digital TV (iDTV) set to receive DTT signals is growing with its market continuing to prosper, set-top box remains the major type of receivers chosen by consumers who have switched to DTT.
"In purchasing DTT receivers, the public is advised to select those with labels issued by the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) under a voluntary labelling scheme and buy the receivers from authorised dealers," the spokesman said.
As at end of November 2009, OFTA has authorised 214 models of receivers who are all capable of receiving DTT channels of both standard-definition TV and high-definition TV, including 102 set-top boxes and 112 iDTV sets.
Please visit the Government's dedicated website at www.digitaltv.gov.hk for more information about DTT broadcasting or call the OFTA hotline at 2961 6333 for enquiry.
Ends/Sunday, December 20, 2009
Issued at HKT 11:00
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