KUALA LUMPUR: Television broadcasting is evolving as the nation heads towards migrating from analogue terrestrial broadcasting to full digital broadcasting via Malaysia’s free, Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) services, known as myFreeview.
The shift to digital TV is the biggest change in broadcasting history since the introduction of colour TV over 39 years ago and it is in tandem with the global development to phase out analogue and move into the digital era.
With the switch to myFreeview, viewers will be able to enjoy better and sharper high resolution image; super sound quality; more free channels, quality content; have access to Electronic Program Guide (EPG); various translation options, and other exciting features.
Viewers will get access to 9 terrestrial free-to-air TV stations, namely TV1, TV2, TVi, TV AlHijrah, TV3, NTV7, 8TV, TV9 and Bernama News Channel as well as an additional 4 RTM radio stations.
They are Nasional FM (channel 701), Traxx FM (channel 702), Minnal FM (channel 703) and Ai FM (channel 704). More new TV channels and applications will also be launched in the future.
They will be able to enjoy high quality viewing experience and watch their favourite programmes. All this at zero subscription cost.
To commemorate this historic transition, a special event was held. Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Abdul Razak launched myFreeview in the presence of Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Dr. Mohd Salleh Said Keruak,Minister of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia; YBhg Dato’ Sri Dr. Halim Shafie, Chairman, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission; and guests.
Malaysians will be able to get access to digital TV through a special decoder known as MYTV. They will be able to connect their television and ultra high frequency (UHF) aerial to the decoder.
The transition from analogue to digital will act as a catalyst to bridge the digital divide between the rural and urban community, and create a knowledge society as well as develop various opportunities. This will ensure that all Malaysians will be involved in the technology transition phase.
In a quest to bridge the digital divide between the rural and urban community, 2.2 million BRIM households throughout the country will receive MYTV in phases from the Government.
This is in addition to the commitment by MYTV Broadcasting Sdn Bhd to give 2 million decoders. A total of 4.2 million BRIM households will benefit from the transition.
To accommodate the analogue switch-off, consumers can purchase MYTV decoders retailed at RM299 at electronic retailers throughout the country. If purchased from MYTV, it will be at RM199.
Alternatively, customers can also use an Integrated Digital Television (iDTV) that comes with a built-in digital tuner to experience high quality viewing.
The iDTV is retailed from RM700 onwards. Consumers are advised to look out for the DTT Consumer Label (below) when purchasing MYTV decoders or iDTVs to ensure the relevant devices.
A total of 24 transmission towers have been constructed throughout the country, and it is able to offer myFreeview service to more than 85% of the population.
Currently, 24 TV transmitters are being deployed to enable 98% of the Malaysian population to access myFreeview services.
In future, through myFreeview viewers will be able to experience more interactive services such as home shopping, multilingual subtitling, have access to over 30 channels; enjoy the convenience with video-on-demand and Personal Video Recorder (PVR) services that enable them to watch programmes at their convenience.
Internet availability will further expose viewers to a whole new world of information and education as they surf on TV in their living room. This will further enhance the viewing experience of every Malaysians.
Digitization is in line with the national agenda to transform the country’s broadcasting industry with the aim of improving the living standard of Malaysians as the country gears towards a developed status nation by 2020.
