Philippines' ABS-CBN prepares to go digital

Citing "reception problems" in Metro Manila, the suburbs and parts of Central Luzon, Philippines-based ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation is gearing up to transition into the digital age. According to Vivian Tin, ABS-CBN head of research and business analysis, the outfit is throwing down "a few billion pesos" over the next several years as it rolls out the digital television service, but notes that it should launch DTT in some locales within the next few months. Currently, the reception issues affect "fringe areas that are serviced by the company's Metro Manila transmission tower and some [portions of] Central Luzon that are dependent on its transmission from the North," but with digital transmission, those troubles will purportedly vanish. As expected, the fresh new digital delivery will still be obtainable for free over-the-air.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 26th 2008 7:28PM]

"a few billion pesos", so that's like what - 10,000 American dollars?

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 26th 2008 10:18PM]

hmm 1 billion philippine peso = 24.5 million USD

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 27th 2008 12:18AM]

Wait, the digital conversion will not include HDTV, just SDTV. Also to add more info, the Philippines will use DVB-T not ATSC and the analog cut-off will be around 2015.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 6th 2008 5:48PM]

I shall rejoice the day 720/1080 HD Broadcasting comes to the Philippines!