Digital Switchover
2011 marked another milestone in TV broadcasting … as from the end of October 2011 all TV transmissions were upgraded from traditional analogue to a modern digital system.
The Digital Switchover (DSO), as this initiative was known, took place on 31st October 2011, when analogue TV transmissions were switched off. As from 1st November 2011, all free-to-air Maltese TV stations started transmitting only in digital format.
Digital TV offers Maltese viewers a better picture and sound quality, as well as a wider variety of free-to-air TV channels. The free-to-air TV channel line-up now consists of TVM, TVM 2, Favourite Channel, Net TV, ONE and Smash TV. The six TV channels are transmitted in digital and free-to-air over UHF channel 66 (834 MHz) using the DVB‑T transmission standard and MPEG-2 coding technology.
Digital TV also offers an electronic programme guide (EPG) which viewers may access to read programme schedules as well as information on current and upcoming programmes.
To receive the six TV channels, viewers need a UHF aerial, which they may already have and a digital decoder or a digital TV set. These are available from most shops selling electronic equipment. For further information, please read the information leaflet that was distributed to all households.
- Almost all households ready for digital switchover (May 2011)
- Analogue TV transmissions to be switched off on 31st October 2011 (October 2011)
- Digital switchover - 153 helpline receives around 400 calls per month
- Digital Switchover - Six Local Stations now available in Digital (August 2011)
- Digital Switchover Details Announced (January 2011)
- How will the transition of free-to-air TV to digital affect me (October 2009)
- What do I need to do to watch free-to-air digital TV (December 2009)
- What you need to know about the digital TV transition (July 2009).pdf
Coordination of DSO Initiative
This DSO initiative was coordinated by the Digital Switch Over Committee (DSOC) composed of the key government entities involved in the switchover process and chaired by the Malta Communications Authority. Members of the Committee included the Malta Broadcasting Authority, Office of the Prime Minister; Ministry for Investment, Transport and Communication and Ministry for Education and Employment and Family, with PBS, the national broadcaster, providing technical input as necessary to the Committee.
DSO Customer Support in Retailing
The DSO was further supported with the scheme ‘DSO Customer Support in Retailing’. The aim of the scheme was to:
- ensure supply of DVB-T receivers compatible with the free-to-air ‘General Interest’ (GI) TV broadcast network during the DSO period; and to
- offer assistance to consumers when upgrading analogue TV sets to digital.
The scheme was voluntary and open to retailers and established full-time aerial installers. Retailers and aerial installers participating in the scheme were required to tangibly demonstrate their commitment to better serve the interests of consumers during the transition to digital. These retailers and installers were a guaranteed support to those most impacted by the switchover.
The scheme was managed through a memorandum of understanding, taking the form of an Application Form, between the DSOC and the participating retailer and/or aerial installer. The form may be downloaded here. Participants needed to read, understand and abide by the Best Practice Guidelines before being accepted to participate in the initiative.